No matter how the global economy faces increasing uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and strong protectionist trends, China continues to firmly adhere to multilateralism, liberalization, and a high degree of openness. For China, high-level opening-up is not just political rhetoric, but a strategic policy implemented through a series of practical mechanisms.
In line with the spirit of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2020-2025) and the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), high-level opening-up has become a core policy in promoting international economic growth and connectivity. For example, the 6th China International Consumer Product Expo (CICPE), which will be held on April 13-18, 2026 in Hainan Island, is another step forward for the Chinese government in pushing forward the high-level opening-up policy to tangible results.
Since its inception in 2021, CICPE has not only served as a product exhibition platform, But it has made significant contributions to connecting international enterprises to the Chinese domestic market, promoting international partnerships, and deepening high-level opening-up for mutual benefit and sustainable growth.
The success of CICPE in the past, which attracted more than 3,800 enterprises and more than 12,000 brands from 92 countries and regions, is a testament to the confidence of international business people in the resilience and potential of the Chinese market. According to the forecast of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, China’s imports of goods and services will exceed 15 trillion US dollars in the next five years. This clearly shows that the growth of China’s domestic consumption will bring new opportunities for international exporters, especially for developing countries.
What makes the 6th CICPE more unique and strategically significant than previous events is its deep connection with the “Hainan Free Trade Port”, which began to implement fully independent customs operations at the end of 2025. Under the new framework, international enterprises will enjoy a more favorable business environment, especially the reduction of trade costs through the removal of tariff barriers to export products to the Chinese market.
Through the Belt and Road Initiative and connecting CICPE with domestic markets, China, the world’s second largest economy and contributing about 30% of global growth, will continue to play an indispensable role in promoting sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth and creating shared prosperity for the region and the world as a whole.
Overall, the organization of the 6th CICPE sends a clear message to the international community that despite the rapid changes in the world situation, the door of China’s high-level opening-up will not close, but will open wider. The regular organization of CICPE will become a catalyst for strengthening multilateralism, high-level openness, and building a community of shared future for mankind, for prosperity and sustainable development for the region and the world as a whole.
By: Mr. Hou Chamroeun | Researcher, Center for the Development of Cambodia
