A screen promoting the upcoming 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is pictured at the entrance of National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue for the CIIE, in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) highlights China's commitment to global openness and willingness to engage in trade with countries worldwide, a Zambian economic expert has said.

Bernadette Deka-Zulu, founder of Shaping Futures Zambia, a non-governmental organization supporting youth involvement in policy, described China's move to embrace opening up as a significant step toward fostering a global environment conducive to free trade among nations.

"The CIIE has offered itself as a leading example to bring about different countries and companies representing various regions, and this is offering an openness. China is saying we are ready to trade with anyone, it also shows that China is open for business," she told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday.

She noted that the CIIE not only contributes to China's economic growth but also serves as a gateway for emerging economies to access an open market, allowing them to display their products and tap into China's demand for diverse commodities.

As a former executive director of the Policy Monitoring and Research Center, Deka-Zulu emphasized that the CIIE will also offer a valuable platform for China to learn from other nations and for other countries to observe China's industrialization progress.

She further emphasized that China's commitment to globalization through events like the CIIE has set a benchmark for global economic integration, ensuring equal participation for all countries regardless of economic size -- a move critical for enhancing global livelihoods.

In an era marked by protectionist policies, China's openness creates a strategic advantage for emerging economies in global trade, she said, praising China's zero-tariff policy for all least-developed countries with diplomatic relations, calling it a tangible example of its commitment to fair trade.

She expressed optimism that this initiative would boost exports and elevate economies in these countries. Additionally, she noted that nine Zambian companies have so far registered for this year's expo, marking a notable increase from previous years and paving the way for more participation in future events.

Scheduled from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai, the annual CIIE has, since 2018, supported international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and cooperative partnerships.

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