Shanghai is the center of global attention, bringing together countries’ aspirations for openness and shared prosperity. This was stated by Chinese Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang at the opening ceremony of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on November 5.

According to him, the Expo has become China’s key initiative to defend trade liberalization and economic globalization, and to actively open its market to the world. “The Import Expo has grown from China’s unilateral invitation into a shared commitment of all parties, from a Chinese initiative on openness into a common choice of the whole world,” the Chinese Vice Premier stressed.

Ding Xuexiang noted that the country is deliberately lowering barriers and expanding access to its market: China’s overall average tariff level has already fallen to 7.3%, and a zero tariff has been introduced for all least-developed African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

The Vice Premier also paid particular attention to practical support for developing countries and their integration into global supply chains. “We share our experience with developing countries and support the creation of various industrial parks in Southeast Asia, Africa and beyond, which contributes to local employment, industrialization and improved trade conditions,” Ding Xuexiang said, rejecting claims that China is “crowding out” other economies.

The Vice Premier of the State Council also focused on technological transformation and trade expansion. “The competitiveness of Chinese products is driven not by government subsidies, but by technological advantages built through continuous R&D investment and the innovative drive of companies,” Ding Xuexiang stressed, adding that China is ready to deepen scientific and technological cooperation with all nations and to develop the digital economy and the green transition.

In conclusion, the Chinese authorities expressed confidence in meeting this year’s economic targets and in a successful start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. “China will always be an important source of opportunities for global development, and we sincerely welcome businesses from around the world that wish to invest and put down even deeper roots in our country,” the Vice Premier concluded.

It should be noted that Armenia is traditionally represented at the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, showcasing its national products and economic potential. A News.am correspondent is also working on the sidelines of the large-scale Shanghai Expo and will shortly report in more detail on the participation of Armenian companies and the key events of the exhibition.