Photo taken on Nov. 28, 2023 shows Ren Hongbin, president of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), overseeing the opening ceremony of the first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) and the Global Supply Chain Innovation and Development Forum held in Beijing. [Photo courtesy of the CCPIT]

From November 28 to December 2, 2023, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) hosted the first China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing. This marked the world's first national-level exhibition focusing on supply chains.

Premier Li Qiang attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote speech. He reaffirmed China's unwavering commitment to deeper involvement in the development of global industrial and supply chains and to fostering an open world economy.

'Connecting the World for a Shared Future'

The first CISCE, themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future," embraced an innovative, international, professional and environmentally friendly approach. Its straightforward, practical and productive nature made it a prominent event for "linking the world with chains" and "forging the future with chains."

Amidst challenging global economic recovery and disruptions to global industrial and supply chains, reinforcing global industrial and supply chain cooperation is a shared priority and urgent expectation. The CCPIT has meticulously planned and globally promoted the CISCE, eliciting enthusiastic responses from various stakeholders. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, director-general of the World Trade Organization, along with leaders of other international organizations, acknowledged the timely and significant nature of the first CISCE. They expressed optimism for China's role in the positive advancement of economic globalization.

In recent years, companies worldwide have faced challenges like local supply chain disruptions and inefficient international logistics. They are now reallocating resources and reshaping new global supply systems. The CCPIT created the CISCE to offer shared global public goods and services. This initiative effectively fosters global industrial division, resource allocation, innovation collaboration and shared achievements, assisting businesses from various countries in capitalizing on market, investment and growth opportunities.

The theme of the first CISCE and its spirit of joint contribution, extensive promotion, and shared benefits align closely with the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind. Five international organizations—including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, the International Trade Centre, and the International Chamber of Commerce—served as supporting entities. Foreign companies and institutions at the expo expressed their commitment to long term development in China and to better serving the global community. Demonstrating openness and inclusivity, we offered complimentary booths and additional support to exhibitors from the least developed countries like Laos and Rwanda, transforming the supply chain into a "win-win chain" and a "cooperation chain."