China both 'beneficiary & defender' of global supply chain integration, says trade body

The inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), opening in Beijing on November 28, will mark a groundbreaking moment as the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to the theme of supply-chain dynamics. 

The expo, themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," is positioned to become a pivotal platform for dialogue, cooperation and innovation in the realm of global supply chains.

It underscores China's resolute commitment to shaping a revolutionary global supply chain ecosystem, event organizer China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) told China Media Group on Friday.

Zhang Shaogang, vice chairman of CCPIT, said amid some calls from Western countries to "de-risk" from China, the expo exemplifies China's commitment towards stabilizing and fortifying the global supply chain.

"China, positioned both as a beneficiary and a defender of global supply chain integration, plays a pivotal role in exploring and constructing a new global supply chain ecosystem within the broader manufacturing and supply chain system," said Zhang.

China's role in stabilizing global supply chain

As the world's leading manufacturing power for 13 consecutive years, China has contributed nearly 30 percent to global manufacturing, earning the nickname "the world's factory." It has been fulfilling an irreplaceable role in terms of stabilizing the global supply chain, said Zhang.

Leveraging its colossal market size, China actively promotes stability in the global industrial and supply chains. 

With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and over 400 million people in the middle-income group, China stands as the world's second-largest consumer market, consistently ranking as the second-largest global importer for 14 consecutive years, he added.

Meanwhile, speaking about the CISCE, Zhang revealed that 515 Chinese and global enterprises and institutions are expected to take part. Notably, U.S. exhibitors will make up 20 percent of total overseas exhibitors, and include industry titans such as Amazon, Apple, Tesla, Intel and Honeywell.

The exhibition will encompass a large area exceeding 100,000 square meters, and will serve as a platform for domestic and international enterprises operating in five key "chains": smart vehicles, green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, and health and lifestyle.

A significant highlight of the expo will be the unveiling of a comprehensive global supply chain report by the CCPIT, focusing on the mission to propel technological innovation, enhance connectivity and foster inclusive development within the business sector.