Adhesive products developed by 3M. [Photo by Gu Yingjie/International Services Shanghai]

With the 100-day countdown to this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) underway, foreign enterprises are hailing the event as a pivotal gateway to debut their innovative products in the Chinese market.

President of 3M China, Ding Hongyu, expressed enthusiasm for the seventh CIIE, emphasizing the expo's robust platform and far-reaching impact in facilitating the introduction of sustainable, high-quality innovative products to Chinese consumers. As a technology company renowned for its versatile offerings, 3M plans to participate in the new materials zone for the first time, showcasing environmentally friendly products and cutting-edge technological solutions that are centered on low carbon development and sustainability.

"We're geared up for the seventh CIIE," Ding said. "Relying on the strong platform and spillover effects of the CIIE, we aim to introduce more sustainable and innovative products into the Chinese market."

Having participated in all six previous editions of the CIIE, 3M has been dedicated to creating innovative products that meet the needs of Chinese consumers. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of its entry into the Chinese market, the American company is committed to expanding investments that are in sync with China's socioeconomic progress.

Another long-standing participant at the CIIE, the Danish toy group LEGO, views the expo as a vital platform for market expansion, having unveiled 24 products over the course of six CIIE events. These products have garnered significant attention and popularity upon their release, indicating the expo's effectiveness in facilitating the commercialization of new offerings.

Notably, many products introduced at the CIIE have been inspired by Chinese culture, such as LEGO's Monkie Kid line, which features characters from the classic tale Journey to the West and items themed around traditional Chinese holidays.

The French company Lesaffre's baking center in Xuhui district, Shanghai. [Photo by Gu Yingjie/International Services Shanghai]

Lesaffre, a global leader in fermentation, highlighted the CIIE's role as a crucial communication channel that fosters partnerships between local and foreign enterprises. Yu Zhiqiong, chief marketing officer of Lesaffre, underscored the company's success in forging numerous strategic collaborations since engaging with the CIIE, paving the way for deeper roots in the Chinese market.

With a history of actively bridging China and the world through bakery products, French brand Lesaffre is set to unveil a clean label version of its ibis 300 bread improver at the upcoming expo. This innovative product, tailored to meet the health preferences of Chinese consumers, reflects Lesaffre's commitment to meeting evolving market needs.

As 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Sino-French relations, Yu noted the significant potential for expanding investment and collaboration between the two sides, underscoring the CIIE's role in fostering international partnerships and driving mutual growth and prosperity.