The China International Import Expo returns to Shanghai for its eighth installment. Taking place from November 5 to 10, the annual expo has generated a total of tentative revenues of 500 billion USD, and this year is set to be the biggest one ever. How has this relatively young expo become one of the major highlights on the international business calendar? Why does it continue to gain influence each year, and what does this reveal about China's commitment to expanding high-level opening up, and what is its impact on global trade?