'Big Market for All: Export to China' events launched in Shanghai

A new campaign to expand imports, "Big Market for All: Export to China," was launched in Shanghai this Tuesday, underscoring China's commitment to wider opening up and sharing its vast market with the rest of the world.

The campaign, held before the opening of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), will showcase China's pragmatic steps to actively expand its opening up and promote balanced development in imports and exports, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said at the ceremony.

Noting the Chinese commerce ministry will host 10 themed events in the campaign to build diversified channels to allow more goods to "enter China," Wang added that the events will highlight China's innovative move to share the opportunities of China's vast market with the world and create a new pattern of win-win cooperation, as well as a proactive contribution to supporting economic globalization and safeguarding the multilateral trading system.

The move dovetails with the recently released recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), which advocates for balanced development of imports and exports – a strategy set to fuel China's high-quality development and give a boost to the global economy.

Official data shows that China has ranked as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, with goods and services imports projected to exceed $15 trillion during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Import growth accelerated in the first three quarters of this year, with agricultural imports reaching $57.1 billion, up 2.6 percent year on year, while imports of mechanical and electrical products and high-tech products rose 5 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively.

During the launch ceremony, multiple foreign enterprise representatives recognized opportunities brought about by China's continuous opening up and stressed their commitment to expand in the large market amid positive views on the prospects of the world's second-largest economy.

Foreign participants including Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering Group, Craig Allen, president of the U.S.-China Business Council, and Tetsuro Honma, president of the China-Japan Chamber of Commerce spoke highly of the planned events.

Noting the global business community is seeking greater stability, predictability and cooperation opportunities, they said the events send a clear message to the world that China is not only a massive consumer market but also a cooperative partner willing to share growth through institutional innovation.

Around 300 participants attended the launch ceremony, including officials from relevant Chinese government departments and international organizations, representatives of overseas trade promotion agencies and business associations, and exhibitors and buyers from the CIIE.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover: The launch ceremony for the "Big Market for All: Export to China" series of events is held in Shanghai, November 4, 2025. /CMG)