Premier Li Qiang says CIIE serves as a bridge linking China and the world

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that the China International Import Expo (CIIE) acts as a gateway for the global economy to connect with China's economy and serves as a vital bridge linking China and the world.

Li made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.

He noted that, as President Xi Jinping has pointed out, China's economy is an ocean, and the world economy is also an ocean - "all oceans are interconnected." 

Li said this year's CIIE has drawn a record number of participating companies, fully showing the vitality and energy of China's large market.

The Chinese premier emphasized that the CIIE's continued success lies in the principle of pursuing shared benefits with the world.  

Noting that some unilateral and protectionist actions worldwide have significantly disrupted the international trade order and impaired the functioning of the global economy, Li emphasized that the question of which values should guide international economic and trade activities has become increasingly important and practical.

Li emphasized the importance of maintaining equality and mutual benefit. As global economic growth slows and international tensions increase, countries should remain dedicated to equality, mutual benefit, and free trade, resolving differences through cooperation and development, he said.

He called for upholding fairness and justice and promoting reform of the global governance system to improve international economic and trade rules.  

In a world where destinies are connected, nations should follow the true idea of justice and interests, stand united in challenging times, and support each other, Li said.

He also emphasized the need to advance reform of global governance and to improve the international economic and trade rules system. China is ready to work with all parties to implement the Global Development Initiative in international trade and to advance reforms to improve the multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, he stressed.

Li stated that the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reviewed and approved the recommendations for China's 15th Five-Year Plan, providing more certainty for China's economic and social development.

He said this certainty is reflected in two aspects: the certainty of development and the certainty of openness.  

China will remain committed to advancing high-quality development and making new contributions to global economic growth, while steadfastly promoting high-standard opening up, steadily expanding institutional opening, and advancing pilot programs for further opening of the services sector, Li stressed.

Li stated that a China continuing to progress toward modernization will contribute to increased stability and positive energy globally.

In their speeches at the ceremony, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations hailed the important role of the CIIE in promoting opening up and cooperation, and boosting global economic growth.

They voiced their willingness to deepen cooperation with China in trade, connectivity, innovation, green development and other fields, in a bid to safeguard free and fair trade, and jointly promote development and prosperity.

(Cover: A view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center, the main venue for the eighth CIIE in Shanghai, east China, November 3, 2025. /VCG)