Consumer firms eye major spending spree
A1 As the world's first import-themed national exhibition, the CIIE is an open, win-win platform. It is the ideal platform for new product and service launches and a cutting-edge technology showcase. Leveraging this platform, more exhibits have been transformed into products, which enter millions of households in China. The CIIE also provides important opportunities for multinational companies like Ikea, which are committed to long-term development in China, to showcase their expertise and communicate with key Chinese stakeholders.
This is Ikea's fifth consecutive year participating in the event. We look forward to communicating with more stakeholders and introducing our innovative and inspiring products to more consumers to create a better everyday life.
A2 The CIIE is valuable against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and political impacts on the global economy this year. It reflects China's willingness to further open up and make the Chinese market a shared, diverse and more inclusive space, which also strengthens Ikea's confidence in the Chinese market.
The pandemic is changing the world, which profoundly underscores the importance of people's living conditions. We've learned that Chinese consumers spend more time at home, expect more value from home and expect to contribute more value to society and the planet. The CIIE, as a platform that provides exhibitors with the opportunity to communicate directly with various stakeholders, also enables Ikea to communicate with Chinese consumers about what we have learned and developed from their emerging "life at home" insights.
A3 At a time when uncertainties such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitics continue to affect the global economy, China's proactive opening-up to maintain the stability of the global industrial chain is of great significance and importance in safeguarding the stable development of the global economy.
A4 China is one of our most important strategic markets. With its growing economy and increasing urbanization levels, we are confident in the potential of the Chinese home furnishing market and committed to long-term growth in China. We hope to work with our Chinese partners to respond to new opportunities and we will also contribute to improve the everyday lives of Chinese people with our expertise and knowledge in home furnishings.
A5 As an enterprise, we perceive China's determination to further open up and to make the Chinese market a shared, open, diverse and more inclusive one by hosting the CIIE, which plays an important role in promoting international trade and investment, communication between people, openness and cooperation.
High-level opening-up also refers to introducing climate-friendly technologies, absorbing foreign investment that meets environmental protection standards, and developing green trade and green industries, which will help drive green economic development. Ikea continues to focus on sustainable development at this CIIE, displaying a series of sustainable products, sharing experiences in sustainable development and discussing sustainable topics to show Chinese consumers more possibilities of a green life at home.