International brands account for 65% of 6th CICPE exhibits in Hainan Province, up 20% year-on-year: MOFCOM

More than 3,400 brands from more than 60 countries and regions will be present at this year's Sixth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), which will be held from April 13 to 18 in South China's Hainan Province. International exhibits will account for 65 percent of the total number, up 20 percentage points from last year, Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping said on Monday.

Chinese analysts said that the strong participation of multinational companies amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism shows that foreign investors are "voting with their feet" and showing confidence in the Chinese market. They noted that the expo, a vivid manifestation of China's continued push for opening-up following the landmark event of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP)'s island-wide customs operation last year, is set to play a significant role in strengthening the resilience of global supply chains and channeling confidence into the global economy.

Canada, as the Guest Country of Honor, will set up a pavilion covering 400 square meters and organize nearly 40 Canadian enterprises to participate in the expo, displaying a range of products including cosmetics, agricultural products, and health supplements, Sheng said at a press briefing of the State Council Information Office on Monday.

In addition, 12 countries and regions including Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Ireland, will organize official delegations to participate in the event, with countries such as Russia and Bulgaria establishing national pavilions for the first time, according to Sheng.

Several international brands including France-based L'Oréal and Thailand's TCP Group confirmed their participation to the Global Times on Monday. Saravoot Yoovidhya, CEO of TCP Group, told the Global Times on Monday that the company is "full of confidence" on its development in China in the next five years.

"There are a number of opportunities in the Chinese market that will inject strong impetus into our development, including China's systematic opening-up, consumption boost and upgrade, industrial upgrade as well as accelerated regional integration among ASEAN economies," Yoovidhya said.

Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Monday that he expected the expo to serve as an important platform for global brands to learn the demands of Chinese consumers and adjust their strategies accordingly.

"The rise in international participants highlights their increasing interest in the Chinese market, which is massive, undergoing a consumption upgrade trend and riding on policy benefits," he said.

One of the highlights of the upcoming expo is "global debuts," which will lead consumption trends and fashion, according to Sheng.

"The CICPE will strive to build a premier platform for the debuts of popular consumer products, and will organize a series of global first releases, Asia-Pacific premieres, and China debuts, enabling more world-class products, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative achievements to make their debuts," Sheng said. He stressed that the expo aims to position itself as the "starting station" and "must-visit destination" for global trendy lifestyles, for example, in areas such as new split-type flying cars, intelligent robots, and smart cultural and sports bus stops.

The expo is the first such event to be held since the Hainan FTP launched island-wide special customs operations in December.

Last week, the Hainan FTP celebrated its 100th day of island-wide special customs operations, which began on December 18, 2025. Over these 100 days, the world's "youngest FTP" has achieved a good start for its special customs operations, receiving positive feedback from all parties.

Asked to provide more details about the feedback and commenting on the Hainan FTP, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on Monday that the Hainan FTP is an important platform for leading global open cooperation and driving innovative development. From a smooth start to vigorous development, the Hainan FTP has delivered an impressive 100-day report card.

Taking the 100-day mark as a milestone, and serving as a vivid practice of China's institutional opening-up, the Hainan FTP will expand space through openness, meet challenges through innovation, and forge closer cooperation with the world, Mao said.

Tian Yun, a Beijing-based veteran economist, told the Global Times on Monday that the synergy between the CICPE and the Hainan Free Trade policy (FTP) will attract more international capital to invest, engage deeper with and tap into the potential of the Chinese market.

"China, with concrete and solid steps in further opening-up, will offer a source of predictability for the world in times of rising uncertainty," Tian said.

According to Sheng, more than 70 major enterprises have established a presence in Hainan following their participation in the expo. The expo has played a significant role in converting the policy advantages of the Hainan FTP into market dynamism, industrial drive, and real development results, he said.