At the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai this autumn, colorful national flags flutter in the plaza while visitors from around the world fill the exhibition halls. The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has always aimed to be a symphony of collaboration rather than a solo performance. Here, nations large and small, multinational giants and micro-enterprises alike, showcase their strengths and share equally in the opportunities of China’s vast market.

This year, small economies and businesses took center stage. For the first time, a dedicated zone was set up for products from over 30 least-developed countries (LDCs), while the African products zone was expanded and upgraded. These initiatives help LDCs and 53 African nations leverage China’s zero-tariff policy to access the Chinese market.

"China’s open market offers equal opportunities for mutual benefit," remarked Luwambya, Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. At CIIE, every participant—regardless of economic size or geographic distance—shares in the dividends of development.

**Open Trade: A Catalyst for Global Prosperity** "Open trade is the engine of shared global prosperity, and CIIE embodies China’s commitment to an inclusive multilateral trading system," said Professor Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University at the Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

The numbers speak for themselves: 155 countries and regions, 4,108 overseas companies, and a record-breaking 430,000 sqm exhibition space. Leaders from Georgia, Serbia, Nigeria, Slovenia, and the UAE echoed a common theme—deepening cooperation with China in trade, innovation, and green development while upholding fair and free trade.

For small economies like Rwanda, stable trade systems are vital. "China’s initiatives lay the foundation for Africa’s sustainable growth," said Michel Umurungi, Chief Investment Officer of the Rwanda Development Board.

**Small Products, Big Impact** In Hall 5.2, nations showcased their best—Sweden’s heavy-duty trucks, Colombia’s coffee, and Nigeria’s minerals. First-time participant Kyrgyzstan brought wild honey, brandy, and handwoven carpets, with exhibitors praising CIIE’s streamlined customs process.

Peru’s alpaca wool dolls, dubbed "Warm Alpacas," became a CIIE sensation since their 2018 debut. Now, they represent a success story of the UN’s 2030 Agenda, lifting over 200 Peruvian families out of poverty. Artisan Marconi, known as "Alpaca Uncle," saw his income soar from $10,000 to $50,000 monthly.

Rwanda’s once-overlooked habanero peppers also thrived, evolving from 5kg samples in 2018 to 300-ton exports today. The "Rwandan Lao Gan Ma" sauce became a Lunar New Year hit, boosting farmers’ daily earnings from under $1.50 to $7–8.

**Globalization Beyond the Giants** "Entering China’s market? CIIE is the answer," said Eric Geng of New Zealand’s Pacific Alpaca Group. From a 9-sqm booth in their third CIIE, they now occupy 120 sqm, with a dozen products and 800 farms benefiting from China’s demand.

Among the 170 "all-star" exhibitors present at all eight CIIEs is Zambia’s Munpande Wild Honey. Their sales surged to over $42,000 annually, with German pharmaceutical firms bulk-purchasing. A local chief joked, "No honey, no money—no money, no sweet life!"

**From Words to Action** Zhang Xingwang of China’s Belt and Road Initiative Committee traveled one-way to Benin to bring "cream pineapples" to CIIE. After logistical hurdles in 2023 and 2024, the 2025 showcase succeeded, with pineapples going "from tarmac to shelves" in hours.

This year’s LDC zone fast-tracked products like Lao coffee, Ethiopian leather, and Benin’s pineapples into Chinese stores—proof that CIIE turns "inclusive globalization" from rhetoric into reality.

The stage is set: small economies are scripting big stories, and openness is the bridge where "big" meets "small."