The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), hosted in Hainan province, has highlighted China's importance as a key marketplace for international businesses. The expo saw participation from over 4,100 brands representing 71 countries and regions, underscoring the increasing global interest in engaging with China's consumer market.

This year, the United Kingdom was the guest country of honor, with 27 UK companies from sectors like fashion and beauty participating. Brands such as Burberry and Bentley showcased their products, focusing on green technology and sustainable practices. Douglas Alexander, from the UK's Department for Business and Trade, noted the significant innovation and growth in China's economy, particularly in digital technologies, life sciences, and green energy. He emphasized the UK's commitment to strengthening economic ties with China.

Josie Zhang, President of Burberry Greater China, highlighted the expo's role in helping foreign companies connect with local partners. She mentioned Burberry's aim to explore new market opportunities and achieve mutual growth through deeper cooperation with stakeholders. Slovakia also debuted at the expo with its first national pavilion. Andrea Jancekova, CEO of Slovak brand Truscada, praised the expo for its global reach, noting the opportunity to connect with people from around the world.

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Sakova emphasized the growing trade relations between Slovakia and China, noting that China is one of their most important trading partners outside the European Union. She added that the increasing trade volume demonstrates the strength and dynamism of their economic relationship.

Eda Livestock Co Ltd, a Japanese company known for its Wagyu beef, was among the newcomers at the expo. Rei Tanaka, the company's COO, mentioned plans to establish a foreign trade company in Hainan as a strategic entry point into the Chinese market.

The expo also featured top-tier global luxury brands, including Richemont's TimeVallee (as an independent exhibitor), LVMH, and Kering Group brands, indicating confidence in China's premium consumption growth. Nancy Liu, President of DFS China, noted that luxury consumers in China are significantly younger than those in many overseas markets, presenting a major opportunity. DFS has introduced tailored services to meet the expectations of these emerging consumer groups.

Beyond luxury goods, the automotive technology sector is transforming China from a sales destination into a research and innovation hub. The expo introduced dedicated zones for artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy, showcasing advanced technologies and products from global tech companies.

Su Bahong, Vice-President of Volkswagen Group China, stated that Volkswagen has invested over 10 billion euros in China since 2020, including establishing a major R&D center in China in 2023. He emphasized the trend of China becoming a global technological innovation hub.