9th China International Import Expo Opens in Shanghai

As part of the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), CGTN, in collaboration with the People's University of China through the Institute of New Era International Communication Studies, conducted the Global Outlook on World Openness 2026. The study involved 20,100 respondents from 44 countries around the world.

According to the survey results, participants generally consider the global openness landscape increasingly complex and difficult. Cultural exchange is viewed as the easiest form of cross-border interaction, while geopolitical conflicts are identified as the biggest obstacle to global openness. Respondents also responded positively to China's efforts in hosting the CIIE and promoting high-quality openness, believing these efforts instill greater confidence in a turbulent world.

When assessing the environment of global openness, respondents noted cultural exchange as the easiest form of international interaction. This view was particularly prevalent among respondents from the Global South, 65.5% of whom reported greater ease in cultural exchange. Respondents aged 25 to 34 demonstrated the most positive experience regarding global openness. When considering factors that promote international cooperation, 'an increase in the number of countries participating in trade and cooperation' ranked first.

Meanwhile, 81.4% of respondents named geopolitical conflicts as the main barrier to global openness, and almost six out of ten (59.8%) pointed to 'unilateral pressure and tariff increases by major powers' as another serious obstacle. Looking ahead, respondents from the Global South expressed greater optimism about the prospects for openness. The proportion of people who believe that 'the world will become more open in the next one to three years' is nearly double that of respondents from developed countries.

The current year marks the beginning of China's fifteenth five-year plan (2026–2030). China has launched a series of initiatives to actively expand high-quality openness, receiving positive feedback from the international community. When asked which major global economy offers the most valuable experience in openness and economic development, 42.7% chose China, the highest percentage among the surveyed economies.

Younger respondents showed even greater recognition of China's experience. Furthermore, nearly 90% of respondents acknowledged China's economic power and rapid growth, 84.6% noted China's significant contribution to the world economy, and nearly 80% expressed confidence in the resilience of the Chinese economy in the face of risks and challenges.

Among various measures of China's openness, improved market access and visa-free policies made the strongest impression on global respondents. The CIIE also ranked among the top five most recognized measures, serving as a vivid demonstration of China's commitment to high-quality openness.

When asked about their willingness to deepen cooperation with China, 65.6% of respondents expressed interest in further engagement. Such cooperation extends beyond increased investment and business opportunities to cover deeper areas such as research and development and technological cooperation.

The survey, conducted via an online panel, was designed to reflect the age and gender distribution indicated in the national censuses of the respective countries. It covered both major developed economies and representative countries of the Global South. The results were compiled in the Blue Book of the Global Outlook on World Openness.

A representative of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that a group of international leaders will travel to Shanghai to participate in the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place from November 5 to 10.

The list of invited participants includes Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker, Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Pan Kung, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva, Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denis Slovak, as well as Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvirishvili.

The ministry representative clarified that these leaders will attend the opening ceremony and other events at the invitation of the Chinese government.

In parallel with the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which will take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, the Tehran Chamber of Commerce will dispatch a trade delegation to China. This delegation will include merchants, businessmen, and competent Iranian companies.

This step is aimed at strengthening trade ties with China, facilitating access for Iranian firms to the Chinese market, and utilizing the opportunities provided by this event.

Among the exhibition areas presented at the fair are medical equipment, medicines, and health and hygiene products; commercial, financial, logistics, and cultural and tourism services; smart industries; information and communication technologies; artificial intelligence and advanced materials; consumer goods, home appliances, cosmetics, and health products; fashion and lifestyle; agricultural products and food industry; automobiles, spare parts, and intelligent transport; as well as innovative technologies and enterprises.

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) was launched in 2018 and is held annually in Shanghai. It is often called the world's first national import expo and is organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the municipal government of Shanghai. CIIE brings together national exhibitions of countries, industry and business fairs, as well as high-level forums and partner-seeking events. The expo aims to help foreign companies enter the Chinese market, showcase their goods and services, and establish contacts with buyers and partners. The ninth edition in 2025 will once again gather exhibitors, traders, and officials from all over the world.