Editor's note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs." The article does not necessarily reflect the views of CGTN.

As the world goes through a new technological and industrial revolution, the ongoing China International Import Expo in Shanghai has once again become an important platform for high-tech firms to showcase their latest innovative products to consumers in the world's second-largest economy.

France's Decathlon unveiled its RFID inventory robot "DE-BAO" that's designed for use in the new retail sector; Germany's Arjes has brought its waste shredders for construction sites; and the U.S. firm DuPont has a range of cut-resistant gloves on show. Other high-tech products, such as 5G networking hardware and advanced solutions to air pollution, are also on display, offering a glimpse of what the future will look like.

These firms brought their high-tech products to Shanghai because they're drawn to China's upgrading consumption market, which includes a middle income population of 400 million. As an executive of the leading Dutch health technology company Philips pointed out, the reason why they are at the expo with their latest innovations for the second year is that they can showcase their products to China's massive market.

The enthusiasm of the exhibitors is sustained by China's efforts to protect intellectual property rights. Last year, foreign invention patent applications in China numbered 148,000 and there were 244,000 trademark registration applications, both record highs. The fact that there were no complaints about intellectual property rights infringements at last year's import expo demonstrates the level of protection available in China. 

Exhibitors showed their recognition of the efforts China has made in this arena by coming back with more advanced technologies. And the organizers cut the duration of the patent registration and scrutiny process from one month to just seven working days. It's this kind of efficient service that has created a good environment for people to do business at the expo.

The slowing world economy has a great need for new sources of growth. The China International Import Expo, by gathering all kinds of cutting-edge products, offers a solution by breaking down the barriers impeding the movement of elements critical to innovation such as knowledge and technology. And as long as the participants are dedicated to innovation, cooperation, and sharing the benefits of technological progress, the import expo will help to bring an even brighter future to mankind.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com)