Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday noted that the China International Import Expo (CIIE) goes with the longing for a better life pursued by people from all countries.

The CIIE trades goods and services, exchanges culture and ideas, welcomes worldwide visitors and seeks the interests of the whole world, stressed Xi.

Xi made the remarks as he and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted a banquet to welcome distinguished guests from around the world to attend the second CIIE held in Shanghai.

Xi and Peng had photos taken with foreign leaders and their spouses, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Xi extended a warm welcome to foreign leaders and guests.

China has made remarkable achievements over the past 70 years since the founding of New China, especially during the country's 40 years of reform and opening-up. "From the course of China's development, we realize that China will do well only when the world does well, and vice versa," Xi said.

In a short time, the CIIE started from scratch and quickly attracted wide participation of countries and enterprises from all over the world, said Xi, noting that it has become a major initiative in the history of global trade and an important platform for international cooperation in the new era.

By holding the CIIE and proactively expanding imports, China is taking the initiative in pursuing a new round of high-level opening up, deepening international cooperation by advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly fostering an open global economy, Xi noted.

He expressed his hope that various countries can enhance cooperation and promote the development of the world economy.

The second CIIE will be held in Shanghai between Nov. 5 and 10.

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The second CIIE: Continuous openness for mutual benefits