The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on 5 November, attracting a record 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organisations. 

This year's expo features a larger presence from the Global South, as businesses from these countries seek to deepen their engagement with the Chinese market. The number of companies from less-developed countries at the expo has increased to 163, a 23.5 percent year-on-year rise, while the number of African exhibitors has grown by 80 percent. Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria and Colombia are serving as the guests of honour for this year's event. 

Nigeria’s national pavilion is showcasing the country’s abundant resources , featuring key export products such as lithium, lead-zinc, and iron ore, as well as high-quality agricultural goods including sesame, peanuts, cashew nuts, and shea butter. Cultural experiences, including traditional costumes, are also featured in the pavilion, highlighting the nation's cultural diversity.   

Abimbola Kafilat Ayeni presents a coconut product at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 5 November (Hu Fan) 

Among the Nigerian exhibitors is Bimkaf Palace, a food processing company based in Abuja, which is presenting a range of spices and coconut products. Abimbola Kafilat Ayeni, CEO of Bimkaf Palace, expressed her delight over the selection of Nigeria as a guest of honour for the CIIE. "This sends a message that we have a lot to offer, from agricultural products to minerals. It puts us in a good position," she told ChinAfrica. 

The expo offers new opportunities for African businesses. "Here I can get contacts, not only from China but also from other African countries, with whom we can do business together. I hope this will take our brand to a new level," she added. 

Roberto Argueta introduces Honduran coffee to visitors at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 5 November (Hu Fan) 

At the Honduras pavilion, Roberto Argueta, founder of the coffee brand Surco, is promoting not only his own brand, but Honduran coffee as a whole. Known for its high-quality beans grown in the country’s mountainous regions, Honduras produces coffee with distinct flavours across its six major growing areas. 

Argueta opens fresh coffee bags, grinds the beans, and brews a pot, inviting visitors to enjoy both the aroma and the taste. Confident about his prospects in China, he said, “Honduran coffee will have a strong presence in the Chinese market because we offer different flavours and varieties to suit every palate.” 

A Sindu drone with 3D-printed body is displayed at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 5 November (Hu Fan) 

Beyond agricultural and resource-based exhibits, Global South countries are also demonstrating their growing technological strength. At the equipment pavilion, Emirati tech firm Sindan is exhibiting their innovations alongside major international players such as ASML. The company, a leader in intelligent manufacturing using AI and 3D printing, is displaying products such as a 3D-printed cargo drone, rocket thrust chamber assembly, turbofan engine and bipedal transport robot, drawing crowds with its futuristic designs. 

The expo organisers have provided strong support to Global South exhibitors. A dedicated area has been set up for products from the least developed countries, while the Africa product zone has been expanded and upgraded. A new cross-border e-commerce selection platform is also introduced to help overseas small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the Chinese market more easily.

A subforum titled “Building Multilateralism to Enhance Economic Resilience of the Global South” is in progress at the eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai on 5 November (Hu Fan) 

The Global South is also in focus at the eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held in parallel with the expo. The World Openness Report 2025, released during the forum, underscored the growing importance of the Global South in fostering an open global economy. The report notes that data flows, green energy and interconnected industrial and supply chains are converging in the Global South, driving a shared, low-carbon and connected new phase of industrialisation. 

At the subforum titled “Building Multilateralism to Enhance Economic Resilience of the Global South,” held on 5 November, participants highlighted the region’s rising role in the world economy and expressed optimism about its future through continued cooperation and development.