Shanghai | November 7, 2025
As the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai, more than 200 Chinese business leaders, scholars, and professionals from nearly 70 countries and regions gathered for a high-level forum on expanding global cooperation and investment opportunities in China.
Themed “Together with China’s Opportunities”, the 2025 Overseas Chinese Networking in Shanghai during CIIE event was held on Thursday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. It was organized by the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC) and co-hosted by the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.
Senior officials including Gao Feng, Vice President of the ACFROC, and Chen Tong, a member of the Shanghai Municipal Party Standing Committee and President of the Shanghai Overseas Friendship Association, attended and delivered remarks. The event was one of several major side activities during the international expo.
A vision under China’s new “15th Five-Year Plan”
In his address, Gao Feng extended greetings on behalf of the ACFROC and its Chair, Wang Linggui. He highlighted the significance of the recent Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, which outlined the blueprint for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development.
“The plan emphasizes greater openness to global markets and cooperation for shared growth,” Gao said. “It provides both direction and opportunity for overseas Chinese to participate in the next phase of modernization.”
Gao called on overseas Chinese communities to seize new opportunities arising from China’s development. He encouraged them to recognize emerging trends, align their businesses with national priorities, and continue acting as bridges between China and the world by sharing authentic stories and building mutual understanding.
Shanghai’s gateway role in global engagement
Chen Tong noted that the 8th CIIE coincides with China’s new national development plan, reflecting the country’s confidence in deepening reform and advancing high-quality, high-level openness.
He said overseas Chinese have long been witnesses, participants, and contributors to Shanghai’s transformation. “We hope global Chinese entrepreneurs will make the most of Shanghai’s advantages and the CIIE’s international platform to strengthen cooperation and innovation,” Chen said.
Overseas voices: building bridges and telling stories
Representatives from around the world, including Dato’ Seri T.C. Goh, Honorary President of The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia, expressed pride in China’s achievements and confidence in its continued progress.
They emphasized that overseas Chinese, familiar with both local cultures abroad and their ancestral homeland, are “natural bridges” for cross-cultural exchange.
“We see ourselves as both bridge-builders and storytellers of China’s progress,” one delegate said. “We will continue to promote practical cooperation in trade, science, and culture, and share China’s development experience in ways international audiences can understand.”
Speakers noted that overseas Chinese communities are well positioned to foster mutual understanding and drive people-to-people exchanges that benefit all sides.
Innovation, AI, and new global partnerships
Industry and academic leaders, including Pan Yan from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, Yang Chang-chang, chief economist at Shenwan Hongyuan Securities, and executives from L’Oréal China and Huasheng Pharma, shared insights on topics ranging from artificial intelligence and digital consumption to biopharmaceutical innovation and cross-border entrepreneurship.
They highlighted Shanghai’s efforts to build a globally influential innovation hub centered on AI and advanced industries. In the consumer sector, China’s digital transformation is reshaping the marketplace and creating new business models and investment opportunities.
Speakers also said the continued success of the CIIE offers an important platform for multinational companies pursuing “localized innovation with global collaboration.”
Bridging opportunities across borders
Panelists agreed that overseas Chinese entrepreneurs play a vital role in linking international markets with China’s domestic innovation. From renewable energy projects to Belt and Road infrastructure cooperation, they said, such partnerships not only demonstrate technological capability but also promote deeper mutual understanding and shared growth.
“The Chinese business community abroad has become an essential part of global connectivity,” one participant noted. “By working together, we can ensure that development opportunities are shared and sustainable.”
The event was chaired by Qi Quansheng, President of the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and hosted by Huang Wei of China Business News.
Later in the afternoon, a series of networking sessions were held under the theme “Bridging for Shared Success”, including a business matchmaking forum, a community roundtable, and a young entrepreneurs’ exchange—further strengthening connections between Shanghai and overseas Chinese communities worldwide.
