7th China International Import Expo: Opening Ceremony

Your Excellencies, 

Distinguished officials, 

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, 

It is a great honor to address you today at this important event. Each year, the China International Import Expo gathers the countries of the world with the aim of strengthening economic cooperation and global trade. 

As the Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development, I had the pleasure of attending in person last year in the vibrant city of Shanghai. 

This year, while I cannot join you in person, my hopes for this Expo are as strong as ever. 

China is one of the world’s largest consumer markets, and by far the largest exporter. 

How and what China exports and how and what China imports can have dramatic effects in places very far from its shores. 

China’s imports and exports have also an important impact in the global south and the opportunities of trade to diversify their economic structures. 
 

Ladies and gentlemen, 

Seen from the perspective of the small enterprise, or the individual merchant, trade sometimes may seem trivial. 

In aggregate, however, trade is a force of nature. 

When countries engage in trade, they unlock a cascade of positive effects – ideas exchange, structural transformation, cultural understanding. 

This is why it is important to keep to heart Emperor Liu Bei’s famous quote: “Never do an evil act just because it is trivial; never leave a good act undone just because it's small.” 

This expo embodies exactly that message – with a spirit of openness where businesses worldwide can connect, forge partnerships, and contribute to a more prosperous and interconnected global economy. 

As I close, it is very good to see so many countries participating in this year’s Expo. 

May your participation be a big success, leading to new partnerships, more trade, and a brighter future for all. 

Thank you.