The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is not only a pageant for companies, but also a high profile event closely followed by world media and think tanks. 

After the opening ceremony this morning, the Hongqiao International Business Media and Think Tank Forum, one of the four major forums held during the CIIE, was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center with about 600 world media and think tank experts gathering to discuss their takes on the event and what it means for a more open global economy.

The event, with the theme of "Build and Communicate an Open World Economy" is hosted by China's State Council Information Office, and co-organized by China Global Television Network (CGTN) -- a multi-language, multi-platform media grouping.

Minister Huang Kunming of China's top communication regulator Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China delivered the opening speech. “I hope the media and think tanks around the world can stand taller and look further, and communicate to citizens a sense of openness and reciprocity between countries. I hope they can promote the idea that the interest of one country is deeply tied to the interest of other countries,” said Minister Huang.

He talked about the necessity for media and think tanks to join hands in promoting an open global community, which is of much concern now according to participants. The managing editor of Russia media Russia Today (RT) Alexey Nikolov said that it is now more important than ever for countries like China and Russia to make their voices heard in the global conversation, especially on the topics of globalization and trade very often misunderstood by many. 

The chairman of the Pakistani Chamber of Commerce Malik Hussain told CGTN that China's continued investments in the country is very important, because as the country's industry grows, they would have a better chance to sell their products to other markets, with China included. 

Senior economist Zhao Guangbin works with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) – a multinational professional services network. He shared his research from a think tank perspective. He said according to the firm's research findings, the CIIE will increase China's imports by 300 to 500 billion US dollars every year.