Editor's note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs." The article reflects the author's opinions, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As the world's first state-level exposition focused on imports, the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is in its second year and scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, November 5 in Shanghai, has attracted over 3,000 companies from more than 150 countries and regions. It's a major step along China's path towards further opening up its market to the world. 

This year's expo boasts an enlarged exhibition area and an increased number of exhibit booths. Over 250 of the 3,000 plus participant firms are either Global 500 companies or industry leaders. 

More new products and technologies will be unveiled to the world at the expo and over 300 activities will be held to promote the products as well as the themes of opening-up and innovation, cooperation and mutual benefit. 

An import expo that features higher quality exhibitors and activities as well as an upgraded scale reflects China's determination to promote free trade and the multilateral trading system.

At the first CIIE, deals were reached for intended one-year purchases of goods and services worth nearly 58 billion U.S. dollars, and some Chinese buyers made additional purchases after the expo. 

The most popular products included the world's smallest pacemakers from the United States, and a new generation of radiotherapy Gamma knives from Switzerland, which have been used to treat over 2,000 patients in China. 

Purchasing power is expected to be further unleashed at this year's event as the country's consumption market, which has a 400-million strong and growing middle income population, undergoes upgrading. 

China pledged last year that it would buy 30 trillion U.S. dollars' worth of goods and 10 trillion U.S. dollars' worth of services over the next fifteen years. As the world's second largest economic powerhouse, which led major economies with a growth rate of 6.2 percent in the first three quarters, undergoes a structural transformation powered by 5G technology, its economic vitality and resilience is expected to be further explored.

Foreign companies have recognized the great potential of the Chinese market despite a global slowdown in investment and trade. That's why a number of state leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, are attending the opening ceremony this year, giving a boost to their respective business delegations at the expo. 

In addition, over 190 U.S. enterprises—up nearly 20 percent over the number registered last year—will be present at the event, taking up the largest exhibition area among all participating countries.

The import expo has become a weather vane of how China's opening-up policy and reform measures have been faring. As the country implemented the commitments it made at the expo last year, including a shortened negative list and a new foreign investment law, people have more reasons to believe that this year's event will inject new momentum into the world economy, which should be more open and inclusive when facing protectionist challenges.

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