Foreign small and medium-sized firms see opportunities at CIIE

Opportunity is the buzzword for owners of small to medium-sized companies attending the second China International Import Expo in Shanghai this week.

Held from Tuesday to Sunday, the expo has hosted over 3,000 foreign companies displaying countless products and services to the tens of thousands professional buyers from across the country.

Arthur Millen, a Brazilian confectioner, exports biscuits and candies to 15 countries, but not to China yet.

"It's my first time in China, but I see this is a big opportunity for us to start business here, and I am looking for a local partner," he said to Wang Guanxing, an owner of a trading company from Henan province.

"I am the one you are looking for," Wang replied. "We own eight supermarkets and have cooperation with more than 80 companies in China. We sell products from many countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative."

After a few rounds of discussion, Millen and Wang signed a memorandum of understanding on their intention of cooperation. This was just one of more than 1，000 of meetings put together by the matchmaking sessions organized by Bank of China during the expo.

"I have participated in many exhibitions, but this one is different. I have met and exchanged cards with more than 200 customers, and we have received many inquires, which is far more than my previous experience in other exhibitions," said Millen, who has a small booth for his company Cory in the food section of the exhibition.

"Because of the distance, I didn't know much about China. Now I come to Shanghai, experience the culture, get to know the market and see people. I realize it is not a closed country, but rather an open one," he said. "I will be back to China for next year's expo."