Eighth China International Import Expo Opens in Shanghai: Record 380 Hong Kong Firms Participate

The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) commenced yesterday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, running through next Monday. A record 380 Hong Kong companies are participating this year, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu leading a Special Administrative Region (SAR) government delegation to attend the opening ceremony and related events.

Lee, accompanied by Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development attended the opening of the CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. He later joined Premier Li Qiang in touring the Hong Kong Pavilion within the China Pavilion. The pavilion, themed "Connecting Internally and Externally: A Brilliant New Chapter," highlights Hong Kong's dual advantages under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle—leveraging both national and international opportunities. It showcases the city's leading global rankings in multiple sectors, sustained momentum for development, and ongoing improvements in livelihoods.

In the afternoon, Lee visited the Hong Kong Food Hall and Hong Kong Services Pavilion in the Enterprise Business Exhibition. The two pavilions feature 54 Hong Kong companies, with over 40% making their debut appearance.

The government emphasized that the exhibitions provide a platform to demonstrate Hong Kong's brand strengths and competitiveness, including how local firms are integrating innovation and technology into products and services. This promotes Hong Kong's rapid emergence as an international innovation and technology hub, while underscoring its role as a dual-platform for "bringing in" and "going global."

The InvestHK booth in the Hong Kong Services Pavilion focuses on promoting the city's advantages, while the Hong Kong Tourism Board's exhibit introduces the latest tourism highlights.

In the evening, Lee will host a dinner exchange with local Hong Kong residents and business representatives, encouraging them to continue serving as bridges and telling Hong Kong's story effectively.