The Aisa-Africa Products Sub-area at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 9 November (HU FAN)  

The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai on 5-10 November underscored the growing cooperation among Global South countries, as businesses crossed borders and joined hands with local partners to bring quality products to China, meeting the country’s rising demand for high-end goods while fostering local development, particularly in agriculture, in their home countries. 

Showcasing a range of products including plant extracts, rose tea and saffron, Iranian lifestyle brand Perspolisa exemplified how South-South cooperation can drive business growth. By combining Iran’s premium raw materials with China’s advanced processing capabilities, the company now sells over 1 million pieces of some of its product lines in China annually - a remarkable leap from just thousands in 2019 when it first participated in the CIIE.  

Elaheh Fazel, the brand’s ambassador from Iran, enthusiastically promoted the products to visitors in fluent Chinese. She likened the CIIE to the ancient Silk Road that once connected the two nations, describing it as a prime platform for showcasing Iran’s finest products. 

Elaheh Fazel with her exhibits at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 6 November (HU FAN) 

In the African Foods and Agricultural Products Pavilion organised by South Africa’s Standard Bank, more than 20 exhibitors from across the continent presented a diverse array of goods - ranging from raw crops to branded wines. Operating in over 20 African countries, the bank has brought its clients to the CIIE for eight consecutive years. 

Andrew Robertson, head of business enablement and operations at Standard Bank, said that the bank’s partnership with its largest shareholder, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), has been instrumental in making the pavilion possible. “As partners, ICBC identifies opportunities and demand in the Chinese market, while Standard Bank finds qualified suppliers in Africa who can reliably deliver seasonal volumes of products,” he explained. “This enables us to connect African suppliers with Chinese buyers.” 

To date, the bank has brought more than 180 clients to the CIIE, in addition to organising participation in other events such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held biennially in Changsha, Hunan Province. It also collaborates with ICBC through virtual matchmaking sessions to build partnerships beyond physical events. 

Robertson noted that China’s support for African agricultural exports - including tariff exemptions and the Green Channel Initiative that streamlines customs procedures - is visionary. “These measures boost the competitiveness of African exporters while meeting China’s growing demand for premium agricultural products,” he said. 

Visitors buy artware at the African Foods and Agricultural Products Pavilion at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 9 November (HU FAN)  

Similar success stories could be found throughout the expo halls. Joy Wing Mau, attending the CIIE for the eighth time, launched three new products at this year’s event: top-quality blueberries from Peru, durians from Malaysia, and coconuts from Thailand. The debut of extra-large Peruvian blueberries attracted a large number of young visitors to its booth. 

China’s deepening cooperation with these countries has facilitated the company’s business growth. Zhao Fanghua, Joy Wing Mau’s marketing director for China, said that the newly launched Chancay Port in Peru, built with Chinese assistance, has shortened delivery times, allowing Chinese consumers to enjoy fresher Peruvian produce. “Our products were actually part of the first shipment from the port to China,” she noted. 

Visitors take selfies at Joy Wing Mau’s booth at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 6 November (HU FAN) 

Another long-time participant, Minerva Foods, a leading meat producer and exporter from South America, has been working with Chinese supermarkets to bring high-quality beef to China while building new partnerships to export Chinese chicken to the Middle East.  

Recognising China as a key market, Marina Fonseca, international marketing coordinator at Minerva Foods, said that attending the CIIE helps the company to understand evolving consumer needs and explore new business opportunities. 

A view of Minerva Foods’s booth at the eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on 9 November (HU FAN) 

Together, these exhibitors demonstrate the growing vitality of South-South cooperation. As highlighted in the World Openness Report 2025 released during the eighth Hongqiao International Economic Forum held alongside the expo, emerging markets and developing economies are accelerating their openness, deepening collaboration and promoting inclusive globalisation. According to the report, this has injected fresh momentum into global development.