On April 13, 2026, in Haikou, China, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Nurlan Yermekbayev, attended the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo, organized by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the People's Government of Hainan Province.
In his welcome address to the participants Nurlan Yermekbayev noted that the measures implemented by the provincial leadership to liberalize trade and investment, simplify administrative procedures, and create a favorable business environment open up broad opportunities for the development of international economic cooperation. These include expanding access for foreign goods to the Chinese market, as well as promoting national products abroad. The announcement in December 2025 of the Hainan Island territory as a high-standard free trade port with a special customs regime has provided an additional impetus for the region's development as a platform for economic interaction.
The Secretary-General highlighted that the SCO community, which today unites 27 countries, including member states, observers, and dialogue partners, represents the world's largest transregional association. He called on companies participating in the exhibition to leverage the economic and consumer potential of the Organisation's countries, which possess sizable markets, significant resources, and growing demand for high-quality and competitive goods.
Nurlan Yermekbayev emphasized that, year by year, the countries of the vast "SCO community" are represented ever more broadly and diversely at the exhibition. He also expressed confidence that the participation of manufacturers and professional buyers from these states will contribute to the further expansion of mutual trade, as well as the promotion of national products and brands both on Hainan Island and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (EXPO) is taking place in Haikou from April 13 to 18, 2026. Approximately 3,500 brands from more than 60 countries are participating, with foreign products accounting for 65% of the total — a 20% increase compared to 2025.