Premier Li Qiang Addresses 8th China International Import Expo, Highlighting China’s Economic Certainty and Opening-Up
SHANGHAI, November 5, 2025 – Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, underscoring China’s commitment to economic development and high-level opening-up amidst a complex global landscape. The annual expo, a significant platform for international trade and economic exchange, saw a record number of participating enterprises this year, a testament to the enduring appeal and dynamism of China’s vast market.
CIIE Serves as a Crucial Gateway and Bridge for Global Economic Integration
In his address, Premier Li Qiang emphasized the pivotal role of the CIIE, quoting President Xi Jinping’s assertion that “China’s economy is a vast ocean, and the world’s economy is also a vast ocean. The world’s oceans are interconnected.” He described the CIIE as “the estuary through which the world economy enters the Chinese economy, and also an important bridge connecting China with the world.” This framing highlights China’s view of the expo not merely as a trade fair, but as a strategic conduit for deeper integration into the global economic system and a mechanism for fostering mutual prosperity.
The Premier noted that the number of participating companies at this year’s CIIE had reached a new historical high. He stated that this achievement “fully demonstrates the vigorous vitality of China’s super-large market,” suggesting that despite global economic headwinds, China remains a highly attractive destination for international businesses seeking growth and market access. The influx of exhibitors, spanning various sectors from advanced manufacturing to consumer goods and services, points to a sustained confidence in China’s economic trajectory and its capacity to absorb global products and innovations.
Three Pillars for Global Economic Engagement Outlined
Addressing the current international economic climate, often characterized by rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, Premier Li Qiang shared three core principles that he believes should guide international economic and trade activities. These principles aim to offer a Chinese perspective on navigating global economic challenges and fostering a more stable and equitable international trade order.
Upholding Equality and Mutual Benefit as the Foundation
The first principle articulated was the imperative to “adhere to equality and mutual benefit, consolidating the foundation of legitimate common interests.” Premier Li argued that “the slower the world economy develops and the more international disputes intensify, the more we must adhere to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation and embrace free trade.” He posited that such cooperation, pursued through joint development, can help resolve contradictions and problems. This stance aligns with China’s long-standing advocacy for multilateralism and free trade, presenting it as a remedy to global economic fragmentation and conflict.
Emphasizing Righteousness and Fairness in Global Affairs
Secondly, the Premier stressed the importance of “always upholding righteousness, and earnestly safeguarding international fairness and justice.” He asserted that in today’s interconnected world, where nations’ destinies are closely linked, countries should “consider both righteousness and profit, row the same boat, and watch out for each other.” This principle reflects a broader Chinese foreign policy emphasis on solidarity and a shared future for mankind, suggesting that economic cooperation should be underpinned by ethical considerations and a commitment to collective well-being, rather than purely transactional interests.
Advocating for Governance Reform and a Strengthened Multilateral System
The third key point focused on “advancing governance reform and improving the international economic and trade rules system.” Premier Li declared that “China is willing to work with all parties to actively promote the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative in the field of international economy and trade, and to reform and improve the multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO).” This proposal signals China’s intent to play a more active role in shaping global economic governance. The mention of the Global Governance Initiative, a concept championed by Beijing, suggests a desire to infuse international economic frameworks with principles that align with China’s vision. The commitment to reforming the WTO indicates a recognition of the institution’s challenges while reaffirming its centrality, albeit with a call for modernization and adaptation to contemporary global economic realities.
“15th Five-Year Plan” Signals Certainty for Development and Opening-Up
A significant announcement during the speech was the recent adoption of the “15th Five-Year Plan” (2026-2030) proposals by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at its Fourth Plenary Session. Premier Li stated that this plan injects “more certainty” into China’s economic and social development for the coming period. He elaborated on this certainty in two key aspects:
Certainty in Development Trajectory
Firstly, “the certainty of development.” China will continue to prioritize economic construction and concentrate efforts on promoting high-quality development. This focus, Premier Li indicated, will lead to new and significant contributions to global economic growth. This reiterates China’s commitment to its economic growth model, emphasizing quality and sustainability over sheer speed, and its role as a driver of global economic expansion.
Certainty in Opening-Up Policies
Secondly, “the certainty of opening-up.” China will unswervingly advance high-level opening-up, steadily expand institutional opening-up, and promote pilot programs for comprehensive opening-up in the service sector. The Premier concluded that “a China that is continuously moving towards modernization will undoubtedly inject more stability and positive energy into the world.” This statement aims to reassure international partners about China’s long-term commitment to an open economy, signaling a move towards more sophisticated, rules-based opening-up, particularly in services, which are increasingly crucial for global trade.
International Dignitaries Affirm CIIE’s Role and China’s Global Contribution
The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished array of foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, underscoring the global significance of the CIIE. Among those present and delivering speeches were Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgia, Prime Minister Milosh Vucevic of Serbia, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas of Nigeria, President of the National Council of Slovenia Alojz Kovšca, Special Representative of the UAE President Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Director General Gerd Müller of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Additionally, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) delivered a video address.
These international representatives lauded the CIIE for its crucial role in promoting open cooperation and stimulating global economic growth. They recognized the expo as a demonstration of China’s commitment as a major power to sharing opportunities and jointly pursuing development with the rest of the world. The consensus among the speakers was that China’s actions at the CIIE exemplify its responsibility in fostering global economic progress.
Furthermore, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations expressed their willingness to deepen cooperation with China in various fields, including economy and trade, connectivity, innovation, and green development. They affirmed their commitment to safeguarding free and fair trade and collectively promoting development and prosperity. This collective sentiment suggests a strong desire among participating nations and organizations to leverage China’s market and economic dynamism while collaborating on shared global challenges.
Premier’s Engagement Beyond the Podium
Prior to the opening ceremony, Premier Li Qiang visited the enterprise exhibition area, gaining firsthand insight into the products and services showcased by participating companies. Following the ceremony, he joined the attending foreign leaders in jointly touring the exhibition halls. These engagements provided opportunities for direct interaction with businesses and international counterparts, reinforcing the expo’s function as a platform for dialogue and relationship-building.
On the afternoon of November 4, the day before the main opening, Premier Li Qiang also attended and announced the launch of the “Shared Super-Large Market · Export to China” series of activities. This initiative signals a concerted effort to further facilitate and promote exports into China, complementing the import-focused nature of the CIIE and highlighting China’s dual role as both a massive import market and a destination for global goods and services. Ministers Chen Jining and Wu Zhenglong were also present for these activities.
Analysis: CIIE as a Barometer of Global Economic Sentiment and China’s Strategic Outreach
The 8th CIIE, held against a backdrop of persistent global economic uncertainties, including inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts, serves as a critical barometer for international business sentiment towards China. The record number of exhibitors this year, as highlighted by Premier Li Qiang, signals a robust underlying confidence in China’s economic resilience and its long-term growth potential. This is particularly significant as many developed economies grapple with slower growth rates and domestic challenges.
Premier Li’s speech can be interpreted as a strategic outreach to the international community, aiming to project an image of stability, predictability, and openness. The emphasis on “certainty” – both in development and opening-up – is a direct response to global anxieties about China’s economic trajectory and its policy direction. By linking these certainties to the recently approved “15th Five-Year Plan,” Beijing seeks to provide forward-looking assurances to investors, partners, and the global economy.
The three principles for international trade – equality, mutual benefit, righteousness, and governance reform – offer a framework for China’s engagement with the global economy. The call for “equality and mutual benefit” and embracing “free trade” positions China as a proponent of open markets, contrasting with protectionist trends. The emphasis on “righteousness” and “fairness” suggests a desire for an international economic order that is perceived as more equitable and less dominated by a few powerful actors. The proposal to “reform and improve the multilateral trading system centered around the WTO” indicates China’s willingness to engage in reforming global institutions, provided these reforms align with its vision of a more inclusive and representative global governance structure. This also aligns with China’s broader push for the Global Governance Initiative, seeking to offer alternative frameworks for international cooperation.
The launch of the “Shared Super-Large Market · Export to China” initiative, alongside the import-focused CIIE, underscores a nuanced approach to trade. It suggests that China is not only a destination for foreign goods but also actively seeks to facilitate the entry of foreign products, thereby balancing its trade relationships and further integrating global supply chains into its domestic market. This dual focus can be seen as a strategy to enhance its role as a global economic hub and to ensure that its economic growth is mutually beneficial.
The participation of numerous foreign dignitaries and heads of international organizations, including those from developing nations and major multilateral bodies, lends significant weight to the event. Their positive remarks about the CIIE’s role in promoting cooperation and China’s commitment to sharing opportunities reinforce Beijing’s narrative of China as a responsible global stakeholder. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives in practice will be closely watched, particularly concerning the implementation of institutional opening-up and the tangible outcomes of the proposed governance reforms within the WTO framework.
Background: The China International Import Expo’s Evolution
The China International Import Expo, first held in 2018, was established as a significant policy initiative by the Chinese government to promote imports and liberalize trade. It was conceived as a platform to showcase China’s commitment to opening its market and to facilitate trade between Chinese businesses and their international counterparts. The expo has since grown in scale and influence, becoming one of the world’s largest import trade fairs.
The CIIE is strategically timed to occur annually in early November, preceding the major holiday shopping season, allowing foreign companies to showcase their latest products and services to Chinese consumers and businesses. It is held concurrently with the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, which serves as a high-level platform for discussing global economic trends and trade policies.
The expo is divided into a country exhibition, a business exhibition, and a supporting forum. The business exhibition features six major sections: Consumer Goods, Food and Agricultural Products, Automotive, Household Appliances, Medical Devices and Healthcare Products, and Services. The scale and scope of the CIIE reflect China’s evolving economic strategy, moving towards greater domestic consumption and higher-quality imports, while also serving as a symbol of its integration into the global economy. Its continued success and the high-level attention it garners from both domestic and international leaders underscore its importance in China’s foreign economic relations and its broader geopolitical positioning.
参考来源
- 01版 – 李强出席第八届中国国际进口博览会开幕式并发表主旨演讲 — 人民日报（2025-11-06）：查看原文
- 02版 – 李强出席第八届中国国际进口博览会开幕式并发表主旨演讲 — 人民日报（2025-11-06）：查看原文