Monegasque companies conquer the Chinese market at the CIIE in Shanghai

From 5 to 10 November, the Monaco Embassy in China seized the opportunity offered by this major event, which attracts over 400,000 professional Chinese buyers, to take 17 Monegasque companies to the event, with the support of the Monaco Economic Board. A major challenge.

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Shanghai from 5 to 10 November. The exhibition was opened by the Prime Minister, Li Qiang, who declared that China was more than ever open to world trade. Marie-Pascale Boisson, Monaco's Ambassador to China (and Australia), decided to seize this opportunity by making available a national pavilion to Monegasque companies. 

Supported by the Monaco Economic Board and Monaco's promotional office in Singapore, the Embassy enabled 17 Monaco companies to take part in one of the world's largest import-export trade fairs. The figures are clear: over 400,000 professional Chinese buyers, 250,000m2 of stand space, 3,500 exhibitors from 130 countries, 297 Fortune Global 500 companies represented.

Located in the country zone, the Principality's pavilion was ideally positioned facing the China Pavilion and close to this year's guest of honour countries. With its spacious layout and dedicated areas for each company, the Principality's pavilion was particularly popular, with two brands that were given special prominence because they are already well known in China: ASM FC and its sponsor, jeweller APM Monaco.

The Monegasque delegation*, which was highly diversified in terms of business sectors (renewable energies, agri-food, over-the-counter drugs and personal hygiene products, real estate, cosmetics, art, consultancy, sport, jewellery, tourism and events), was able to meet a significant number of potential Chinese prospects, buyers or partners. Some companies already present on this market were able to raise their profile, while others were more focused on developing their business.  

Several bespoke events took place on the Monaco Pavilion, including a conference on ‘Sustainability & Luxury’ by Estelle Dinh from the International University of Monaco and a networking cocktail reception hosted by La Distillerie de Monaco. 

The Pavilion also received a visit from Mrs Feng Hsu, Monaco's Consul in Shanghai, who met each participant and shared invaluable advice on how to better enter the huge Chinese market. It was a major challenge, and one that Monaco's companies were eager to take up.

* APM Monaco, AS Monaco FC, Aton Green Energy, Bespoke Services, Chambre Des Energies Renouvelables et de L'Ecologie - CEREM, Eurimpex MDD, Intermat Bricopro, International University of Monaco, La distillerie de Monaco, La Purative, Laboratoires Forte Pharma, Laurence Jenkell, Mazza Immobilier, Monaco Dragon Prestige. Alongside these economic entities, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation was also present on the Principality's pavilion.

Press contact: Benoît Ulrich / Delphine Quilichini - presse@meb.mc

Photo credits: Embassy of Monaco in China