China International Import Expo hits record high with $649b in deals 

The China International Import Expo (CIIE), which concluded on Monday (Nov 10), recorded its highest-ever intended transaction value, rising more than 4 percent year-on-year to nearly HK$649 billion.

This year, a record 380 Hong Kong enterprises took part in the expo, while the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) organized over 1,000 business matching sessions.

To boost exposure for local products, a live-streaming studio was set up in the food hall, helping several Hong Kong exhibitors secure successful collaborations.

Lyu Jian, Chief Representative for East China at the HKTDC, said Hong Kong products and services must emphasize quality and innovation to stand out amid intense competition in the mainland market, while avoiding homogeneity and price wars.

He added that preliminary feedback from Hong Kong exhibitors has been generally positive, with about half already expressing their intention to participate again next year.

Meanwhile, the pavilion for American companies remained the largest at the expo for the seventh consecutive year.

Eric Zheng Yi, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, said the number of US companies participating in the CIIE has continued to grow annually, regardless of fluctuations in Sino-US relations.

However, he cautioned that uncertainty in the bilateral relationship remains the biggest long-term challenge for member companies.

Zheng added that relations are expected to stabilize following the recent meeting between the Chinese and US leaders, which would help companies plan more confidently for the next 12 months.