After successfully controlling the pandemic in China, President Xi Jing Ping is set to open the annual China International Import Expo, signaling a return to normalcy in the world’s second-largest economy. – By Gerald Gekara
Over the years, the expo has been a major exchange program for companies to interconnect, exhibit their products, making their brands known to the Chinese public.
These efforts culminate to instant customers, provided by the largest market than any other world market.
In its welcoming message, the expo bureau noted that it was open to working with all countries, regions and international organizations “to make CIIE a world-class Expo, providing new channels for countries and regions to do business, strengthen cooperation and promote common prosperity of the world economy and trade.”
The expo has become hugely attractive that even though the world is in the middle of a pandemic, more than 500,000 people from across the globe have registered to attend the event.
Previous events have drawn huge publicity, especially with the attendance of foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and then EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan last year.
However, attendees will be treated to the new normal, as China is careful not to trigger a third wave of the virus infections, after successfully controlling the first wave.
Participants from abroad will have to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in Shanghai and be tested for Covid-19.
Before entering the venue, visitors must provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 nucleic acid test and wear a mask at all times, according to CIIE guidelines. Body temperature checks will also be conducted at the National Convention and Exhibition Centre, the venue for the event.
