The 3rd China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on November 4.

With world economy inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 3rd CIIE serves as key stage for international commerce, and it is an effective move for China to further opening up. 

Under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future", the 3rd CIIE will last until November 10, with its exhibition area expanded by nearly 30,000 square meters compared with the 2nd expo.

The exhibition area of the world's top 500 and leading firms increased by 14% year on year. 

At the expo, many businesses unveiled their new products, technologies and services for the world. Nearly 100 companies signed for the CIIEs in the next three years. 

Seizing business opportunity of the expo, Yunnan sells its distict industries and business environment, highlighting manufacturing, tourism, technology and agriculture. 

On November 6, Yunnan gained a lot at the 3rd CIIE. 

At the promotion attended representatives from over 20 countries, regions, top companies, multinational corporations and business associations, 25 investment cooperation projects and procurement agreements were signed, drawing attention from more than 1.2 million viewer online. 

Contract value of Yuntianhua increases by 15.9% 

Contract value of the Yuntianhua Group，which focues on phosphorus industry, increased by 15.9% year on year, with a big deal reached on November 5. 

At the 3rd CIIE, the Yuntianhua company signed contracts with 11 foreign businesses from the US, Japan, Sweden, Canada and others, including manufacturers and world-class traders. Among other things, Yuntianhua signed import agreements with 4 top soybean traders worldwide.

YTC to receive an 8-billion-yuan financial aid

On November 6, the Export-Import Bank of China signed deals on expanding imports with 25 business partners, with the contracted value exceeding RMB 23 billion. Among them, Yunnan Tin Company Group (YTC) and Yuntianhua Group will get a financial aid of more than 13 billion yuan.

Hospital joins hands with Fosun Health

On November 6, the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province signed an agreement on surgical robots with Fosun Health. 

The deal is just one of the major medical procurements by Yunnan province at this year's Expo.

15-million-yuan agreement signed to boost science 

Many companies said they are willing to set up branches and R&D centers in Yunnan.
And the representatives are optimistic about the province’s digital economy, general health, green food and tourism.

Carestream Health plans to set up a Yunnan branch for leasing medical imaging equipments.

The Beijing-based Hi-Key Technology intends to provide Yunnan enterprises with leading solutions on engineering R&D and innovation.

COMAC looks to Kunming Airport for civil aircraft sales, leasing and others.

Anritsu palns to help Yunnan SMEs in finance and listing.

Medtronic will set up a R&D center in Yunnan for medical solutions that are innovative, excellent and affordable.

HIT Robot Group intends to build an advanced R&D center and an academy of sciences in Yunnan. 

During the 3rd CIIE, the ambassadors in China said countries are expecting more cooperation with Yunnan.

Colombia and Yunnan are both top producers of coffee and flowers. This means we can cooperate in many areas. Colombia hopes to forge ties with Yunnan cities and cooperate with Yunnan in tourism.

--- Luis Diego Monsalve, Colombian Ambassador to China

Maldives and Yunnan can cooperate in investment, trade, energy, environment and education. I hope the Covid-19 will end soon, so that people in Yunnan can travel to Maldives, and vice versa.

--- Aishath Azeema, Maldivian Ambassador to China

I visited Yunnan in 2011. Yunnan has a vast market for Malaysian goods. Yunnan is rich in clean energy, with its energy and exported to neighboring countries. Malaysia expects to cooperate with Yunnan in clean energy.

--- Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Malaysian Ambassador to China

Yunnan neighbors Bangladesh, and bilateral cooperation is close. The province is building China (Yunnan) pilot Free Trade Zone, which also brings opportunity for Bangladesh to cooperate with Yunnan.

--- Mahbub Uz Zaman, Bangladesh Ambassador to China

Thailand and Yunnan are close friends. Thailand is a favored destination for Yunnan tourists, and Yunnan's landscapes are also appealing to Thai people. Yunnan is a key logistics hub in Thailand-China cooperation, which holds great potential.

--- Arthayudh Srisamoot，Thai Ambassador to China

Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Ambassador of Nepal to China: I visited Yunnan in 2015, and I expect more visits to the province for bilateral cooperation.

--- Mahendra Bahadur Pandey，Nepal Ambassador to China

Reporting by Gateway reporters