(Yicai Global) Nov. 5 -- Industry leaders and senior executives from the world’s top 500 companies have praised China’s efforts in containing the coronavirus and said they are happy to participate in the China International Import Expo.

The third CIIE opened its doors in Shanghai as scheduled today despite the global pandemic, indicating the Chinese government’s resolution to further open up and advance global exchanges, said Clarence Mak, president of food producer Mars Wrigley China.

The CIIE shows the country’s determination and confidence in fighting the virus, as well as its sustained opening-up, said Claude Sarrailh, president of German cash-and-carry store operator Metro Group, which is participating in the trade expo for the third time.

Dow Wilson, chief executive of Varian Medical Systems, said the CIIE is an example of China’s rapid recovery from the pandemic, adding that the expo is the best way for the California-based firm to reach consumers in China and the Asia-Pacific region.

China’s economy returned to growth in the third quarter despite the virus’s huge impact on the global economy, said Kao Asia President Nishiguchi Toru, who noted that the cosmetics maker has regained its vitality in China’s consumer goods field.

Qi Xin, vice president of GlaxoSmithKline and general manager of prescription drugs and vaccines with GSK China, said the number of exhibitors from other countries shows their confidence in the Chinese economy.

Pius S. Hornstein, president of drugmaker Sanofi China, said the expo offers foreign companies more opportunities in the country, so they have chances to enhance exchanges with Chinese and foreign firms.

The CIIE has an exhibition area for public health and Covid-19 for the first time, and Song Weiqun, chairman of Johnson & Johnson China, said this offers reassurance for overseas firms and gives them greater confidence in the nation for the long term.

Editors: Chen Juan, Tom Litting