A promotional event for customs clearance policies in the Food and Agricultural Products Exhibition Area of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Shanghai on March 14.

The event focused on new regulations and practical aspects of food imports, with customs experts from Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Fuzhou providing in-depth policy insights.

More than 200 companies, including exhibitors such as Fonterra, Dole, and Cargill, and representatives from organizing institutions and food importers, participated in the event.

Li Guoqing, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, highlighted that the Food and Agricultural Products Exhibition Area hosts the largest number of exhibitors and the broadest range of participating countries at the annual CIIE. He noted that international businesses are actively registering for the 8th CIIE, with signed exhibition space already exceeding 220,000 square meters.

"China is the world's largest consumer of imported food," Li said, adding that he welcomes global exhibitors and buyers to join the 8th CIIE this November and seize the opportunities in the Chinese market.

Zhang Peng, secretary-general of the China Customs Brokers Association, emphasized the association's role in facilitating communication between cross-border trade businesses and customs authorities. He stated that the association is committed to creating more cooperation opportunities for domestic and international companies, promoting trade liberalization and fairness, and helping high-quality food and agricultural products enter the Chinese market smoothly.

Representatives share insights during the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

The CIIE staff from the Food and Agricultural Products Exhibition Area engage in in-depth discussions with company representatives about their participation in the 8th CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei