China's Commitment to Market Expansion and Economic Outlook at CIIE 2023

China's Premier Li Qiang pledged to expand market access and increase imports at the China International Import Expo, amid criticism from European firms who called for more tangible improvements in the country's business environment. Li stated that China is committed to opening up its economy and aims to reach a cumulative import value of $17 trillion within the next five years. He also mentioned plans to promote coordinated development of trade in goods and services, relax market access restrictions, and lift restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing. The expo, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018, aims to showcase China's free trade credentials and counter criticism of its trade surplus.