On September 2, 2024, the Consulate General of People’s Republic of China in Vancouver hosted a farewell reception for British Columbia (BC) exhibitors participating in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). The event was attended by over 30 exhibitors, along with representatives from various exhibition partners.

In his speech, Consul General Yang Shu highlighted that the CIIE represents a significant initiative by China to open its market to the world. He emphasized that the CIIE has become a showcase of China’s new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world. He also pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has sent a strong signal of China’s commitment to maintaining its basic national policy of opening-up, promoting reform through openness, and building a higher-level open economic system. He stressed that trade protectionism threatens the interests of all parties and disrupts the global economic order. He encouraged exhibitors to actively explore the China’s market, seize development opportunities, and strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Canada.

Several exhibitors also shared their “CIIE stories” recounting their experiences and insights gained at the event.