4th China Supply Chain Expo Opens with Record Global Participation
The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated to global supply chains, opened on June 22 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, drawing a record 676 companies and institutions from 85 countries, regions, and international organizations. Under the theme “Connecting the World for a Shared Future,” the five-day event marks a significant milestone in global supply chain cooperation, with 36.5% of exhibitors coming from overseas — the highest proportion in the expo’s history, according to Xinhua News.
A Growing Platform for Global Cooperation
When including upstream and downstream partners brought by exhibitors, the total number of participating entities exceeds 1,200, Ren Hongbin, chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), announced at the opening ceremony. The expo has evolved rapidly since its inception in 2023, transforming from a “Chinese platform” into a global public good, Ren said, as reported by Global Times.
This year’s event features a “6 Chains + 1 Exhibition Area” structure: the Digital Intelligence Technology Chain, Advanced Manufacturing Chain, Green Agriculture Chain, Healthy Life Chain, Smart Vehicle Chain, Clean Energy Chain, and a Supply Chain Service Exhibition Area. Notably, the Digital Technology Chain has been upgraded to the Digital Intelligence Technology Chain, and a dedicated AI Zone has been established for the first time, as detailed by IT之家.
Australia is participating as the first-ever Guest Country of Honour, reflecting improving China-Australia trade relations. France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Italy’s Liguria regions serve as the first foreign guest provinces, while Anhui and Hainan are the domestic guest provinces. The expo is supported by five international organizations, including UNCTAD, UNCITRAL, WIPO, the International Trade Centre, and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), according to the Beijing Government Portal.
AI and Innovation Take Center Stage
A defining feature of this year’s expo is its emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital transformation. The newly established AI Zone brings together global technology leaders including NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm alongside Chinese AI companies, showcasing the complete ecosystem from data collection and intelligent computing to real-world applications. More than 160 new products, technologies, services, and application scenarios are set to debut during the event.
“Taking Schneider Electric’s Shanghai Putuo ‘End-to-End Lighthouse Factory’ as an example, we integrated AI, 5G, AR and other advanced technologies into the end-to-end process from design to delivery, achieving an 82% increase in per capita production efficiency and a 67% reduction in order delivery time,” Yin Zheng, executive vice president of Schneider Electric and president for China and East Asia, told Xinhua.
Visitors to the expo can experience robot volunteers, AI-powered guides, and intelligent interactive systems throughout the exhibition halls, demonstrating how AI is being woven into every aspect of modern supply chains — from smart factories and logistics to smart healthcare and urban management.
International Business Community Sends Strong Message
The strong international turnout sends a clear signal that global businesses remain deeply engaged with China despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. James Zimmerman, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, delivered a notable message at the expo: “The era of ‘decoupling’ is over.” He emphasized that “no economy has ever succeeded with a closed or semi-closed system” and expressed optimism about moving toward “constructive strategic stability” between the US and China.
Dominic Trindade, general manager of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, highlighted the importance of the expo for bilateral trade: “In an increasingly complex global environment, resilient and efficient supply chains are critical to economic growth. The CISCE provides a valuable platform for Australian and Chinese businesses to connect and develop partnerships.”
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile also addressed the opening ceremony, stating that “at this critical juncture of global economic transformation, all parties are committed to enhancing the resilience and sustainable development capacity of global industrial and supply chains.”
The Beijing Initiative: A Call for Multilateralism
A key outcome of the opening day was the release of the “Beijing Initiative on Industrial and Supply Chain International Cooperation,” jointly issued by the CCPIT and global business representatives. The initiative calls for upholding multilateralism, supporting the WTO-centered trading system, reducing institutional barriers, promoting innovation, accelerating digital and green transformation, and opposing protectionism.
John Denton, secretary general of the International Chamber of Commerce, underscored the urgency of the initiative: “Recent shocks to key maritime shipping lanes have revealed a truth — openness, security, and resilience are no longer separate independent goals, but common necessities for all of humanity, requiring shared responsibility from all parties.”
Major Companies Showcase Supply Chain Commitments
Major multinational corporations are using the expo to highlight their long-term commitments to China. AstraZeneca, participating for the fourth consecutive year, announced that it continues to fulfill its pledge to invest over 100 billion yuan ($14.8 billion) in China by 2030. GE Healthcare showcased its resilient supply chain ecosystem with annual procurement exceeding 10 billion yuan, supporting more than 1,000 suppliers. McDonald’s China, alongside Syngenta and McCain, signed a memorandum of cooperation to launch a pilot project on potato supply chain sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The 4th CISCE runs through June 26, with more than 60 business exchange activities scheduled. The expo is open to professional visitors through June 24 and will open to the general public free of charge on June 25-26. As global supply chains face ongoing challenges from geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation, the event stands as a powerful demonstration of the international business community’s commitment to cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity.
With its record international participation, focus on AI-driven transformation, and the release of the Beijing Initiative, the 4th CISCE reinforces China’s position as a central hub in global supply chains while sending a clear message that collaboration — not decoupling — remains the preferred path forward for the world’s business community.