ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia is showcasing its flagship export commodities and rich cultural heritage at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), aiming to forge trade ties and expand market presence in China, the country's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has said.
The ministry said in a statement issued Friday that a diverse array of Ethiopian businesses are actively participating in the expo, seeking to expand their presence in the vast Chinese market and strengthen global supply chain linkages.
The ministry emphasized that the annual event, serving as a premier international platform, is expected to "significantly contribute" to Ethiopian exporters to forge new market linkages and secure trade agreements, while also strengthening existing market ties.
The ministry is currently coordinating the country's participation in the expo, mainly providing the necessary professional and technical assistance to enable participating Ethiopian businesses to maximize commercial outcomes.
In addition to promoting the country's key export commodities and fostering market access, the ministry also highlighted the expo's broader role in promoting the country's rich cultural heritage.
It said unique traditional Ethiopian coffee-tasting sessions and cultural dance performances at the country's pavilion are attracting large crowds of trade delegates and visitors. The national carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has also enhanced the pavilion's promotional outreach by spotlighting its global connectivity and bolstering the country's international image.
The ninth CIIE is currently taking place in Shanghai, China, from Nov. 5 to 10. Launched in 2018 as the world's first national-level expo dedicated to imports, it aims to expand China's opening-up and turn its vast market into a shared opportunity for the world. ■