CIIE & HQF: AI, Digital Finance, and Smart Manufacturing – The Future of Global Trade

Insights from the 7th China International Import Expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum

Introduction

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held from November 5–10, 2024, in Shanghai, reinforced its position as a key platform for international trade and economic collaboration. Since its inception, CIIE has united global businesses, policymakers, and innovators to showcase products, explore partnerships, and strengthen economic cooperation. This year’s expo highlighted China’s commitment to trade liberalization and offered unparalleled access to a vast consumer base. Running alongside was the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF), a significant gathering that brought together key stakeholders from various sectors. This influential forum provided a platform for open discussions, idea exchanges, and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the global economy. Centered around the theme of “High-Standard Opening Up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization”, the HQF focused on promoting inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of economic globalization reach all corners of the world.

Driving Global Collaboration and Market Entry

CIIE’s significance lies in its inclusive approach to global business, inviting companies worldwide to tap into China’s enormous market potential. Over the years, the expo has facilitated the entry of numerous products and services, accelerating technological exchange and economic integration. Exhibitors showcased breakthroughs in robotics, advanced materials, medical technology, and consumer goods. Attendees benefited from policy updates, streamlined customs procedures, and robust intellectual property protection measures that eased market entry. The HQF featured exclusive sessions such as roundtables for foreign-funded enterprises and promotional activities related to "Invest in China," offering attendees profound insights into the development of new quality productive forces and the strengthened collaboration among enterprises, business associations, and Pilot Free Trade Zones. Other HQF parallel sessions also encouraged collaboration, reflecting China’s drive toward a fair, open, and transparent trade environment. These initiatives collectively made the 7th CIIE and HQF as a unique platform for forming new commercial ties.

Fostering High-Level Trade and Tech Debates

While CIIE was the central draw, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum ran in tandem, featuring in-depth discussions on digital finance, AI, and trade best practices. Policy leaders, scholars, and business executives explored regulatory frameworks and methods to foster a more interconnected global economy. Topics ranged from cross-border e-commerce to AI-driven industrial solutions, underscoring how these innovations can elevate efficiency, security, and competitiveness in global trade. HQF’s deep-dive sessions reinforced the strategic themes that exhibitors and visitors encountered on the expo floor.

Reshaping Trade Through Financial Innovation

Digital finance remained a focal point at the 7th CIIE. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), led by China’s Digital Yuan (e-CNY), drew considerable attention for their potential to streamline cross-border transactions. By reducing reliance on intermediaries, CBDCs can lower costs and speed up settlement times, enabling safer, more efficient global trade.

Blockchain technology also took center stage, particularly its use in supply chain transparency and smart contracts. These solutions help businesses mitigate payment delays, fraud, and other bottlenecks. As relevant regulations evolve, both CBDCs and blockchain-based systems are poised to reshape financial operations, creating more inclusive and resilient global markets. HQF discussions highlighted best practices and collaborative opportunities, emphasizing how digital finance tools can further spur economic growth.

Building the Factories of Tomorrow

AI-driven manufacturing was another key theme of the 7th CIIE. Exhibitors demonstrated robotics, machine learning, and sensors to boost production accuracy, minimize downtime, and control quality. Predictive analytics alerted engineers to potential equipment failures, saving costs and resources.

During HQF parallel sessions, experts underscored the importance of standardization, AI ethics, and cybersecurity to guide responsible development in intelligent manufacturing. Although some factories aim for full automation, industry leaders agreed that combining human expertise with AI-led systems is often the most effective approach. With consumer demand for customized, high-quality products on the rise, intelligent manufacturing is poised to transform supply chains and reaffirm China’s role as an innovation hub.

Conclusion: Toward a Smarter, More Connected World

The 7th CIIE served as a dynamic, high-profile stage for showcasing transformative technologies and fostering global economic collaboration. While the Hongqiao International Economic Forum offered deep insights into digital finance and AI, CIIE remained front and center—delivering practical business opportunities, policy updates, and platforms for international cooperation. As AI-driven finance and intelligent manufacturing continue to evolve, CIIE, in conjunction with the HQF, will stand as a critical gateway for companies looking to explore, innovate, and expand in one of the world’s most vibrant markets.