China Intl Import Expo to boost free trade, says embassador

BUENOS AIRES - The first China International Import Expo (CIIE), to be held in the Chinese city of Shanghai in November, is expected to give a strong boost to China-Argentina trade, Chinese Embassador to Argentina Yang Wanming said on Thursday.

Yang made the remarks at a seminar themed "New Era, Shared Future, New Opportunities: the China International Import Expo and the Belt and Road Initiative."

The CIIE is the "outcome of China's decision to deepen reform and opening-up, and expand imports," said Yang.

"It is the first time an exposition designed for importation is held in China. It is an unrivaled initiative in the history of international trade," he said, adding that the event aims "to proactively open the market and share with the world the opportunities and dividends it brings."

The expo will offer Argentine businesses an opportunity to increase their exports to China, which are expected to grow faster over the next five years, said Yang.

More than 1,000 enterprises from over 120 countries and regions have signed up to attend the event, slated for Nov 5-10 in Shanghai.