Editor's Note: This year marks the 5th anniversary of the China International Import Expo. The CIIE Bureau and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) launched the "My CIIE Story" activity on June 1 to invite people who were involved in the previous CIIEs to share their stories and have received a large number of warm responses so far. We are going to publish the excellent works of "My CIIE Story" in succession. In July, the stories will center on "grand strategy", which showcases the CIIE's role in promoting key national strategies, diplomatic relationships and international public good. Let's follow the words written by the authors and look back on their wonderful moments from the past five years.

Zhu Lichang conducts a lecture on diabetes during the CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

I attended the CIIE in 2020 and 2021 to share knowledge about diabetes. This experience was both exciting and stressful.

To ensure that the content I share is easily understood by the masses, I did research to find the latest papers and treatment guidelines on this disease in the world and combined them with real cases to better engage the audience.

I believe that it is a doctor's duty to educate the public on health issues in addition to cure their illnesses. Sharing information about disease prevention and treatment is helpful to building a healthy China and this cause needs the involvement of government departments, industry organizations and medical companies.

A public welfare project initiated by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which I took part in, is one good example. I was invited to conduct classes on diabetes management at the company's booth during the CIIE and the innovative drugs and medical technologies showcased helped the audience stay focused.

The CIIE is a great opportunity for me to learn about the world's most advanced medications and treatment methods as it is usually difficult to have access to an innovative drug before it enters the market. Walking around the booths at the medical equipment and healthcare products exhibition area of the CIIE, I also got the chance to listen to experts who shared their latest research results.

The CIIE has even helped me perform better at work. One of my patients had been taking medicines to control her blood sugar levels but the results were not very satisfactory. During the pandemic, she had to stop going to the gym to avoid infection, which made her conditions worse. I then noticed this new drug by Novo Nordisk at the CIIE and recommended it to the patient after the drug was included in the national insurance list. It later proved very effective in lowering her blood sugar levels.

Through the CIIE, numerous innovate drugs have entered the Chinese market and helped doctors like me cure patients.

By Zhu Lichang

Zhu Lichang

The author is a general practitioner and the director of the general practice team at the Jiyang Community Health Services Station in the Pudong New Area, Shanghai.

Five years on, share your CIIE stories with us

Over the past five years the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has gone from strength to strength, breaking new ground on every year it has been held. The CIIE has made landmark achievements in international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange and open cooperation.

The CIIE Bureau and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) launched the "My CIIE Story" activity on June 1 to invite people who were involved in the previous CIIEs to share their stories. The activity has received a large number of warm responses so far and excellent works are being published in succession.

We look forward to more CIIE stories! Tell us about some of the unique experiences you've had at the CIIE over the past years, from meeting new clients and partners, to opening up new markets and networking opportunities. No matter who you are, be you exhibitor or buyer, or volunteer, you are welcome to tell your stories of the CIIE.

Languages for solicitation: Chinese, English and French

Solicitation time:

For written stories, from now to September 30, 2022

For video materials, from now to November 30, 2022

Collection method:

You can submit written stories, story outlines, graphics or video material demonstrating your personal feelings or those of your team in relation to the CIIE at an online platform.

Scan the QR code to submit your story.

You can also send your written stories to ciiestories@ciie.org with the subject line "My CIIE Story submission", or send videos to ciiestories2@ciie.org with the subject line "Video submission".

Any information you provide to the activity will be protected. Please see the notice on the official website of the CIIE for more details.