The International Trade Centre (ITC) invites small businesses from developing countries in the processed food, consumer goods, and services sectors to apply for a business training programme in China, culminating in participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, taking place from 29 October to 12th November 2025.

China is the world’s second-largest importer and consumer market, and CIIE is the largest import expo globally—creating significant export opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) from developing countries. The eighth edition of CIIE will be held in Shanghai from 5–10 November 2025, bringing together government officials, business leaders, exhibitors, and professional buyers from around the world.

ITC and the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) plan to support 70 MSMEs from developing countries to participate in a 14-day programme in China, comprising five days in Beijing, six in Shanghai, and three in Jinhua and/or Yiwu.

Training Programme (30 October – 3 November, Beijing)

Topics include:

• China’s experience in reform, opening-up, and economic development
• China’s preferential trade arrangements with developing countries
• Chinese market supervision and regulation requirements
• Chinese customs clearance procedures and import requirements
• E-commerce development and cross-border e-commerce management in China

Activities during CIIE (5–10 November, Shanghai)

• Exhibition and product display at the ITC booth
• Business matchmaking and tailored B2B meetings

Activities in Jinhua and/or Yiwu (11 November)

• Business matchmaking and tailored B2B meetings

Costs Covered by AIBO and ITC

• International travel (arrival in Beijing on 29 October, return from Shanghai on 12 or 13 November, depending on flights)
• Intercity travel (Beijing–Shanghai–Jinhua/Yiwu)
• Accommodation and meals in all locations
• Local transport (airport–hotel–expo)
• Visa arrangements (including invitation letter)
• Shared exhibition booth space, including furniture and set-up
• Preparatory workshops/webinars
• Promotional catalogues in English and Chinese
• Buyer matchmaking (via business associations, embassies, and ITC booth)
• Logistical and coordination support before and during the event, including a briefing in Beijing prior to CIIE
• Advisory support for networking and negotiations
• Limited interpretation assistance
• Post-event follow-up to monitor transactions, address challenges, and provide further technical assistance

Costs to be Covered by MSMEs

• Shipment of product samples, promotional materials, and related costs
• Visa application fee
• Any additional expenses not covered by the programme

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Operate in the processed food, consumer goods, or services sector
• Be based in a developing country
• Be able to communicate in English (Chinese is an asset)
• Be export-ready, preferably with experience in developed markets (e.g., US, EU, Japan)
• Have capacity to export to China and meet relevant import, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS), and General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) requirements
• Be willing to ship representative samples
• Have an operational website
• Preferably have previous trade fair experience
• Provide high-quality marketing materials and detailed product/service specifications
• Complete mandatory e-learning courses:
  • Doing Business with Chinese People (starting 6 October)
  • Introduction to Exporting to China (starting 20 October)
• Be able to communicate via WeChat

Application Requirements

Submit the following by 17 August 2025 (CET):

• Completed application form
• Copy of company representative’s passport (valid for at least six months after 13 November 2025)
• Passport-quality photo (JPEG format)
• Copy of business registration/license
• High-quality company logo (400–600 px wide for large image, 72 DPI)
• Company brochure and/or video

Send all documents as separate attachments via email to:

• Mr. Mao Tianyu – [email protected]
• Mr. Zhao Quan – [email protected]
• Ms. Duanmei Hu – [email protected]
• Mr. Rob Kohlmann – [email protected]

File naming format: Country_CompanyName_Item (e.g., Mozambique_FruitCompany_Passport).

Additional Information

• Application deadline: 17 August 2025
• Selected companies will be notified by 25 August 2025
• ITC aims for geographic diversity among participants
• If not selected for the training, companies may still participate in CIIE at their own cost, with ITC providing booth space, expo registration, and logistical support

Important: Participants must provide a health check certificate for visa application. No accompanying family or friends are allowed. Travel dates must follow the official training schedule.