OpinionShanghai show will tell all the world that China is open for business

China’s first International Import Expo could not be timelier. Chill winds are blowing on global trade with the United States having slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese products, and the free flow of goods, services and people being threatened by protectionist governments.

Chinese experience proves that this is a mistake; the nation’s spectacular growth and development over the past four decades is the result of opening up and enabling economic engagement with the rest of the world.

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The more than 130 countries and regions showing off their best products to the nation in Shanghai next week is confirmation that President Xi Jinping is eager for the process to move forward.

There is great symbolism in the five-day event, which begins on Monday. The 18 national leaders, senior officials from scores of other countries, dozens of heads of multinational companies and more than 3,000 Chinese and foreign firms taking part are committed to globalisation and free trade.

Such a gathering on Chinese soil sends a firm signal that Beijing wants to buy more from other nations. China’s 400 million-strong middle class has a thirst for quality consumer goods, providing a powerful incentive to be involved.

All the presidents and prime ministers attending are from developing nations – Russia, Pakistan and Vietnam among them. No leader from a major economy will be present, the US most prominent among them – although a number will send senior delegations led by government ministers.