FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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China International Import Expo in Shanghai Shaping Up as Major Diplomatic Event Next Month

Oct. 24, 2018 (EIRNS)—The Chinese government has been saying all year that the Nov. 5-10 China International Import Expo (CIIE) is going to be one of their major diplomatic initiatives for 2018, and it is certainly shaping up that way. Xinhua reports that some 130 countries and regions, and more than 2,800 companies will participate.

“The CIIE will see 160,000 buyers from over 80,000 domestic and foreign companies, exceeding the organizers’ expectation of 15,000 companies. China has granted the status of ‘Guest of Honor’ to 12 countries, namely, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Vietnam and the United Kingdom.... More than 30 of the world’s 44 least developed countries will participate in the event. The expo provides two standard booths free of charge for less developed countries.... The CIIE will receive companies from all the G20 member states, as well as 50 countries and regions along the Belt and Road.... Eight world-leading machine tool producers will participate.... Exhibitors are expected to launch more than 100 new products and technologies at the event.... Around 300,000 visitors are expected.”

The U.S., however, will not be sending any high-level officials to the CIIE event. AP quotes an unnamed U.S. official saying:

“China needs to make the necessary reforms to end its unfair practices that are harming the world economy. The U.S. government has no current plans for high-level U.S. government participation”

in the expo. “We encourage China to level the playing field for U.S. goods and services.”