Hosting the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) while taking strong COVID-19 safety measures against the pandemic shows China's "sincere willingness" in sharing market opportunities and facilitating the world economic recovery, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday during his keynote speech via video link at the expo's opening ceremony.

Xi said that after three years of development, the CIIE has become a platform for making international purchases, promoting investment and carrying out cultural exchanges, while facilitating cooperation and China's opening-up. He described the expo as an "international public product," connecting China to the world.

This year's event is held in both online and offline settings with worldwide enterprises actively participating in the exhibitions. 

(Cover: Tourists admire the skyline view of Lujiazui at the Bund in Shanghai, east China, January 6, 2020. /Xinhua)