Swiss, Ethiopian, Indonesian, South African and African Firms Storm Shanghai as CIIE and Canton Fair Pull in Thousands of Global Exhibitors
Swiss family businesses, Ethiopian coffee exporters, Indonesian cultural product makers and African trade bankers are converging on China's biggest trade fairs, betting on the world's second-largest consumer market even as supply-chain politics shift.
A Swiss family-owned company confirmed it will present its products at the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, one of the world's largest trade fairs, which brings together businesses from around the globe to showcase goods and services to Chinese buyers [274743]. The 9th CIIE is expected to attract thousands of exhibitors and visitors and serves as a platform for companies to build partnerships and enter one of the world's largest consumer markets [274743].
An Ethiopian coffee company is turning to the CIIE to expand its business in China, seeing the major trade event as a key chance to reach new buyers and grow sales [274745]. The expo connects foreign companies with Chinese importers and gives smaller brands a way to enter the market, offering the Ethiopian producer greater opportunities to build partnerships and increase its presence in China [274745].
A leading banking executive said the upcoming CIIE will serve as a strategic springboard for business ties between China and Africa, offering a key opportunity to strengthen economic partnerships and expand trade relations [275999].
Indonesia is also taking action to increase its share of the Chinese market by promoting high-value products that reflect its local culture, aiming to attract Chinese consumers [275940]. The strategy focuses on personalized goods with cultural roots, with Jakarta hoping the approach will boost exports and strengthen economic ties with China [275940].
Separately, Indonesia's Trade Minister Budi Santoso urged businesses to diversify the countries they import raw materials and capital goods from, warning that over-reliance on a single source leaves companies exposed to supply disruptions [274653]. Speaking on Thursday, the minister said broadening import origins would strengthen Indonesia's industrial supply chains and reduce vulnerability to global shocks, calling on manufacturers to treat supplier diversification as a strategic priority rather than a temporary fix [274653].
The third and final phase of the 140th Canton Fair has officially begun, with the closing session focused on textiles and garments, footwear, office supplies, and health and recreation products [276033]. The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is one of the world's largest trade exhibitions and serves as a key platform for international buyers and sellers to connect and conduct business [276033].
In Linyi, foreign purchasers are gathering at Linyi Trade City for an upcoming international sourcing conference, with many buyers moving quickly through product displays [276826]. One Arab buyer spent just half a day thoroughly viewing samples of building materials, hardware and home supplies, reflecting the event's appeal to overseas traders seeking efficient access to Chinese suppliers [276826].
South Africa, meanwhile, is turning to Chinese travelers to strengthen its tourism industry, with a tourism official saying the country sees China as a key market for future growth [275992]. The official noted that South Africa wants to attract more visitors from China and plans to improve travel connections and make it easier for Chinese tourists to visit, working on marketing campaigns and partnerships to draw them [275992].