(China Economic Roundtable) CIIE demonstrates China's commitment to opening up: Medtronic

SHANGHAI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- For U.S. medical tech giant Medtronic, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers a gateway to the Chinese market, highlighting the country's commitment to opening up and international cooperation.

Through the CIIE platform, "we are able to accelerate the introduction of our most advanced and innovative products into China," said Cao Shan, vice president of corporate affairs and communications for Medtronic Greater China, during the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

Cao also highlighted the company's record participation at the eighth CIIE, which runs from Nov. 5 to 10 and has set new highs for both exhibition space and number of exhibitors. "This year, we have our largest-ever exhibition area, and we are displaying over 100 innovative items, our biggest portfolio yet," she said.

This comes shortly after Medtronic launched its first digital healthcare innovation base in China on Oct. 25 in Beijing.

Over the past eight years, Medtronic has showcased more than 500 innovative products and treatments at this event, with over 70 of them making their market debuts, according to Cao.

Reflecting on 36 years of operations in China, Cao said that the company's continued participation in CIIE has allowed it to witness "the Chinese government's confidence and determination in pursuing opening up and inclusiveness, as well as the tangible improvements in the country's business environment."

She added that the company has increased its investment in China and will continue to explore the market.

"We firmly believe that China is poised to become the world's largest medical market and a pivotal hub for global innovation," Cao said. ■