The world brings its wares to Shanghai

Editor's Note: The Country Exhibition covers an area of around 30,000 square meters in this year's CIIE. Including China, 64 countries from five continents and the World Trade Organization, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the International Trade Center are attending the Country Exhibition. A total of 15 countries have been granted "guest of honor" status: Cambodia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, India, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Peru, Russia, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Zambia.

Cambodia

The Cambodia Pavilion has been designed with its own cultural style, and the whole pavilion is built in the same style as the Royal Palace of Cambodia. The pavilion displays Cambodian products and promotional materials on trade and economics, Khmer culture, tourism and investment projects. Cambodian companies featured at last year's CIIE as well, with products including pepper, corn, cashews, soy sauce, coffee and silk.

During the Cambodia-China Trade and Investment Promotion Forum held in Beijing on Jan 22, Wang Shouwen, China's vice-minister of commerce, said that China is willing to promote more Cambodian industrial products, as well as agricultural products such as bananas and mangoes exported to China. According to the official data, the value of China-Cambodia bilateral trade aims to reach $10 billion by 2023.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic Pavilion presents a number of technologically advanced products. Visitors coming to the pavilion are able to see the fastest ultra-light airplane, a patented technology which transforms used cooking oil into biodegradable components for cosmetics, a super-light dress made from nanofiber, extremely precise optical devices and beautifully designed lamps. These will be accompanied by the romantic tones of Czech pianos, the delightful taste of Czech beer and other famous food and beverage products.

Because the Czech Republic is well-known for its crystal and glass, these will receive special attention, not only in the country pavilion but also in the business exhibition of CIIE.

France

France is the largest agricultural products exporter within the European Union. France is at present China's fourth largest trade partner in the EU. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the bilateral trade value between China and France reached $62.9 billion in 2018, hitting a record high.

More than 70 French companies have signed up for this year's CIIE, with their total exhibition area reaching 14,000 square meters. With the Eiffel Tower model in the middle of the booth of the France pavilion, the exhibition area is divided into four major themes: health, sustainable cities, food and wine, and technology. Lectures and other activities will be held at the booth during the CIIE.

Greece

Greece is a major maritime country with a large merchant fleet. It owns 17 percent of the world's seagoing merchant vessels with gross tonnage over 1,000 metric tons, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. China and Greece have enjoyed years of cooperation in the shipping industry. The Port of Piraeus, jointly developed by the two countries, has been transformed from a local port a decade ago to a role model of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Greece set up a country pavilion in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in January, which was the first of its kind after the first CIIE.The pavilion serves as the platform to promote economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. At this year's event, the Greek pavilion focuses on cultural heritage, hospitality and gastronomy.

India

The India Pavilion at the second CIIE, with the theme of "Progressive India: A Land of Unlimited Possibilities", is a depiction of present-day India's stature in global trade, as well as the enormous potential it offers in the future. The Indian pavilion aims to showcase the country's traditions, culture, food and art. There are around 70 Indian companies that have signed up for this year's CIIE, participating in all sectors of the exhibition.

According to China's Ministry of Commerce, the bilateral trade value of import and export goods between China and India increased 13.2 percent year-on-year to reach $95.54 billion in 2018.

Italy

Foreign trade is an important pillar of Italy's economy, which contributed more than 40 percent to the country's annual GDP. In 2018, China-Italy bilateral trade value amounted to $54.2 billion, making China the largest Asian trade partner of Italy, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

More than 120 Italian companies have signed up for this year's show to display their latest products and technologies in equipment, automobile, high-end consumption, healthcare, agriculture and food. The country pavilion has transformed the space into a "little Italy" showcasing iconic classic tourist attractions and the latest technological innovations.

Jamaica

Jamaica's major exports include bauxite, alumina, sucrose and banana, and the country's main imports are oil, food and machinery. As the largest English speaking country in the Caribbean area, tourism is also the pillar industry of Jamaica.

Organizations and companies displayed their signature products such as rum and coffee, and promoted trips to Jamaica at last year's CIIE. This year, through the application of high-tech VR and large-screen, visitors can feel the local culture more vividly.

Jordan

At this year's CIIE, Jordan's booth integrates contemporary Jordan and its history, guiding guests to visit the ancient city of Petra, one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World", and witness development in a wide range of industries such as industrial sector, energy, agriculture, tourism, ICT and medical tourism.

Visitors can access detailed information on Jordan's business environment and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Jordan will provide the potential business opportunities and offer merchants with comprehensive incentives and convenience.

Kazakhstan

The major exports from China to Kazakhstan are machinery, textile and high-tech products. Minerals, base metals and chemical products make up the majority of China's imports from Kazakhstan.

With the image of four State-owned enterprises in Kazakhstan as the background inside the booth, the exhibition symbolizes the convergence of the wisdom of the Kazakh people and the cohesion of their strength to jointly commit themselves to the beautiful vision of the future development of the country. Companies mainly showcase their quality beef, strawberry jam, honey and vodka at this year's CIIE.

Malaysia

According to data from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bilateral trade value between China and Malaysia surged 13 percent year-on-year to top over $108.6 billion in 2018, making China the largest trade partner of Malaysia for 10 years in a row.

Frozen Musang King Durian with shells, which were displayed at last year's CIIE, were officially exported to China in June this year. Apart from durian, Malaysian companies also bring coffee, tea, coconut milk and nutrition products to this year's CIIE.

Peru

Located in the western part of South America, Peru is the world's second largest manufacturer of copper products. Peru is an important trade partner for China in South America. In succession to its debut at the first CIIE, up to 20 Peruvian companies mainly demonstrate their signature agricultural products such as quinoa and maca this year. In the booth of Peru, visitors can experience the nation's culture and wonderful products.

The "yunza" tree in the pavilion, according to the Peruvian tradition, represents a gathering place for celebration and exchanging gifts.

Russia

Russia, the transcontinental country covering part of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia, is the largest country in the world in land area. It is rich in the natural resources of timber, natural gas, iron, nickel and tin.

Russia was also given the guest of honor status last year. Led by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a delegation of about 100 Russian companies joined the exhibition last year and showcased their airplane engines, medical devices and consumer products. At this year's show, the Russian delegation is exhibiting agricultural products, technological devices, jewelry and artworks. Here the visitors can enjoy the works of great Russian composers and views of the nation's pleasant scenery. At the same time, you can learn a lot about Russia's latest state-of-the-art technology and culture.

Thailand

Thailand is the world's largest exporter of natural rubber and a major supplier of fish products. Statistics released by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce in August showed that the country's total export value of durian reached $817 million during the first six months, up 45 percent from a year earlier. Durian takes up nearly 44 percent of Thailand's annual export volume of all fruits. China is the largest importer of Thai durian.

Tourism is a pillar industry for Thailand. According to Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports, more than 5.65 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand in the first half of this year, making China the largest source of visitors to Thailand. The pavilion also brings out prominent features such as innovative agricultural food and architecture product innovation, visionary planning of transportation, logistics and digital connectivity.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan set up a national-level raw material commodity exchange at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) - the venue of the CIIE - in January. The exchange serves as a platform for selling commodities including cotton, nonferrous metal and urea from Uzbekistan and buying construction materials, textile, machinery, home appliances and food that are needed in central Asian countries.

The booth of Uzbekistan consists of 12 sections, which show Uzbekistan's development achievements in the fields of tourism, automotive industry, light industry, chemical industry and food industry.

Zambia

Located in South-Central Africa, Zambia is rich in natural resources, especially a rich reserve of copper. The country accounts for 2.8 percent of the world's total reserve of copper.

Agriculture, mining and services are the three major industries of Zambia. The mining and smelting of copper takes the predominant position in the country's economy.

The country's major exports include copper, cobalt, zinc, timber, tobacco, sugar and coffee. Copper exports are the major source of Zambia's foreign exchange. Its major imports include machinery, oil, chemical products, medicine and textiles. The country is bringing many local products for visitors to enjoy.

Photos by Xing Yi / China Daily

(China Daily 11/05/2019 page14)