CIIE viewed as a bridge to vast consumer base

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WANG XIANG/XINHUA Canadian companies said the China International Import Expo, or CIIE, gave them new business leads, potential Chinese partners and a closer look at opportunities…

Canadian companies said the China International Import Expo, or CIIE, gave them new business leads, potential Chinese partners and a closer look at opportunities in one of the world's biggest consumer markets as the annual trade event wrapped up in Shanghai.

The shift was particularly evident among small and medium-sized Canadian businesses, which said Chinese demand and the country's growing digital economy could open new opportunities for long-term cooperation.

"This year's CIIE made me feel the openness and vitality of the Chinese market," said Lei Shidi, a representative of a Canadian health-product company.

"Chinese buyers are paying more attention to product quality, technological innovation and long-term cooperation," she told China Daily.

"The biggest gain was not only displaying Canadian products, but also building trust, expanding business opportunities and looking for long-term partners," she said.

About 16 Canadian companies from sectors including food, agricultural products, health products and innovative technologies participated in the expo, according to Zheng Xiaoling, president of the Canada International Trade Promotion Society, who has organized Canadian companies' participation for nine years.

Zheng told China Daily that the purpose of Canadian companies' participation had gradually shifted "from simply displaying products to finding partners and expanding the Chinese market".

Canadian exhibitors held discussions with Chinese buyers, importers and distributors, as well as online platforms and supply-chain and brand-management companies. The talks covered bulk purchasing, brand introduction, cross-border distribution, livestreaming e-commerce and market entry.

Zhang Zhixun, co-secretary-general of the society, said one of the most notable changes this year was the growing integration of online and offline channels.

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