During the previous eight exhibitions, foreign exhibitors made about 27,000 appearances at business expositions, presenting over 3,400 new products, technologies and services. In 2026, CIIE is taking place at the beginning of China's 15th five-year plan (2026-2030), which declares a course towards high standards of openness and stimulating domestic demand.
Among the debutants is the Austrian machine tool manufacturer WFL Millturn Technologies from Linz, which has been operating in the Chinese market for more than 20 years. Managing Director Stefan Hackl attributed the decision to participate in CIIE to China's central role in the global production chain.
"I don't see any good reason why we won't be successful in China in the coming decades," Hackl said.
Singapore-based Perennial Holdings Private Limited has opened China's first fully foreign-owned multi-specialty hospital in Tianjin. Since its opening, the institution has received patients from more than 40 countries and regions. Pua Seok Guang, the company's executive chairman and CEO, regards the liberalization of the healthcare sector as a signal for further investments.
"By investing in China, you are investing in the most competitive market in the world," Pua said.
Small and medium—sized businesses are not on the sidelines of the forum. In eight editions, CIIE has accepted almost 13,000 foreign micro, small and medium enterprises. Syrian entrepreneur Muhannad Shakalli has been participating in the exhibition since the very first time: in 2018, he brought traditional Syrian soap as an experiment. Today, monthly orders exceed five tons — about 20,000 pieces.
"They disperse almost immediately after arrival. I don't even keep stocks," said Shakalli.
This year, he plans to present aromatherapy products and Syrian herbal teas.
The organizers place a special emphasis on Africa. Since May 1, 2026, China has applied zero tariffs to imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The "green corridors" for dried chili peppers, coffee beans, cashews and wild aquatic products have been expanded. The exhibition will feature an updated section of Asian and African goods with support measures for exporters. The official delegation of Côte d'Ivoire will speak for the first time at the CIIE business exposition, presenting cocoa, coffee, cashews and kola nuts.
"We are very happy to participate for the first time. It will be a good opportunity to show Ivory Coast to the whole world," said Rami Kone, a representative of the country's export agency.
The macroeconomic background supports the interest of foreign business. In the first half of 2026, the number of new foreign companies increased by another 5.3% year-on-year, and the actual foreign direct investment reached 402.14 billion yuan (about 59.71 billion dollars). China's imports increased by 21.7% in August, the sixth month in a row when import growth outstrips exports. For suppliers from the BRICS countries and Africa, this opens a direct channel to enter the world's largest consumer market without intermediaries and with zero customs costs in the African direction.
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