Shanghai Launches Imported Goods Expo Ahead of CIIE

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Shanghai has kicked off its sixth annual Imported Goods Shopping Festival, aiming to highlight products that will be showcased at next month’s International Import Expo and to generate buzz ahead of the upcoming trade event.

For the first time, this year’s festival, featuring nearly 50 sales events focused on products related to the expo, is joined by a month-long celebration of country-themed goods and culture, according to a local commerce official speaking at the launch yesterday.

More than ten operators of the expo’s ongoing trading platforms will host sales throughout the festival. These events are targeted at local shoppers and will showcase expo products through direct sales and cultural activities centered on participating countries.

Over 100 products that will debut at the Expo will be available at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center for the first time, explained Zhu Jing, the deputy general manager of the center, one of the expo’s continuous trading platforms.

This year’s Month of Diverse Goods and Cultures from Various Countries will feature imported items from 12 nations and regions, including Argentina, Japan, and Turkey. The schedule includes sales of Pakistani goods and traditional Japanese crafts.

In addition, prior to the expo, organizers of the China International Fruit Expo and importers will introduce popular fruits that will be showcased at the event, such as volcanic bananas from Costa Rica and organic blueberries from Peru.

Unlike the expo, which primarily targets professional buyers, the shopping festival offers these debut fruits to a broader consumer base, according to Shui Junjing, the project director of the China International Fruit Expo.

Since its inception in 2020, nearly 300 themed events promoting imported products have been held, resulting in sales exceeding 6 billion yuan (about 842 million USD), the official noted.

The International Import Expo, a key trade fair focused on imports, is scheduled to take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.