25th May 2023 – (Amsterdam) Dutch and Chinese business representatives gathered in the Netherlands to sign a memorandum of cooperation on matters related to the China International Import Expo (CIIE). The agreement was signed during a promotional event for the sixth CIIE, which is scheduled to take place in Shanghai from 5th November to 10th November.
During the event, Jin Yuan, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy to the Netherlands, delivered a keynote speech emphasising China’s position as the world’s second-largest import market. He highlighted that China’s import volume in 2022 reached 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars, indicating the country’s immense market potential. The CIIE, the world’s first import expo held at a national level, provides an excellent platform for large and small Dutch enterprises to showcase and promote their products.
Jin urged Dutch businesses to take an active role in the expo, explore potential collaborations with their Chinese counterparts, and reap the significant benefits of the Chinese market. The memorandum of cooperation signed at the event aims to facilitate such collaborations and promote trade between the two countries.
Shi Huangjun, the vice president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), commended Dutch companies for their enthusiastic participation in the CIIE, noting the considerable benefits they have achieved. He also highlighted that the expo attracts not only large multinational corporations but also a multitude of innovative and potentially high-growth small- and medium-sized enterprises from the Netherlands.
The event included a screening of a promotional video for the sixth CIIE, providing attendees with detailed insights into the exhibition areas and preparations for the upcoming expo. Organizers also addressed various inquiries raised by Dutch representatives, demonstrating the importance of communication and collaboration between the two countries.
The memorandum of cooperation signed between Chinese and Dutch business representatives highlights the importance of international trade and collaboration, particularly during the challenging economic landscape caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement aims to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries and promote their economic growth.
The CIIE provides an excellent opportunity for Dutch companies to showcase their products and services in one of the world’s largest markets. The expo also allows for the exchange of ideas and innovations between domestic and international businesses, promoting economic growth and development.