The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, has once again showcased China's consumption and innovation potential, drawing an increasing number of multinational enterprises aiming to deepen their engagement in the world's second-largest import market.

This year's expo features 4,108 global exhibitors, including 290 Fortune Global 500 firms and leading industry players. A notable focus is on developing economies, with a dedicated exhibition area for products from least-developed countries and expanded booths for African and Asian enterprises. Over 160 companies from 37 least-developed countries are participating, while African representation has surged by 80 percent compared with last year.

For multinational companies, the CIIE serves as more than a showcase. Medtronic, participating for the eighth consecutive year, presented over 500 innovative products and treatments, 70 of which made their market debut. By converting these flagship exhibits into commercial offerings, Medtronic has extended access to advanced medical solutions for Chinese patients, while also strengthening its localization strategy. Cao Shan, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Medtronic Greater China, highlighted the company's recently launched digital healthcare innovation center in Beijing, noting the city's concentration of AI and digitalization talent, along with top-tier tertiary hospitals, as key factors in its strategic planning.

The expo also emphasizes innovation across sectors. 461 new products, technologies, and services are being displayed in areas including low-altitude economy, humanoid robotics, artificial intelligence, and green and low-carbon technologies, alongside new consumption trends in silver economy, sports economy, car-based cultural tourism, and ice-and-snow economy. Observers note that these innovations not only address evolving consumer demand but also encourage multinational firms to expand research and development in China.

Academic and policy insights presented at the CIIE underscore the market's strategic value. Wang Wen, Dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University, described China's market as “the most scarce resource” globally, highlighting its potential to absorb innovation and generate new business forms. The expo has historically facilitated over 1,100 foreign-funded enterprises and investment promotion agencies in targeted matchmaking activities, resulting in more than USD 500 billion in intended transactions across its first seven editions.

Li Guoqing, Deputy Director-General of the CIIE Bureau, emphasized that multinational corporations view participation as a long-term commitment to China, leveraging its advantages in capital, technology, and market scale. The spillover effect—turning exhibits into commodities and exhibitors into investors—continues to attract companies seeking to embed themselves deeper into local value chains.

China’s market openness is reflected in long-term trends: the country has ranked as the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years, with an overall tariff level of 7.3 percent. Complementing the CIIE platform, initiatives promoting trade facilitation, investment protection, and intellectual property rights are providing a stable, transparent, and predictable business environment, helping global firms convert innovation into market-ready offerings.

For international investors and corporate strategists, the 8th CIIE offers actionable insights: understanding evolving consumer segments, identifying localization and innovation opportunities, and leveraging China's market scale to inform long-term strategic planning.