20th CEFCO: Driving China's economy and global exhibitions

Editor's note: Jia Zhenhua, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the operations director of China of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The 20th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO), taking place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Tianjin, serves as a pivotal platform for accelerating China's economic growth and transforming the global exhibition industry. As China shifts toward innovation-driven, high-quality development, the exhibition sector plays a key role in driving economic transformation, international cooperation and sustainable development.

With the theme "Empowering a Sustainable Future with New Quality Productive Forces," this year's forum aligns closely with China's strategic goals of high-quality growth. Featuring over 500 professionals from 19 countries, the forum is poised to become a central venue for shaping the future of the exhibition industry and reinforcing China's standing as a global economic leader.

Exhibitions: A Catalyst for economic growth

Exhibitions are integral to China's economic strategy, acting as bridges for business transactions, international partnerships, and technological exchange. The CEFCO provides a critical platform for aligning the exhibition industry with China's broader goals, particularly in innovation, sustainability, and high-quality industrial development.

As a leading voice in the global exhibition sector, the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) plays a crucial role in fostering collaboration and advancing China's exhibition industry on the world stage. By leveraging new technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships, the forum enhances China's economic competitiveness, attracting international investment and solidifying its role as a key global player.

Driving high-quality development in the exhibition sector

China's exhibition industry is undergoing a major transformation. The CEFCO is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a platform for industry leaders to exchange ideas on improving event quality, digitalizing operations, and promoting green initiatives.

Through its strategic focus on innovation and sustainability, the forum is nurturing the next generation of exhibition practices – ones that emphasize growth in scale, but also improvements in quality and global relevance. This shift complements China's broader economic strategy, integrating new technologies and business models that ensure long-term sustainability and global competitiveness.

Strengthening bilateral relations: The China-U.S. high-level dialogue

A significant initiative supported by IAEE is the facilitation of the China-U.S. high-level dialogue on exhibitions and events, which focuses on "Strengthening China-U.S. exchanges and cooperation in the exhibition and event industry." This dialogue plays a critical role in fostering healthy economic and trade relations between the world's two largest economies.

As geopolitical dynamics shift, the exhibition sector remains an essential tool for fostering international cooperation and strengthening trade ties. The high-level dialogue provides an opportunity for both countries to explore collaborative strategies, enhance mutual understanding, and identify joint ventures that benefit both sides. These exchanges contribute to creating an open and sustainable global economic system, positioning China as a key facilitator of international trade and collaboration.

Contributing to a more open global economy

The CEFCO is instrumental in advancing China's commitment to building a more open global economy. By gathering government leaders, industry experts, and exhibitors from around the world, the forum promotes collaborative knowledge exchange and opportunities, ensuring that China continues to lead in shaping the future of global commerce.

As the exhibition industry evolves, it will remain a central platform for businesses to showcase innovations, expand market access, and form global partnerships. With China's ongoing emphasis on high-quality development and international cooperation, events like the CEFCO will play a crucial role in advancing the country's economic strategies and reinforcing its position as a global economic powerhouse.

The CEFCO 2025 is a landmark event that will not only accelerate China's economic development but also solidify the country's leadership in the global exhibition industry. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and high-quality development, the forum will help shape the future of global trade and exhibitions. IAEE's continued support of the forum, including initiatives like the China-U.S. high-level dialogue, underscores our commitment to fostering international cooperation and contributing to a more open, interconnected global economy.

By empowering China's exhibition industry to embrace digital transformation and sustainable growth, the CEFCO is helping to drive China's economic growth and create new opportunities for international collaboration and trade.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X, formerly Twitter, to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)