A view of Haikou, South China’s Hainan Province Photo: VCG

More than 3,400 brands from over 60 countries and regions will be present at this year's Sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), which will be held from April 13 to 18 in South China's Hainan Province. International exhibits will account for 65 percent of the total number, representing a 20-percentage point increase compared to last year, Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said on Monday.

A Chinese analyst said that the strong participation of multinational companies - against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism - shows that foreign investors are "voting with their feet" and showing confidence in the Chinese market.

He noted that the expo, a vivid manifestation of China's continued push for opening-up, is set to play a significant role in strengthening the resilience of global supply chain and channeling confidence into global economy.

Canada, as the Guest Country of Honor, will set up a 400-square-meter pavilion and organize nearly 40 Canadian enterprises to participate in the expo, displaying a range of products including cosmetics, agricultural products, and health supplements, Sheng said at a press briefing of the State Council Information Office on Monday.

In addition, a total of 12 countries and regions including Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Ireland, will organize official delegations to participate in the event, with countries such as Russia and Bulgaria establishing national pavilions for the first time, according to Sheng.

One of the highlights of the upcoming expo is "global debuts," which will lead consumption trends and fashion, Sheng said.

"CICPE will strive to build a premier platform for the debut of popular consumer products, and will organize a series of global first releases, Asia-Pacific premieres, and China debuts, enabling more world-class products, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative achievements to make their debuts," Sheng said. He stressed that the expo aims to position itself as the "starting station" and "must-visit destination" for global trendy lifestyles, for example, in areas such as new split-type flying cars, intelligent robots, and smart cultural and sports bus stops.

Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Monday that he expected the expo to serve as an important platform for global brands to learn the demands of Chinese consumers and adjust their strategies accordingly.

"The rise in international participants highlights their increasing interests in Chinese market, which is massive, undergoing a consumption upgrade trend," he said.

The expo is the first of its kind after Hainan Free Trade Port launched island-wide special customs operations in December.

According to Sheng, as of now, over 70 major enterprises have established a presence in Hainan following their participation in the expo. The expo has played a significant role in converting the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port into market dynamism, industrial drive, and real development results, he said.

Global Times