On the initiative of The Embassy of Monaco and supported by Monaco’s Economic Board, the Principality of Monaco has participated in the second edition of the China International Import Expo – CIIE. The Expo took place in Shanghai from 5th to 10th November. The opportunity provided a unique opening into the market of the world’s second largest economy.
Indeed, this annual event aims to become the world’s largest exhibition of imports and international trade. As many as 155 countries, 26 international organizations and 3893 companies participated in this second edition whose theme was: “A new era, a shared future”.
Located in the hall of the National Pavillions, the Monaco Pavillion hosted 12 entities – Aton Green Energy, AS Monaco, Cosmetics and Capillaries Monaco, GPS Monaco, The Orangery, Mazza Real Estate, Monacobor, Therascience, Carthage Heritage, ABTS & Partners, the MEB and Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer – in an area of 136 m² to present the Principality’s know-how and economic assets.
The CIIE, was inaugurated on November 5th by President XI Jinping in front of an audience of high dignitaries, heads of state, foreign ministers and ambassadors. HE Ms Catherine Fautrier, Monaco’s Ambassador to China, represented the Principality on the occasion of this official opening.
In his address, President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to build a more cooperative global economy based on consultation and cooperation. He provided the insight that we have to offer our hands in support of each other rather than isolate ourselves and we have to tear down walls of separation rather than erect them.
Many excellent appointments and first contacts took place at the Monaco Pavillion throughout this very intense event. Ms Catherine Fautrier also attended the signing of the contract for the sale of a part of the capital of FRIMO, a company specializing in agribusiness, to the Chinese company BAIYANG. Another agreement was signed on this occasion between the Therascience laboratory and China Comfort Group Chong Qing and Slow Look in the field of food supplements. The city of Chongquing, a partner in this agreement, has also expressed the intention to expand its collaboration with the Monegasque laboratory in research, as well as in industrial production.
Finally, many delegations from various Chinese regions, but also from abroad, visited the Monaco Pavillion, appreciating greatly the diversity and economic dynamism of the Principality. For the Monegasque companies present on the spot, this first participation in the CIIE was an opportunity to discover China (or to rediscover it in a new angle) and to evaluate the opportunities offered by this gigantic market of a continent.
