XINHUA

Mexican entrepreneurs are preparing to virtually showcase their goods at the upcoming third China International Import Expo (CIIE) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is one of the multiple advantages of participating in the expo virtually in order “to attract potential buyers of high-quality Mexican products,” said Agustin Garcia Rechy, director of Asia and Oceania at the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE).

While this year has been difficult for the private sector, businesses are still keen to take part in the November expo, which will be hosted by the city of Shanghai, through “virtual one-on-one meetings with potential future clients in China,” said Garcia.

In fact, Mexico has been in contact with the organizer to keep the number of exhibitors at last year’s level, between 50 and 55 firms, or possibly to increase that number to as many as 70 companies, mainly food producers, he said.

Since its first edition, the CIIE has “stood out as the most important trade event for sales in China,” positioning the Asian country as the world’s second-largest economy, and second-largest importer and consumer of goods and services.

A leading Mexican entrepreneur, Garcia and the president of the COMCE’s Business Section for Asia and Oceania, Sergio Ley, have in recent years introduced dozens of companies to China’s market.

At the same time, Mexico’s Economy Secretary Graciela Márquez commented on China’s steadfast support for multilateralism and free trade through such venues as the China Import and Export Fair (also known as the Canton Fair), the CIIE and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

China has become deeply integrated in globalization and is aware it cannot expand domestic demand without a smoothly operating global value chain, she said.

The CIIE is the first dedicated import exhibition in the world and has seen fruitful outcomes at the past two expos.

The third CIIE will be held on Nov. 5 though Nov. 10 this year.

…Oct. 9. 2020