The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a vivid epitome of China’s expanded opening up. The expo features as the world’s first national-level exhibition focusing on imports and symbolises a major step taken by China to open its market to the world.

The CIIE has been held uninterruptedly for seven years, with the cumulative intended turnover exceeding $US500 billion ($800 billion) since inception. A record number of more than 250 Australian companies participated in the seventh exhibition, which is a vote of confidence by them in China’s economy and co-operation between the two countries.