CIIE opens in Shanghai with firms using expo to debut products, tech

The China International Import Expo that kicked off on Wednesday has become not only a global stage for new product debuts, but also a premier arena for the world's most advanced technologies to make their first appearance.

United States-based firm Rockwell Automation launched new systems designed to boost communication efficiency and operational flexibility. Canada's Clickmox made the global debut of its ClickCopilot, a home companion robot for senior citizens.

In total, 461 new products, technologies and services are being introduced at this year's expo, reaffirming its role as a launchpad where hard tech and innovations from around the world enter the Chinese market and begin scaling globally.

Now in its 8th year, the CIIE has evolved from a trade showcase into a global innovation accelerator — a stage where multinational companies debut, localize and scale the technologies that will define the next industrial era.

Swiss air-technology firm IQAir globally debuted an advanced air purification technology blended with 600-year-old Chinese craftsmanship. Inspired by Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) vases, the design integrates dragon and phoenix motifs with ancient oracle bone characters symbolizing harmony and wellbeing.

Frank Hammes, global CEO of IQAir, said: "By enabling innovation through empowerment, China is fueling a dynamic ecosystem for new quality productive forces. For IQAir, that means bringing our most advanced solutions to China, from smart buildings to integrated health ecosystems."

Hammes said that China is expected to emphasize sustainability, innovation and wellbeing, with a growing focus on developing new quality productive forces, during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

"All these provide new opportunities for international innovators," he said.

China's vast domestic market is also becoming a testbed for global innovation. Over the past five years, the country has surged into the world's top 10 in the Global Innovation Index and now hosts the largest number of leading innovation clusters globally.

Its complete industrial system and strong supply chain resilience have supported breakthroughs in fields from new energy to advanced manufacturing, fueling global digital and green transitions.

As China advances its digital, intelligent and green transformation, the country's evolution to an innovation hub is gathering pace. Multinational companies are increasingly using the CIIE as a strategic entry point to integrate with China's innovation chain.

Anna An, president of chemicals firm Henkel Greater China, said, "The CIIE accelerates the localization of global innovation in China, and it's a vivid example of high-quality development and the nurturing of new quality productive forces."

An said professional buyers in the new materials section of the CIIE often come with specific procurement targets and collaboration goals, helping Henkel expand its business network and strengthen its innovation drive.