THE just-concluded sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) saw a total of US$78.41 billion worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, setting a record high. The figure represents an increase of 6.7% from that of last year, said Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau. Making its first complete return to in-person exhibitions since the onset of COVID-19, the event ran from Nov. 5 to 10 this year, attracting representatives from 154 countries, regions and international organizations. More than 3,400 enterprises from 128 countries and regions took part in the business exhibition, showcasing 442 new products, technologies and services. The unparalleled amount of contracts inked and the great enthusiasm of international exhibitors demonstrate once again that the CIIE, as a platform for high-level opening-up, as well as an international public good shared by the world, is a strong propeller for global economic growth. A total of US$505 million worth of deals were signed by exhibitors participating in the expo’s American Food and Agriculture Pavilion, according to the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai). Hosted by AmCham Shanghai and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion at the sixth CIIE is the first time the U.S. government has participated in the grand event. A total of 17 exhibitors from the U.S. state governments, agricultural product associations, agricultural exporters, food manufacturers and packaging companies showcased products such as meat, nuts, cheese and wine at the pavilion, covering an area of more than 400 square meters. “The results of the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion exceeded our expectations,” said Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai. “The CIIE proved to be an important platform to showcase American products and services.” He said that AmCham Shanghai will continue to support American companies in growing their business in China by leveraging this unrivaled import expo. “China’s economy is still an important engine for world economic growth. Next year, we plan to bring more U.S. companies and products to the expo,” he added. (Xinhua) | 