China rose to economic superpower on the might of its manufacturing. Now, as the country takes a turn toward innovation, it’s declaring itself open to a wider consumer market for imports.

Calling it a “win-win” strategy for development, Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out China’s priorities in a keynote speech welcoming thousands of companies to Shanghai for the first ever China International Import Expo.

To discuss China’s move toward innovation:

• Chen Chenchen is deputy director of macroeconomics at Renmin University.
• Rui Ma is a Chinese investor and contributor and advisor to PanDaily.com.
• Zekarias Amsalu is the founder and managing director of Ibex Frontier, a firm focused on investment in Africa.
• Philippe Monnier is an international business executive and board member of the Augmented Reality company, WayRay.

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With preferential policies such as exemption of participation fees, least developed countries grab a "golden opportunity" despite fierce global competition at the China International Import Expo #CIIE https://t.co/Yd0soFjkYh pic.twitter.com/DACvqDvUsc

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) November 9, 2018

Smart and high-tech equipment at the #CIIE. Check out these solar powered cars, a mechanical dummy and robots. What a wonder future! pic.twitter.com/rAAQuisqHv

— ShanghaiEye🚀official (@ShanghaiEye) November 4, 2018

Makeup giant L'Oréal Paris brings its robotic makeup experience to #CIIE in Shanghai. Will AI-powered robots be working in the backstage of future fashion shows? pic.twitter.com/2WXGQmqfH9

— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) November 9, 2018