Hangzhou Launches Second Event to Promote Foreign Exporters in China

On March 17, the second event in the ‘Big Market for All: Export to China’ series is taking place in Hangzhou, located in eastern Zhejiang province. The event aims to support international exporters in expanding their presence within the Chinese market.

Organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Zhejiang provincial government, the three-day event concludes today. It features two main exhibition zones showcasing imported products and premium consumer goods from more than 300 companies representing 85 countries. The venue comprises eight sections dedicated to import businesses, BRICS nations, cross-border e-commerce, new energy vehicle sales, and additional sectors.

The ‘Big Market for All’ initiative, which is set to include 100 events overall, was launched early last month to better match supply with demand and foster international cooperation. Its goal is to introduce more high-quality products and services to consumers in China. The initial event was held in Beijing on February 4.

This Hangzhou event focuses on broadening imports by establishing a comprehensive platform for showcasing and selling imported consumer goods. It simplifies the process for Chinese companies and consumers to purchase international products domestically, avoiding the need to travel abroad, while also facilitating efficient entry of high-quality goods from around the world into China.

Among the highlights is an exhibition area for BRICS countries, displaying top-tier products from Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa. Additionally, specialized pavilions feature excellent goods from Thailand, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Vietnam, giving Chinese consumers access to products previously only obtainable abroad.

This initiative reflects China’s commitment to expanding opening-up and pursuing autonomous, proactive economic development. A deputy director-general from the Ministry of Commerce’s foreign trade department explained that it’s called ‘Export to China’ rather than ‘Import to China’ because of its focus on the trade relationships from China’s partners’ perspectives.

As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest importer, China’s trade minister emphasized that ongoing industry upgrades and improvements in living standards are generating new demand and creating substantial import opportunities. He reaffirmed China’s willingness to open up further and share benefits with global partners.

The Ministry of Commerce plans to continue developing high-quality platforms to position China as the premier export destination for more countries’ products, leveraging targeted connections and initiatives.

Official data shows that China’s imports reached a record high of CNY 18.48 trillion (USD 2.68 trillion) last year. It has maintained its status as the world’s second-largest importer for 17 consecutive years. In recent years, China has contributed about 30% to the global economy and serves as a key export market for nearly 80 countries and regions.

An industry expert noted that China aims to deepen collaboration with regional and global partners through foreign trade. The country needs to import raw materials, advanced technology, equipment, and services but also seeks to boost its domestic market’s influence through events like ‘Big Market for All: Export to China,’ helping promote economic growth.

“Domestic demand in China has driven over half of the country’s economic growth, but there is still significant potential for expansion,” the expert added.