Taking advantage of the « CIIE Goes to Hubei » event, Nelson, Deputy General Manager of the Hungarian pharmaceutical company Tuti Pharma Ltd., visited Hubei, a central Chinese province, for the second time. Nelson was full of praise for Hubei—what captivated him was not only the hot dry noodles and lotus roots but also the fertile ground that nurtures business development.

« I believe our company can establish a very large experimental center in Hubei in the future, » Nelson said, already envisioning the company’s development prospects in China even before the event concluded.

Exhibitors Plant Roots and Grow an Ecosystem

Tuti Pharma made its debut at the CIIE in 2024, showcasing a series of products focused on beauty, anti-aging, and weight management. Although a newcomer to the CIIE, the company quickly established connections with numerous domestic e-commerce platforms and businesses. Within just a few months, it successfully entered the Chinese market, turning « exhibition traffic » into tangible profits.

For foreign companies new to China, the CIIE serves as a vital window to understand the Chinese consumer network. It not only creates opportunities for foreign businesses to access the Chinese market but also helps them quickly and accurately grasp the real needs of consumers. Nelson admitted that through the CIIE, Tuti Pharma has successfully connected with a large number of import supermarkets and e-commerce platforms. This made Nelson realize the importance of « keeping up » with the CIIE’s pace. His visit to Hubei brought new gains.

« Pharmaceutical companies require a large number of technical talents and a favorable clinical trial environment. We are attracted to Wuhan’s rich educational and scientific resources as well as its efficient administrative operations. Our first investment in China is expected to be in Wuhan, » Nelson expressed with confidence about establishing a new experimental center.

« We hope to develop and produce new products in China and gradually expand into the Southeast Asian market, » Nelson stated. In the future, Tuti Pharma not only plans to bring more European products to China but also aims to establish a more comprehensive clinical trial and product development system in China, with new products being sold to markets such as Japan and Southeast Asia.

A Massive Platform Connecting the Globe

The CIIE is not just a stage for exhibitors; it is also a platform for procurement agencies to connect with global resources. As one of China’s top 100 chain commercial enterprises, Wuhan Zhongshang Supermarket has participated in the CIIE for multiple consecutive years, sourcing high-quality imported goods from around the world.

« Over the years, we have found numerous fast-moving consumer goods at the CIIE. The introduction of these products has greatly helped optimize our product structure and boost consumption levels in the central Hubei region, » said Tang Lihong, Deputy General Manager of Wuhan Zhongshang Supermarket.

More collaborative development « success stories » are also unfolding. Tang Lihong accidentally discovered a European wine company at the CIIE. « This company owns vineyards in France and Italy and also exports wine in Europe. »

Since the cost of importing bottled wine is higher than that of bulk wine, Tang decided to import bulk wine and partnered with a domestic company specializing in bottling. This initiated a new collaborative project, shifting from simply « buying products » to jointly innovating production lines.

Tang Lihong admitted: « Through the CIIE, we can eliminate middlemen and directly contact foreign suppliers, which greatly helps reduce costs. The CIIE not only brings us closer to foreign businesses but also plays a significant guiding role in upgrading domestic industries, including innovations in the processing techniques of consumer goods. »

Having tasted success, Tang Lihong looks forward to the 8th CIIE and is seeking cooperation opportunities with internationally renowned consumer goods companies at the « CIIE Goes to Hubei » event. « If possible, we will also strive to facilitate industrial connections beyond product procurement, » Tang said.

Hubei’s Cultural Charm Shines at Home and Abroad

The CIIE is not just a bridge for trade; it also deepens the connection between the world and Wuhan on a cultural level.

At the 7th CIIE, Hubei Province’s cultural exchange exhibition was divided into two major sections: cultural display and industrial display. More than 20

CIIE

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is the world’s first import-themed national-level expo, first held in Shanghai in 2018. It was initiated by the Chinese government to promote economic globalization and serve as a platform for countries and companies to exhibit their goods and services to the Chinese market.

Hubei

Hubei is a central Chinese province with a rich history as a cradle of Chu culture, one of the major states during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. It is most famous for being the location of the Three Gorges Dam and the ancient bronze bell chimes unearthed from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. The provincial capital, Wuhan, is a historically significant transportation hub situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers.

Wuhan

Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province and a major city in central China, formed in 1927 by the merging of the three historic towns of Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang. It has a history spanning over 3,500 years and is historically significant as the site of the 1911 Wuchang Uprising, which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty. The city is also a major transportation hub and a center for education and research.

Wuhan Zhongshang Supermarket

Wuhan Zhongshang Supermarket is a major retail chain in Wuhan, Hubei province, known for providing a wide range of daily necessities and groceries. It grew to prominence in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a key local enterprise, reflecting the modernization of China’s retail sector. The chain became internationally known in early 2020 as the location where a significant number of early COVID-19 cases were traced.

Southeast Asian market

A Southeast Asian market is a vibrant, open-air hub of commerce and community life, deeply rooted in the region’s history as a crossroads of trade for centuries. These bustling centers, often operating daily, are where locals traditionally buy fresh produce, street food, and handmade crafts, reflecting a way of life that has endured through generations.

Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia with a rich cultural history spanning millennia, from its ancient imperial era and samurai traditions to its modern status as a global technological leader. It is renowned for its unique blend of deep-rooted customs, such as Shinto and Buddhist practices, tea ceremonies, and traditional arts, alongside cutting-edge innovation and pop culture.

France

France is a Western European nation with a rich cultural and historical legacy, dating back to the Roman era and the reign of Charlemagne. It is globally renowned as a center for art, philosophy, and cuisine, and is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles. Its history was profoundly shaped by events such as the French Revolution, which established it as a republic.

Italy

Italy is a southern European nation with a rich cultural history spanning over 3,000 years, forming the core of the Roman Empire and later becoming the birthplace of the Renaissance. Its landscape is defined by the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, which extends into the Mediterranean Sea, and it is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. The country’s immense cultural legacy encompasses iconic art, architecture, and cuisine that have had a profound and lasting global influence.