Interview: CIIE a global public good in trade, says Kyrgyz economist

BISHKEK, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is "a global public good" in international trade and serves as a key gateway to the world's largest consumer market, a Kyrgyz economist has said.

As the 8th CIIE opened on Wednesday in Shanghai, Tolonbek Abdyrov, a professor of economics and vice rector of the International Higher School of Medicine in Kyrgyzstan, said the event helps improve the business environment and foster win-win cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises.

China has sent a clear signal of openness and backed it up with concrete mechanisms -- from a well-structured meeting schedule to comprehensive services for participants, as well as regulatory and customs support, Abdyrov told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"All of this helps significantly reduce information and transaction costs for foreign suppliers," he said.

Statistics from China's Commerce Ministry show that this year's CIIE covers more than 367,000 square meters of exhibition space, with over 600 new exhibitors added to last year's total of 3,496 companies.

"This reflects the depth and scale of the event. China's macroeconomic fundamentals remain solid," Abdyrov said, citing positive forecasts by international institutions that project continued robust growth for the Chinese economy in 2025. "China continues to serve as an anchor for global demand."

Abdyrov described the CIIE as an excellent platform for showcasing new products.

"Previous expos showcased numerous new products, technologies and services from around the world, covering sectors such as artificial intelligence, new materials, autonomous systems and new energy technologies," he said. "The CIIE has become a key gateway to the world's largest consumer market."

"Against the backdrop of weak global growth, China has placed its emphasis on high-level opening-up -- not in slogans, but in concrete rules that actually reduce the cost of market entry," Abdyrov said.

He added that China's inclusiveness is reflected not only in its efforts to reduce market barriers, but also in its support for partners in expanding production capacity -- as demonstrated by initiatives such as the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative.

"For countries around the world, particularly those in the Global South, this means access to markets and capital, as well as the transfer of standards and technologies to existing projects," he said. "This is how exports of raw materials are gradually transforming into exports with greater added value."

This year marks the first time Kyrgyzstan participates in the CIIE, which Abdyrov called a timely debut.

"The national pavilion isn't just a pretty stand, but a corridor of trust for the 'Made in Kyrgyzstan' brand," he said, noting that the expo demonstrates strong demand for Kyrgyz products. ■