The Second China International Import Expo (CIIE) will kick off in Shanghai on November 5. More than 3,000 exhibitors from more than 150 countries and regions will be taking part. The expo also expects to see more new products and technologies.

As the world's first national-level expo focusing on imports, the CIIE provides great opportunities for all involved. While Chinese consumers can have their newer and higher demands met, exhibitors can access China's huge consumption market from this launch pad, while global free trade is injected with new energy.

Today, premium brands of imported milk and toys are available in remote hinterlands. Satisfying Chinese people's upgraded consumption demands is an important benefit of the CIIE.

Currently, global free trade has taken a big hit from rising trade protectionism. Against this backdrop, the CIIE is not only sending a strong signal to the rest of the world that only win-win cooperation is the way forward, but is also displaying China's tangible efforts to improve world trade and boost the world economy.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in Beijing Youth Daily on October 9)