The Hongqiao CBD welcomes a group of representatives from consulates general in Shanghai. [Photo/WeChat ID: hongqiaoshangwuqu]
A group of representatives from consulates general in Shanghai visited the Shanghai Hongqiao International Central Business District (CBD) on June 12 as part of the "Discover Hongqiao, Discover CIIE" event.
During their visit to several key locations in the CBD, including the permanent venue of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), they discussed Hongqiao's opening to the world and how the CIIE connects the world.
Vladislav Spasov, consul general of the Republic of Bulgaria in Shanghai, called himself a "Hongqiao resident" and described Hongqiao as both a second home and a place of endless opportunities. Living in the CBD's Qingpu area, he praised the area's comprehensive lifestyle offerings, from education to leisure.
Spasov said that he was very impressed with the Hongqiao Overseas Development Service Center. "The entire environment was a real eye-opener for me. I particularly liked their service for exchanging driver's licenses for expatriates, as it's a small but very practical matter for us. Another highlight was the introduction of the platform for Sino-foreign business cooperation, which detailed the services they can provide."
Bulgaria has showcased products like rose cosmetics, fine wines, and tourism resources at the CIIE, leveraging the expo to connect with buyers and distributors across China.
"The CIIE brings together global exhibitors and Chinese buyers, providing a perfect setting for businesses to connect with clients, maintain relationships with distributors, and explore new partnerships," said Spasov.
According to Spasov, the Bulgarian consulate has established mechanisms to support companies in participating in the expo and engaging with the Yangtze River Delta region's markets.
"Bulgaria places great importance on its cooperation with the Yangtze River Delta region, which is at the forefront of Chinese modernization. We look forward to jointly promoting trade and innovation for a win-win outcome based on balanced reciprocity," he said.
Japan has had the most participating companies at the past seven editions of the CIIE. Takenaka Keiichi, deputy consul general of Japan in Shanghai, said that Japan will closely collaborate with China to help more Japanese companies seize opportunities at the expo.
He highlighted the collaboration between the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). Their joint events like the "Sake Summit" helped transform exhibits into commercial products, enhancing the expo's impact.
Kong Fu'an, executive deputy director of the CBD's administrative committee, affirmed the district's commitment to leveraging the CIIE's spillover effects. By hosting events such as the Sake Summit, Hongqiao aims to strengthen ties with international exhibitors and contribute to China's high-quality development and openness.
Shehzad Ahmad Khan, consul general of Pakistan in Shanghai, proposed creating exclusive exhibition spaces for sister cities like Karachi. Wu Zhengping, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, responded positively, indicating plans to integrate city-themed exhibits into national pavilions, fostering deeper international collaboration.
