The 8th China International Import Expo concluded in Shanghai on Nov 12, with enterprises from Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, signing contracts and procurement deals worth 15.6 billion yuan ($2.19 billion).

Procurement remained a key aspect of the international event. Zhoushan companies participated in the 8th Hongqiao International Economic Forum, a major segment of the CIIE, where they connected with leading importers to explore trade opportunities. Notably, Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical, Zhejiang Zhoushan International Agri-products Trade Center, and Zhoushan Good Ocean Grain & Oils signed several significant cooperation agreements.

During the expo, Zhoushan hosted the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone bulk agricultural products development meeting. Nearly 100 participants attended the event, including representatives from research institutions such as Shanghai Ocean University and the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, as well as over 30 enterprises. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization included the oceanic squid price index of China in its global database.

Zhoushan registered 1,094 participants this year, up nearly 30 percent from the previous expo — the highest number to date. Over the past eight expos, Zhoushan has organized nearly 2,000 enterprises, reaching intended procurement deals exceeding $6.7 billion.