Cyprus promotes products and technology at China's annual import expo

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is concluding in Shanghai, running from November 5 to 10. The event, which has been held annually since 2018, hosted 4,142 foreign companies. Cyprus participated with a national pavilion showcasing local food and beverage products, as well as a delegation from the Cyprus Information Technology Enterprises Association (CITEA) led by its president, Giorgos Malekkos.

Koula Sofianou, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to China, stated that the island seeks to highlight its open economy, strong services sector, and growing technology ecosystem. The CITEA delegation used the event to explore potential partnerships with Chinese firms. During the opening, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang addressed international criticism, rejecting claims that China is strangling other economies and characterizing such allegations as unfounded.

This year's exhibition serves as a platform for Beijing to reinforce its narrative that China is not merely a global manufacturing hub but a significant market for international imports. The ongoing diplomatic and business effort aims to strengthen commercial ties between Cyprus and China by showcasing both traditional exports and the island's emerging ICT sector.