From Trade Shows to Production: Why International Companies Are Expanding Their Presence in China
The global economy is gradually moving beyond traditional trade toward closer industrial and technological cooperation. International exhibitions are becoming platforms where business contacts develop into investment projects and innovative technologies find practical applications.
Ahead of the ninth China International Import Expo, or CIIE, scheduled to take place in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, foreign corporations are continuing to expand their presence in the Chinese market.
According to CCTV+, international companies increasingly use the exhibition not only to promote products but also to establish partnerships, localize manufacturing and strengthen technological cooperation.
One example is pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which has showcased 20 innovative medicines during its participation in CIIE and expanded its manufacturing operations in China.
According to figures cited in the report, the company invested 475 million US dollars in a new facility in Wuxi, 27 million dollars in a production line in Taizhou and approximately 136 million dollars in a project in Qingdao. AstraZeneca has also announced plans to increase its cumulative investment in China to more than 100 billion yuan by 2030.
Another example is international technology group ABB, which specializes in electrification and industrial automation. Over the past decade, the company has invested more than 1.3 billion US dollars in China.
At CIIE, ABB has presented more than 380 technological solutions and concluded approximately 120 strategic cooperation agreements. Its priorities include the energy transition, industrial digitalization and local innovation.
Investment in high-tech industries is becoming increasingly important. According to Chinese Ministry of Commerce figures cited by CCTV+, foreign direct investment in these sectors increased by 35.1 percent during January–August 2026, reaching 200.26 billion yuan.
High-tech industries accounted for 41.7 percent of total foreign investment during the period.
These figures indicate international business interest in industries with high added value. However, growth in individual sectors does not necessarily reflect investment trends across the entire economy.
More than 300 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders are expected to participate in the ninth CIIE, where over 480 new products are scheduled to be presented.
For Central Asian countries, China's experience offers insights into how trade can be combined with investment and industrial cooperation. Participation in international exhibitions may become an initial step toward establishing joint ventures, introducing advanced technologies and expanding export opportunities.
For Turkmenistan, this approach is particularly relevant to energy, oil and gas processing, transport logistics and agricultural production. In these sectors, opportunities extend beyond attracting capital to include industrial automation, improved energy efficiency, workforce development and the establishment of modern manufacturing facilities.
At the same time, successful international cooperation depends not on the number of agreements signed but on how effectively they are transformed into operating enterprises, new technologies and sustainable economic results.
International exhibitions are therefore increasingly serving as a bridge between trade, investment and industrial development. The ability to connect these areas is becoming an important factor in economic competitiveness.
As reported by SSTV+, foreign companies are expanding their presence in China ahead of the ninth China International Import Expo, focusing on long-term investment, localized manufacturing and technological cooperation.
