The newly-built 4-cover leaf National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), the official trading center for the 1st CIIE in Shanghai, China.
SHANGHAI, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping called for upholding the principle of inclusive development and shared benefits for a global common development.
“China’s initiative to expand imports is not a makeshift, but (a) long-term consideration of embracing the world and future while promoting common development,” Xi said during the opening of the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) here Monday.
Xi said he believes that the economic globalization is an “irreversible historical trend” and provides strong momentum for world’s economic development, adding that openness and cooperation are an important engine to give power for the world economy.
He said a great vision, simple and pure, requires everyone credible action given the profound shifts in the international, political economic landscapes.
“The vision for (a) better world for all, (pushes) countries to act with greater courage and actively champion openness and cooperation in order to secure great development,” Xi said.
“It is important for all countries to open wider and expand space for mutually beneficial cooperation. Openness brings progress while seclusion leads to backwardness. Global trade and investment are driven by the need of countries for mutual exchange and complementarity,” he added.
Some six world leaders present in the CIIE opening also shared their thoughts on the event.
Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, Egypt Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Russia Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc showed their support to the world’s first import-expo themed event.
“We hope that through this expo, our partners can understand more about our businesses, our potentials and our products for more transparent, fair and credible trade between us and our partners,” Phuc said.
“We believe that (the expo) will bring real opportunities for investment and trade cooperation between Egypt and China,” Madbouly said.
More than 3,600 companies from 172 countries and organizations will showcase their development achievements and international image at the 4-section cover leaf expo.
The Philippines secured its own pavilion at the expo, which will highlight its long-standing history with China. The country’s tourism and education will be featured as well.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will lead the delegation of 36 exhibitors representing sectors. They will showcase an array of Philippine services and goods including fresh fruits, vegetables, coconut products, and indigenous herbal infusions.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Tourism (DoT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are among the partner agencies of DTI.
The expo, themed “New Era, Shared Future,” will run until November 10. (PNA)
