The opening ceremony of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum opened on Tuesday in Shanghai.

Erik Solheim, Former UN Under-Secretary-General, emphasized the significance of the event and China’s continued opening up in building stronger connections between China and the world in an interview with Guangming Onine.

China is the engine of global growth, he noted. As it enters the new era with a focus on new productive forces and high-quality growth, Solheim said China is playing a crucial role in driving the green transition. He believes the CIIE provides a key platform for fostering international exchanges and sharing China's opportunities in green development.