BEIJING -- The second China International Supply Chain Expo wrapped up on Saturday, having witnessed the signature of over 210 trade deals and tentative agreements totaling more than 152 billion yuan ($21.17 billion), according to the event's organizer, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

During the five-day expo, over 600 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries and regions established cooperative ties with more than 37,000 upstream and downstream suppliers, the organizer said.

The CCPIT scheduled over 6,000 matchmaking sessions for exhibitors and visitors, facilitating the establishment of more than 6,700 cooperation intentions.

This year's expo attracted over 200,000 visitors, an increase of about a third compared to the inaugural event.

As the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the event has garnered significant interest from multinationals. Nearly one-third of this year's exhibitors came from overseas, up from 26 percent last year. Major global players, including GE HealthCare and SAP, have already secured their participation in the third edition of the expo.

Zhang Shaogang, vice chairman of the CCPIT, emphasized that the expo is a platform for both domestic and international companies to showcase their innovations, engage in meaningful business discussions, and exchange views on strengthening supply chain cooperation.

He noted that the CCPIT is committed to enhancing the event and expanding its reach, aiming to foster greater international consensus on the development of industrial and supply chains.

BEIJING -- After rotating its tires 90 degrees, an electric car can move sideways like a crab and make spin turns, making side parking and navigating tight spaces a breeze.

The technology, involving intelligent chassis and automatic wheels, is demonstrated at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which is being held in Beijing from Tuesday to Saturday.

Fostering industry exchanges

Steering and braking are usually done through the chassis, but new technology integrates them into wheels, according to Xu Qingguo, Changchun MATIC Robotic Vehicle Technology's sales general manager.

"This means the components of chassis can be cut by 40 percent, reducing the vehicle's weight by over 30 percent," said Xu, adding that the technology can contribute to smart driving, increase driving distance and improve energy efficiency.

"Making cars lighter also depends on quality raw material," said Wang Hanguang, head of Dalian Ketian New Material, an upstream supplier of MATIC, also exhibiting at the expo.

By adding a fining agent to aluminum alloy, Ketian contributes to the increase of the strength and toughness of car components, including wheels and brake discs, said Wang.

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," CISCE hosted over 600 exhibitors from 69 countries and international organizations, with more than 30 percent of exhibitors coming from overseas.

As the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo has gathered industry leaders and experts from around the world and helped promote global cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

After experiencing the lateral movement of the co-pilot seat of the car, David Doninotti, secretary general of the Italian Association of Foreign Trade, said the technology is amazing and convenient, and he hopes to find more partners in the sector of new energy vehicles and charging piles.

"Through this expo, China sends a message of connectivity, cooperation and opening, and this is important for business people all over the world," said Doninotti.

China is the world's largest automobile market and exporter. In the first 10 months of the year, China produced about 9.78 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) and sold 9.75 million units, marking a year-on-year growth of 33 percent and 33.9 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, NEV exports totaled some 1.06 million units, up 6.3 percent year-on-year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

Showcasing supply chain cooperation

CISCE highlights cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in supply chains. In the expo's smart vehicle zone, new materials, components, research and design in the upstream, batteries and intelligent network systems in the midstream, and automobiles and services in the downstream, have been fully displayed.

In the smart vehicle zone, XPENG Motors showcases its new P7+ model with AI-powered intelligent driving capabilities. Also displayed is the Voyager X2, a two-seater electric aircraft with vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL), which has been capturing the attention of car fans.

At a joint booth, Xpeng is exhibiting with the Rio Tinto Group, Bosch and China Baowu Steel Group Corporation, to showcase upstream and downstream collaboration and synergy across the automotive supply chain.

Rio Tinto is co-developing the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea with Baowu and other Chinese companies, cooperating in areas such as capital investment, equipment and infrastructure, to supply high-grade, low-impurity iron ore for the steel industry.

Baowu uses ore as raw material and produces high-performance automotive steel through smelting and rolling processes. It creates an overall solution to meet the hardware needs of NEV companies by using high-strength car bodies and high-safety battery packs.

According to Bold Baatar, Rio Tinto's Chief Commercial Officer, the expo fosters industrial integration and innovation, providing a platform to showcase successful partnerships and expand global connections.

Bosch displays its integrated power brake and occupant safety system developed for the XPENG P7+ model. These technologies help the XPENG vehicle enhance reaction speed, accurately monitor its surroundings and collision scenarios, and optimize safety response and intelligent driving performance in complex road conditions, ensuring greater consumer safety.

"For a vast and continuously growing market like China, an innovative and resilient supply chain system, along with collaboration and synergy across the industrial value chain, are the keys to sustaining its successful development," said David Xu, president of Bosch China.

According to Yin Xiaopeng, dean of the Research Institute for Global Value Chains at the University of International Business and Economics, new products can promote more high-tech development and strengthen industrial and supply chains, fostering closer economic integration that benefits both China and the world.

BERLIN/BEIJING -- Stefan Hartung recently inaugurated the third-phase facility of Bosch's joint venture, United Automotive Electronic Systems Co Ltd, in Taicang, Jiangsu province.

The new plant will begin mass production of second-generation electric bridges next year. These critical components for electric drive systems will be supplied to vehicle manufacturers located just a few kilometers away. This close-knit collaboration reflects the advantages of China's integrated industrial ecosystem.

For Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Bosch Group, China offers an ideal solution to supply chain challenges, and Bosch Group is now participating in the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) that is underway in Beijing from Tuesday to Saturday.

"Win-win chains"

The second CISCE has attracted more than 600 exhibitors from nearly 70 countries, including some Fortune Global 500 companies. International participants account for 32 percent of the total, up from 26 percent at the first event, with European and American firms comprising half of the international presence.

The event emphasizes the concept of "chain," not only showcasing new technologies, products, and services but also highlighting the close collaboration and deep integration of key upstream and downstream elements across various industries.

This year's event underlines long-term partnerships along supply chains. Joint exhibition booths showing upstream and downstream collaboration are a standout feature of the expo, said Zhang Shaogang, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

By fostering global connections, the CISCE provides a stage for international cooperation, enabling enterprises worldwide to co-create value and transform supply chains into genuine "win-win chains."

Under the theme of "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the CISCE highlights supply chains as a bridge for global cooperation and integration.

In China, for China and world

"In the past, parts were often imported from Europe. Now, numerous European companies are moving their supply chains to China, creating models of 'in China, for China' and 'in China, for the world,'" Schumann said.

Michael Schumann, chairman of the Board of the German Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade, noted that many European companies are localizing their production in China to enhance efficiency.

Bosch's Taicang facility is located along Nanjing Road, home to a robust automotive supply chain. About 70 percent of automotive components can be sourced locally in Taicang due to its well-developed ecosystem, according to Yin Wei, deputy director of Taicang's Bureau of Industry and Information Technology.

Yin said Taicang's strategic location and comprehensive infrastructure have attracted over 700 automotive-related enterprises, including more than 200 foreign-funded firms. These factors have fostered a cohesive industrial cluster that supports local and multinational businesses alike.

Tesla has also benefited from China's efficient supply chain. Gang Song, Tesla's vice-president of manufacturing, noted that Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory produces a vehicle every 40 seconds, a feat made possible by close collaboration with Chinese suppliers.

For many multinational corporations, this efficient supply chain is at the heart of the "Made in China" competitive edge and remains a key factor driving their continued investment and expansion in the Chinese market.

Platform for sustainability

Modern industrial products often rely on complex supply chains involving multiple upstream and downstream enterprises. The stability and efficiency of these chains are critical for success in today's industries.

As a leading manufacturing powerhouse, China is one of the world's most critical markets, boasting a robust and comprehensive supply chain system. Nearly all products can be sourced with high efficiency and low costs through China's extensive supplier network.

The robust ecosystem boosts foreign companies' confidence to deepen their presence in China, said Andreas Schmitz, president of the Dusseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who praised China's supply chain system for its flexibility and resilience.

This globally integrated, end-to-end supply chain advantage has been a key factor in elevating China's new energy vehicle industry to a leading position in the global market.

The CISCE is an essential platform for advancing innovation and sustainability, particularly in the automotive industry, which is undergoing a significant transformation, said Xu Daquan, president of Bosch China.

McDonald's China has unveiled the progress of its smart supply chain project at the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, with a focus on enhancing fresh, safe and traceable practices and green agriculture.

Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald's China, said: "The expo offers an excellent platform to deepen exchanges with our supply chain partners, drive innovation and efficiency, and advance sustainable development to better serve our customers with fresh, natural and trusted ingredients."

The company's long-term success relies on three pillars that are built on the strong foundation of collaboration among employees, franchisees and suppliers, she added.

During the expo, the company announced the nationwide rollout of its "One Case, One Code" project, integrating advanced technologies provided by Cainiao and involving key suppliers such as Bimbo and Tyson.

The project will expand nationwide, with plans to include over 100 supplier factories.

As the first large-scale application of this technology in the domestic restaurant industry, McDonald's China uses RFID (radio frequency identification) and other technologies to assign a unique digital identity to each product package, enhancing digital collaboration and precise management throughout the supply chain.

For example, restaurant receiving and inventory-checking efficiency has improved by more than 30 percent and inventory information is visible across the entire chain. Production and logistics are enabled with more agile demand and supply planning.

McDonald's China operates more than 6,500 restaurants, with more than 2,000 logistics vehicles serving its supply chain every year.

The company unveiled its first cultural and creative product — the McFarm Calendar — celebrating its practices in green agriculture.

McFarm is the traceability and consumer engagement platform, reaching over 34 million viewers through livestreamed tours and videos, showcasing the origins of fresh, natural ingredients.

The calendar features traditional farmers' art and highlights stories of 12 farmers who contribute to the company's regenerative agriculture plan.

Limited to 5,000 sets, the calendars are available through McDonald's official app from Wednesday to Friday.

Additionally, 20 restaurants in 15 cities will be transformed into McFarm-themed locations, offering immersive experiences to connect consumers with green agriculture.

Since launching the regenerative agriculture plan in 2023 with nine suppliers, McDonald's China has trained nearly 5,000 farmers in 2024.

This year, the company introduced its first cage-free chicken logo in June, promoting animal welfare. White-feather chickens, raised cage-free, walk over 1,000 steps daily and are housed in clean, temperature-controlled environments.

At its booth in the expo, a 20-square-meter farmer art installation created from 300 recycled McDonald's paper bags was showcased, highlighting the sustainable practices behind cage-free chicken production.

Full-chain data visibility and traceability further strengthen food safety and quality with advanced technological safeguards, said the company.

Jim Shi, chief supply chain officer of McDonald's China, said the company and its suppliers are committed to building a smart supply chain for the future through the development of digital productivity tools.

The company has improved efficiency and accelerated innovation in its supply chain but also elevated the quality of operations and management, he added.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn

China's advanced industrial system and proactive initiatives to bolster global supply chain cooperation will help drive foreign trade while enabling both domestic and foreign companies to expedite their digital and green transformations, business executives said on Wednesday.

Speaking during the ongoing second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, which runs through Saturday, they said that amid sluggish global economic growth and the challenges posed by protectionist measures, reinforcing global supply chain cooperation is practical to reduce business costs, enhance production efficiency and foster shared progress.

Asia Pulp and Paper Co Ltd, or APP, an Indonesian pulp and paper manufacturer, is showcasing its latest products and green technology solutions in the expo's new exhibition area dedicated to advanced manufacturing supply chains this year.

The paper industry is distinguished by its long-supply chain characteristics. As a key player connecting industrial resources between China and Indonesia, APP prioritizes supply chain stability as a fundamental aspect of its development, said Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of Sinar Mas-APP China, APP's China branch.

"In addition to supplying paper products to the Chinese market, we also ship products manufactured in our plants in China to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, especially to member economies of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership," said Zhai.

Exports of foreign-invested businesses in China amounted to 5.77 trillion yuan ($796 billion) from January to October, marking year-on-year growth of 1.9 percent, statistics from the General Administration of Customs showed.

Supported by the most comprehensive range of industrial categories and the most complete supporting systems based on the United Nations standards, China's manufacturing industry has maintained its position as the world's largest by scale for 14 consecutive years. The country accounts for over 30 percent of global output, according to information released at the expo by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

With China and many parts of the world entering a new era of green and innovation-led growth, Xiao Song, global executive vice-president of German conglomerate Siemens AG, stressed that building a collaborative and innovative industrial and supply chain is a key pathway for the global manufacturing sector to achieve high-quality growth.

"Backed by the expo's platform and China's opening-up policy measures, we are willing to leverage our digital business ecosystems to help more domestic and global companies empower and optimize their supply chains, bringing together businesses of varying sizes, types and countries into a unified network," said Xiao.

During the expo, Siemens signed service agreements with several Chinese and international partners to further reduce carbon emissions in their operations both in China and overseas.

Syngenta Group, which is based in Basel, Switzerland, and is a second-time expo participant, has brought a number of agricultural produce and farming solutions to the expo this time.

"To effectively align the innovation chain with the industrial chain, technological innovation must be closely tied to industry needs, addressing the requirements of industrial upgrading and the modernization of supply chains," said Su Fu, president of Syngenta Group China.

Through its Agriculture Value Chain program, Syngenta has not only imported a wide range of products such as feed grains, coffee, edible oil and oilseeds into China, but has also taken part in a number of farming projects in countries including Kazakhstan and Ethiopia, boosting agricultural cooperation in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Highlighting that agriculture is a vital pillar of global economic development, Jiao Jian, president of Beijing-based Sinochem Holdings Corp, the parent company of Syngenta Group, said that in the face of increasingly frequent extreme weather events and severe climate challenges, a new green revolution is urgently needed in global agriculture. Jiao said that ensuring the stability of global supply chain cooperation is crucial for dealing with these issues.

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn

Like a single gear powering a machine, supply chains are the driving forces behind the global economy. In the face of evolving uncertainties, CISCE serves as a global platform where industries come together to strengthen cooperation and tackle supply chain issues. Join our interactive game to explore how this must-attend event fuels growth and connects industries.

The Global Supply Chain Promotion Index rose from 0.27 in 2018 to 0.66 in 2023 and the Global Supply Chain Connectivity Index increased from 0.271 in 2014 to 0.732 in 2023, both hitting a historic high. These two indices were officially released on Wednesday at the second China International Supply Chain Expo held in Beijing, according to GMW.cn.

The Global Supply Chain Promotion Index is the world's first comprehensive index to quantitatively assess the facilitation level of global supply chain. Based on a global supply chain facilitation analysis model, it includes metrics such as infrastructure connectivity, the influence of bilateral and multilateral trade rules, the impact of major economies' policies, technological innovation, and financial service support.

The Global Supply Chain Connectivity Index is the world's first comprehensive index to comprehensively measure the degree of connectivity of the global supply chain, taking into account the connectivity logic across upstream, midstream, and downstream components, and the external factors affecting supply chain connectivity.

Zhao Ping, director of the Academy of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said that overall, the upward trend of the "two indices" is very clear. This indicates that the overall development environment of the global supply chain is relatively stable, with facilitating factors remaining in the mainstream.

The 2024 edition of the Global Supply Chain Promotion Report, released alongside the two indices, summarizes five major trends in the development of global supply chains.

First, global logistics, communication, and financial infrastructure construction are moving toward a balance of efficiency and security.

Second, as the global supply chain develops toward regionalization, diversification, digitalization, and greening, new technologies, models, and business formats are emerging.

Major economies are enacting legislation to ensure the resilience of supply chains for key products and are strengthening supply chain risk monitoring and early warning systems.

Moreover, the emergence of new technologies is accelerating, with technological advancements driving innovation and sustainable development in the global supply chain.

The report also noted that international financial institutions and national policy banks are continuously launching new products to optimize and enrich financial supply.

Long Guoqiang, deputy head of the Development Research Center of the State Council, noted that digital transformation and green transformation have become important driving forces for the accelerated adjustment of supply chains.

The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) kicked off on Tuesday at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi venue) in Beijing. A total of 620 enterprises and organizations are taking part in this expo, which will run until Nov 30.

The expo showcases six key industrial chains, namely advanced manufacturing chain, clean energy chain, smart vehicle chain, digital technology chain, healthy life chain, and green agriculture chain, along with one exhibition area dedicated to supply chain services.

AITO, the premium electric vehicle brand under Seres, is showcasing its vehicles and its super range-extender system at the ongoing Second China International Supply China Expo, reflecting its commitment to intelligent luxury.

In just three years, AITO has launched three smart models, establishing itself as a key player in China's luxury EV market.

Among them, the flagship AITO M9 has received over 170,000 cumulative orders within 10 months of its debut.

The model has led sales in the premium segment priced above 500,000 yuan ($68,958), breaking the dominance of overseas brands in China's high-end automotive market.

The New AITO M7, designed with family users in mind, has also seen strong demand, with over 170,000 units delivered in 2024.

Both models underscore AITO's ability to blend cutting-edge technology with the refined experience expected of luxury vehicles.

Seres, AITO's parent company, highlights its achievements in supply chain innovation during the expo.

It has streamlined its network from 300 tier-one suppliers to 100, including 20 world-class suppliers, creating a more competitive industry cluster.

The Seres Super Range-Extender System, which utilizes the advanced C2E architecture and RoboREX intelligent control technology, is another highlight.

Among other things, it has a record-breaking efficiency of over 3.6 kWh/L.

Seres started to develop range-extender systems in 2016. Its range-extenders were installed in more than 340,000 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024.

The company said it will continue to focus on supply chain integration and collaboration, driving high-quality development in the smart electric vehicle sector and reinforcing its position as a leader in intelligent mobility.

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, reaffirmed the critical role of China's supply chains in supporting the US tech giant during his recent visit to China, aligning with other multinational companies in committing to the Chinese market and integrating more deeply into global industrial and supply networks.

In a visit before the opening of the China International Supply Chain Expo, Cook said that the company is "very committed to China", citing that he has visited the country three times so far this year.

When asked about Apple's future relationship with China, Cook told China Daily: "I think it will only get better. I always do something special in China."

China is one of Apple's largest supply-chain providers and one of its most important international markets. More than 80 percent of Apple's 200 major suppliers have production in the country.

In Cook's previous visit to China last month, he also said that Apple will continue to increase investment in the country and contribute to the high-quality development of supply chains.

Cook joined a group of top executives from companies at home and abroad, including Rio Tinto Plc, Corning Inc and Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group, which are participating at this year's CISCE, which kicked off in Beijing on Tuesday.

Jason Juang, managing director of HP Greater China, told China Daily: "As one of the most dynamic and important markets in the world, China plays an important role in HP's global supply chain."

US tech company HP has always adhered to the development strategy of "in China, for China", and continuously introduced advanced technology and management expertise into the Chinese market, he said.

"We will continue to provide consumers here with continuously iterated high-quality products, boost the digital upgrading of industrial and supply chains, and actively support the construction and development of China's information technology industry," he added.

The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China — a meeting key to the nation's reforms and modernization progress — said that China will further deepen reform and opening-up, and facilitate international cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

Zhang Qingwei, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said during a recent meeting that China is both a participant and beneficiary of global industrial and supply chains, as well as a firm defender and builder of the chains.

The country will integrate more deeply with the global industrial and supply chain system and firmly oppose protectionism and any form of decoupling, while maintaining the desired outcome of the global public good, he said.

Maintaining the stability of global supply chains is essential for addressing challenges confronting businesses worldwide, such as escalating costs, geopolitical tensions and rising protectionism, which could further fuel global inflation, government officials and business leaders said on Tuesday.

Delivering a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, Vice-President Han Zheng said that China is willing to work with all countries to promote the establishment of an open world economic system and ensure the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains.

This year's expo, which runs through Saturday, has attracted over 620 Chinese and foreign companies, marking a 20 percent increase in the number of exhibitors compared with the first edition, according to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, the organizer of the event. The proportion of overseas exhibitors has climbed from 26 percent to 32 percent, it said.

Noting that the global business environment is currently facing numerous challenges, Peter Szijjarto, Hungarian minister of foreign affairs and trade, said that supply chain disruptions, geopolitical pressures and surging energy prices have created significant obstacles for the development of Hungary's economy.

"What we advocate for is interconnectedness, not separation. We hope that the East and the West can cooperate with each other and uphold the spirit of civilization and mutual respect to achieve win-win outcomes," said Szijjarto.

Dominic Barton, chairman of multinational mining company Rio Tinto, said that geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies have not only driven inflation growth in various countries, but also threatened the world's ability to address issues of common concern such as poverty and climate change.

China's manufacturing capabilities have significantly reduced the cost of clean energy, particularly for solar panels and high-end batteries, Barton said, underlining the need for cooperation.

Wood Mackenzie, a United Kingdom-based energy consultancy, estimated earlier this year that if Chinese clean energy technologies and products were excluded, the global energy transition would cost 20 percent more by 2050, requiring an additional $6 trillion.

Therefore, according to John Denton, secretary-general of the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, it is essential for the global community to collaborate in ensuring a well-functioning multilateral trading system.

Sean Stein, incoming president of the US-China Business Council, said that over the past few decades, global supply chains have not only been the cornerstone of economic development, but also a key stabilizer for world peace and international cooperation.

Such interconnectedness has enabled the creation of resilient economies, supported innovation and generated employment opportunities, Stein said, adding that collaboration and development have benefited both China and the United States, as well as the whole world.

Federal Express, a US-based express transportation and logistics company, which is participating in the expo for the second time, announced earlier this month an increase in the frequency of international cargo flights between the US and Qingdao in Shandong province and Xiamen in Fujian province.

Global industrial and supply chains are rapidly evolving toward smarter and more sustainable systems, and as a key driver of global economic growth, China plays a pivotal role in this transformation, said Poh-Yian Koh, senior vice-president of FedEx and president of FedEx China.

China's foreign trade grew 5.2 percent year-on-year to 36.02 trillion yuan ($4.97 trillion) in the January-October period, according to the General Administration of Customs.

This robust performance underscored the country's pivotal role in ensuring the stable operation and resilient growth of global supply chains, Koh said.

BEIJING -- Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng on Tuesday called for promoting win-win cooperation, optimization and upgrading as well as green transition of global industrial and supply chains.

Han made the three-point proposal while addressing the opening ceremony of the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), which will run from Tuesday to Saturday in Beijing.

China will adhere to the right course of economic globalization, and enhance business and industrial capacity cooperation with other countries for a positive interplay among industries and shared benefits, Han said.

He noted that the country will deepen its innovation-driven development strategy, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, and create a broader space for cooperation concerning deep integration of industrial and supply chains.

He said China is willing to work with all other countries to expand cooperation in areas such as the green industry and clean energy — to boost global green development.

Noting that China has long been participating in and benefiting from global industrial and supply chain cooperation, while firmly upholding and contributing to such cooperation, Han said the country has made positive contributions to the development of the world economy.

China stands ready to work with other countries to build an open world economic system, and ensure stable and unimpeded global industrial and supply chains, he added.

As the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the CISCE gathers industry leaders and experts from around the world and helps promote global cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future", the expo's opening ceremony was attended by about 1,100 participants.

The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) is taking place in Beijing from Nov 26 to Nov 30. This year's event with the theme "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," introduces a new exhibition area dedicated to advanced manufacturing supply chains. This expo brings together exhibitors from around the world, including European and American enterprises, as well as enterprises from ASEAN, Africa and Latin America, according to Xinhua News Agency.

Tim Cook, the CEO of United States technology giant Apple Inc, has told China Daily the relationship between his company and China "will only get better".

"We are very committed to China, and that's why I have been here three times," Cook said on Monday while taking a tour of the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing during his third visit to the county of the year.

China is one of Apple's largest supply-chain providers and one of its most important international markets. More than 80 percent of Apple's 200 major suppliers produce items in the country.

When asked about Apple's future relationship with China, Cook said: "I think it will only get better. I always do something special in China."

Cook also joined top executives from global companies including Rio Tinto Plc, Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group, and Corning Inc in a meeting with Premier Li Qiang.

BEIJING - The second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) will run from Tuesday to Saturday in Beijing.

As the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains, the expo will gather industry leaders and experts from around the world and help promote global cooperation in industrial and supply chains. The following is an overview of what to expect from this year's event.

Wider participation

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," the expo, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), will see the participation of more than 600 companies, up about 20 percent from the first expo in 2023, according to the CCPIT.

Foreign exhibitors will account for 32 percent of the total, compared with 26 percent a year earlier. US companies will contribute the largest share of overseas participation, while the number of businesses from Europe and Japan will also increase significantly this year. Companies from countries participating in the Belt and Road cooperation will constitute 40 percent of foreign exhibitors at the 2024 edition.

Notably, to promote cooperation with less developed countries, China has invited many African enterprises to the expo and will provide free booths to help them showcase their products.

The expo's opening ceremony on Tuesday is expected to see the attendance of more than 1,000 global representatives, including political figures and business elites. It is estimated that the five-day event will attract a professional audience of about 200,000 in total.

Better showcase

Global industry leaders will exhibit their cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions in supply chains at this expo in China's capital.

Maersk and Sumitomo Electric are expected to debut new products, while Siemens will bring world-leading industrial automation technology to the event. China Resources and Honeywell will present technologies in the environmental protection and carbon reduction fields, while Rio Tinto, Bosch, Baowu Steel and XPENG will jointly exhibit in the expo's smart vehicle zone.

The 2024 expo will introduce a new exhibition area dedicated to advanced manufacturing, adding to last year's clean energy, smart vehicle, digital technology, healthy life, green agriculture and supply chain service areas.

A complete global advanced manufacturing industrial chain will be showcased in the new area, focused on four categories -- R&D and design, application of new materials, key components and processing, and intelligent manufacturing and high-end equipment.

This year's expo will have Hungary as its guest country of honor. The Hungary Pavilion will showcase Hungary's leading industries, unique resources, cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes and national brand image.

Closer cooperation

The expo is expected to further strengthen global consensus on industrial and supply chain cooperation, helping businesses from across the world to integrate more effectively into the global supply chain.

"Given the coexistence of opportunities and challenges in industrial transformation and international expansion, the CISCE holds significant importance," said David Xu, president of Bosch China.

CISCE acts as a crucial bridge in fostering communication and collaboration across the entire supply chain, noted Li Zheng, chief strategy officer of WOLQE, a German company focused on incubating startups in the new energy sector.

In the course of the exhibition, seven thematic events will be held, featuring domestic and international guests engaging in in-depth discussions. Additionally, over 300 activities, ranging from breakfast meetings to business negotiations, will take place during the expo.

A Beijing initiative, which aims to promote stable and smooth global supply chains, will be released at the event, and a flagship report will be published, providing analysis of new supply chain trends and drawing a global map for 11 key industries, including humanoid robots, smart cars and integrated circuits.

As the first of their kind in the world, two new indices will also be launched to provide governments and businesses with clearer insights into global supply chain development trends and risks.

China's proactive support for global supply chain cooperation will enable both domestic and foreign companies to capitalize on new business opportunities and boost their confidence in investing in its market, the country's top foreign trade and investment promotion agency said on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the second China International Supply Chain Expo, which will run from Nov 26 to 30 in Beijing, Zhang Shaogang, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said the event has already attracted over 600 exhibitors this year, with an expected attendance of more than 200,000 visitors from over 100 countries and regions.

As global industrial and supply chains have been significantly impacted in recent years by factors like geopolitics and the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that hosting the expo will bolster the resilience and stability of these networks, fostering increased investment and trade activities across the world while promoting the development of an open world economy.

Several multinational corporations, including Cargill Inc, FedEx Corp and Corning Inc from the United States, Maersk Group from Denmark, and Siemens AG and Bosch Group from Germany, will showcase their latest products and technology solutions, with several debuting innovations at the expo next month.

The Beijing-based CCPIT recently conducted a survey of over 400 major foreign-invested enterprises, with more than 65 percent of respondents recognizing the effectiveness of foreign investment policies introduced by central and local governments. Many also highlighted China's firm commitment to high-standard opening-up.

This year, international exhibitors at the second CISCE made up 32 percent of the total — surpassing last year's participation — with companies from the US leading the count, followed by a substantial rise in European and Japanese companies compared to the first edition, according to information released by the CCPIT.

This underscores the sustained optimism of foreign investors toward the Chinese market, reaffirming the nation's status as a preferred supply chain partner in global resource allocation, Zhang added.

Echoing that sentiment, Poh-Yian Koh, senior vice-president of FedEx Express and president of FedEx China, said that China's endeavors to build a modern industrial system will facilitate global trade and encourage its companies to invest in overseas markets.

The US express transportation service provider and two-time CISCE participant announced last week a major upgrade to its Shanghai international express and cargo hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The upgrade will transform the facility into an intercontinental transit hub.

As China moves up the value chain, it has increasingly become an exporter rather than an importer of intermediate goods used by manufacturers in other regions. This shift strengthens connectivity and, in turn, enhances the competitiveness of global supply chains, said Lin Meng, director of the Modern Supply Chain Research Institute at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation.

In addition to helping businesses of all sizes from various countries leverage this platform for better integrated development, the expo also seeks to promote the deep integration of emerging economies into the global supply chain, said Yu Yi, head of the CCPIT's general office.

The number of exhibitors participating at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) is expected to increase by about 20 percent compared to the first expo, CCTV News reported on Monday.

About 600 domestic and international exhibitors will participate in this year's expo, with the exhibition area increasing to 120,000 square meters from the 100,000 square meters last year.

This year's expo will attract guests from over 100 countries and regions, more than 10 international organizations, delegations from over 30 provinces, autonomous regions and cities with the number of visitors expected to surpass that of last year.

This year's CISCE will be held from Nov 26 to 30 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, said Zhang Shaogang, vice-chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office on Oct 28.

A new exhibition area for advanced manufacturing chains will be added this year in addition to the clean energy chains, smart vehicle chains, digital technology chains, healthy life chains, green agricultural chains and supply chain services of the last year.

Themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future" this year's expo focuses on promoting international collaboration of industrial and supply chains. The exhibitions will be the main highlight of the event while also featuring diversified supporting activities.

As the world's first national expo dedicated to supply chains, the China International Supply Chain Expo promotes integration across different segments of the supply chain, connecting enterprises of all sizes, facilitating industry-academia cooperation, and encouraging collaboration between domestic and international businesses.

The event provides a unique platform for trade promotion, investment partnerships, innovation, and knowledge sharing, helping companies from different countries and regions integrate into global supply chains more effectively.

Over 1,000 representatives from political and business circles are expected to attend the opening ceremony on Nov 26, during which international political leaders, heads of international organizations, and executives from Fortune Global 500 companies will deliver speeches.

During the opening ceremony, an initiative on stable and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains is expected to be released.

A supply chain expo set to open in Beijing in November has generated enthusiasm among the business community in the United Kingdom, despite disruptions in global supply chains due to regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

During a promotional roadshow in London on Friday, many business leaders, including representatives from the China Britain Business Council, pharma giant AstraZeneca, and the 48 Group Club, expressed willingness to participate in the second edition of the China International Supply Chain Expo.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, or CCPIT, the organizer of the expo, led a delegation of Chinese enterprises to the UK and attended the roadshow.

Noting the importance of an unimpeded supply chain, Ren said: "Industrial and supply chains in the economy are like the circulatory system of the human body. Any obstacles or disruptions can slow down or block the flow of lifeblood of the world economy."

Last year, CCPIT hosted the inaugural supply chain expo, the world's first national-level exhibition focused on supply chain partnerships and innovations. The expo saw the participation of 515 enterprises and organizations from 55 countries and regions, and the signing of more than 200 cooperation deals worth more than $20 billion.

According to Ren, around 400 companies, including major UK firms, such as AstraZeneca, HSBC, and Rio Tinto, have confirmed their participation in the second edition expo, which is categorized into six main sections, including advanced manufacturing, smart vehicles, green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, and healthy life.

The expo aims to provide cooperation opportunities between global enterprises and help companies develop partners alongside the supply chain.

"China and the UK both have comparative advantages in terms of finance, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and other fields. Cooperation between Chinese and British enterprises is conducive to maintaining the resilience and stability of the supply chain of both countries," Ren said.

Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council, supported Ren's remarks by highlighting the rapidity of Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi's entry into the electric vehicle market. Remarkably, Xiaomi produced its first electric car just three years after announcing the EV project in 2021.

"It's more efficient to make a car like that in China … it's more efficient to distribute that activity around the world. And that is what this supply chain conference is about," said Cowper-Coles, who had led a delegation to the inaugural expo and will also organize a delegation to attend this year's expo.

Jack Perry Jr, chairman of the 48 Group Club, said the China-UK partnership has enabled both nations to leverage their respective strengths, the UK's innovation, design, and financial services, and China's manufacturing prowess and huge market scale.

In the early 1950s, a group of visionary UK businessmen, led by Jack Perry, leader of the 48 Group, started trading with the newly founded People's Republic of China despite a Western embargo, and the bilateral trade volume over the past 70 years has risen from zero to over $100 billion in 2023.

"Together, they can drive global progress and prosperity," said Perry Jr. "The UK-China relationship is vital for the integrity and efficiency of global supply chains. By resolving current challenges through diversification, technology, and open dialogue, we can ensure a resilient and prosperous future."

AstraZeneca, the biopharmaceutical company, has built three factories in Qingdao, Wuxi, and Taizhou, China, and has invested in many Chinese companies within its supply chain. Additionally, the company selected Shanghai as the location for its fifth global strategic center in February, joining its other centers in the UK, the United States, and Sweden.

Sheena Behn, vice president for the company's vaccine and oncology supply chains, said: "Last year, we had a big presence at the supply chain expo. We celebrated our 30-year presence in China and also announced various investments.

"We will be present in the second supply chain expo in November in Beijing, where we'll be very happy to talk further about our supply chain growth in China and how we will be building sustainability into our supply chains of the future," she added.

Zheng Zeguang, China's ambassador to the UK, noted that the government pledged in March to further shorten the negative list for foreign investment and to abolish or reduce market access restrictions in sectors such as manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, and healthcare.

"The message is that we are not only to do a good job within our own country but also will open our door even wider to international investors and businesses," he said.

xingyi@chinadaily.com.cn

BEIJING — China is indispensable to the global supply chain and closer cooperation is a win-win choice, executives of multinational corporations, economists and officials said.

Airbus, for example, said its cooperation with Chinese companies covers the entire industrial chain, from procurement, production and installation of large components to aircraft final assembly and delivery, and the company has benefited from such close ties in its business expansion.

George Xu, CEO of Airbus China, said in an exclusive interview last month: "In the past, we had to ship all the big parts from Europe, which took 60 days. (Later), we worked with a Chinese partner, the Aviation Industry Corp of China, to produce the parts locally and deliver them 'door to door' to our Tianjin final assembly line."

"The locally made parts are comparable to those made in Europe in terms of both quality and costs," said Xu.

Currently, Airbus has about 200 suppliers in China, and components produced by Chinese companies are found on all Airbus commercial jetliner types.

Thanks to strong local suppliers and a stable regulatory environment, the building of the second line of the Airbus A320 family Final Assembly Line Asia in North China's major industrial port city of Tianjin is in full swing.

Juan Tubio, general manager of FALA, said: "(There is) a very stable regulatory environment around us. The Tianjin Free Trade Zone umbrella is helping us to work in very close collaboration and discussion with Tianjin Port and Tianjin Customs."

"We are now building the second assembly line that will be entering into service in late 2025, and in theory, doubling our capacity in Tianjin," he said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also reiterated the company's long-term commitment to the Chinese market during his visit to Shanghai last month.

"There's no supply chain in the world that's more critical to us than China," Cook said, noting that Apple will strengthen its long-term cooperation with its Chinese supply chain partners and work closely with them on green and smart manufacturing to achieve win-win results.

Data showed that 151 of Apple's 200 major suppliers have production activities in China.

Earlier in March, Apple announced that it would expand its applied research lab in Shanghai and establish a new lab in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, later this year.

To boost global supply chain cooperation, China will hold the second China International Supply Chain Expo in November this year after the first CISCE was successfully held in Beijing last year.

Ren Hongbin, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said that an exhibition area for advanced manufacturing would be added to the second CISCE.

The new exhibition area will focus on new quality productive forces from perspectives including front-end research and development and design, application of new materials, processing of key components and smart manufacturing, said Ren.

Besides the new exhibition area, the second CISCE will also have exhibition booths categorized into various sections, including clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy lifestyles, green agriculture and services for supply chains.

"Today, China is indispensable for the world. It is impossible to isolate China, although there are such attempts," Kresimir Macan, a Croatian political and economic expert, said in a recent interview.

"Attempts to decouple or de-risk from China will eventually backfire on those who impose them," said Macan.

China remains a crucial trading partner for most countries worldwide despite so-called decoupling from China, according to the Asian Development Bank.

"China's still probably the number one trading partner for the majority of countries in the world," ADB Chief Economist Albert Park was quoted as saying by CNBC. "The story of China being delinked from the global economy, I think those are probably generally very overdone or very partial."

China's gross domestic product grew 5.2 percent year-on-year to a new high of 126.06 trillion yuan ($17.4 trillion) last year, and the country seeks to achieve a GDP growth rate of around 5 percent this year.

Xinhua

Some 200 domestic and foreign companies have confirmed their intention to attend the second China International Supply Chain Expo to be held from Nov 26 to 30 in Beijing, and more than 20 percent of participants are foreign companies, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said on Friday.

The preparatory work of the expo has begun to be carried out smoothly, showing China's commitment of further opening-up. The CCPIT has conducted overseas roadshows in some Asian, African and European countries. Next, it will promote the expo in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"The second expo will add an advanced manufacturing chain exhibition area, focusing on the development of new quality productive forces. We will help identify more upstream and downstream enterprises in advanced manufacturing, and showcase the latest technological innovation achievements," said Yang Fan, a spokeswoman for the CCPIT.

Meanwhile, the CCPIT is organizing for foreign enterprises to take local tours in China, and the first stop is currently ongoing in Hainan province. Representatives from more than 30 foreign enterprises such as Qualcomm and GE Healthcare are participating in the event, and several companies have reached cooperation intentions with Hainan in the fields of digital economy, health and wellness industry, equipment remanufacturing, and environmental protection.

At the invitation of counterpart organizations, the CCPIT plans to organize a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs to visit the United States in June.

"I would like to emphasize that we all see how the business communities of China and the United States have been voting for more cooperation, instead of decoupling," Yang said.

At the same time, the operation of Chinese enterprises in Australia showed a stable and positive trend last year, the CCPIT said. In particular, 57.5 percent of the surveyed enterprises said that they achieved profitability in their operations in Australia in 2023, and 45.4 percent of the surveyed enterprises plan to further expand their business scales in Australia.

zhuwenqian@chinadaily.com.cn