China Financial and Economic News:

My question concerns the China International Import Expo (CIIE). We know that the 7th CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5-10. Could you please explain what measures the GACC has implemented to ensure the expo's success? Thank you.

Lyu Daliang:

Thank you for your question. At this time each year, significant attention is focused on the CIIE. Three weeks ago, the first exhibit of this year's expo — an electric concept tricycle — successfully cleared customs at Shanghai port, marking customs' entry into the "final preparation phase." To date, customs offices nationwide have completed clearance procedures for 18 batches of exhibits, making the process more streamlined and efficient.

In fact, customs began its CIIE preparations as early as April this year. We have analyzed our experience from supporting previous expos and developed a more comprehensive work plan for the 7th CIIE. Building upon our existing 17 facilitation measures, we've introduced new initiatives. For animal- and plant-derived food products, we've waived the requirement for sanitary or animal and plant quarantine certificates, provided that animal and plant disease transmission risks have been eliminated. This change enables a broader range and greater variety of exhibits. We're also providing end-to-end guidance and customized services for participating enterprises, and we've enhanced our "Smart CIIE" system to create a more efficient, convenient and rapid supervision process for incoming exhibits.

The CIIE is held annually, yet this year's expo features an array of cutting-edge technologies and first-time exhibits that keep the event fresh. These include photocatalytic coatings representing the forefront of material science, smart road-marking paints, non-pneumatic tires for lunar rovers designed for extreme conditions, and direct air capture technology for green emission reductions. These innovations will further enhance the expo's reputation for product debuts. Moreover, the CIIE is not only a "feast for the eyes" but also a "golden gateway" to China's vast market. A standout exhibit, the 150-kilogram Maltese bluefin tuna, represents the first batch approved for import to China and will soon enter the Chinese market with customs support.

Next, customs will continue to align with the needs of the expo, maintaining a firm commitment to safety while ensuring high-level, high-standard, and high-quality support for all customs-related tasks. We aim to facilitate the participation of both new and returning friends from around the world in the CIIE, allowing them to share in the opportunities that China presents. Thank you!