At the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), China will not only showcase products and technologies but also highlight its progress in further opening up.

A key indicator of this commitment is the continued reduction of items on negative lists for foreign investment, which define sectors restricted or prohibited to foreign capital.

Since 2017, the number of items on the nationwide list has dropped from 93 to 29, and manufacturing restrictions have been completely removed. The free trade zone version has seen similar progress, reflecting China's effort to create a more transparent, predictable and inclusive business environment for global enterprises.

This year's CIIE features 163 exhibitors from least developed countries (LDCs), up 23.5 percent year on year, and the number of African exhibitors has surged by 80 percent as the African products zone is expanded and China encourages full use of the zero-tariff policy.

Since December 2024, all LDCs holding diplomatic ties with China have enjoyed 100 percent zero-tariff treatment, leading to a 9.7-percent increase in imports from these nations in the first three quarters of 2025. The policy is now being expanded to 53 African countries, helping more developing economies share in China's vast market opportunities.