International officials listen to introductions on products displayed at Hongqiao Pinhui. [Photo/WeChat ID: HQ_365]
In the past nine days, 91 officials from 24 countries, who are members of the Ministry of Commerce's international business officer training program, visited the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, also known as Hongqiao Pinhui.
On Aug 1, a study group from Latin American countries focusing on investment cooperation and development visited the center. Fang Meng, an official from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, accompanied the group. He introduced them to the Hongqiao area and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), expressing hope for stronger commercial and trade ties between China and Latin America. On Aug 8 and 9, study groups of people from developing countries also visited, focusing on macroeconomic research and capacity building for small and medium-sized enterprises.
During their visits, the officials learned about coffee products from Cuba, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Panama, experienced livestreaming sales on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), and interacted with resident merchants.
They were impressed by the scale and layout of the exhibition hall. Representatives from Mongolia, Romania, and South Africa said that they felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing their own country's specialties at the Hongqiao International Wine Cellar.
Organizers expressed hope that these study groups will deepen participants' understanding of Shanghai and China. Hongqiao Pinhui aims to continue collaborating with international partners to achieve more outcomes related to the CIIE, Silk Road e-commerce, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
International officials take a group photo during a visit to Hongqiao Pinhui. [Photo/WeChat ID: HQ_365]
International officials visit Hongqiao Pinhui. [Photo/WeChat ID: HQ_365]
