Storyline: All guest countries of honor at the ongoing 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened national pavilions on Thursday, showcasing numerous exhibits featuring distinct national characteristics. Six countries, including Thailand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nigeria, Georgia, Sweden and Colombia, are participating this year's CIIE as guests of honor. Making its debut as a guest of honor at the expo, Sweden has brought multiple new products in areas including high-end manufacturing and green technology. The country's pavilion has captured attention by combining displays of Sweden's culture of liesurely lifestyle along with new high-end manufactured products. "For our Swedish companies, it's important to meet with Chinese companies and we believe that China is the world leader in innovation. So our companies need to be here to meet with the Chinese companies," said Emil Akander, vice president for Asia Pacific at Business Sweden, a government-commissioned business advocacy organization. Having participated in the CIIE for eight consecutive years, Colombia is also appearing as a guest of honor for the first time. Passionate traditional dance performances and tastings of coffee and chocolate are showcasing South American cultural charm. "We have a team of 29 companies this time. As the CIIE grows larger with more participants and companies, this platform becomes increasingly important for Colombia," said Oscar Felipe Rueda, Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of Colombia in China. From Thai rice to heavy trucks, the guest of honor countries at the event are presenting a wide range of exhibits that highlight their respective competitive industries and achievements in bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This year's CIIE, themed "New Era, Shared Future", runs from Nov 5 to 10. It features the largest exhibition area in its history and a record 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations. Shotlist: Shanghai, China - Recent: 1. Venue for eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) Shanghai, China - Nov 6, 2025: 2. Various of visitors, Swedish booth, exhibitors, products on display 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Emil Akander, vice president for Asia Pacific, Business Sweden: "So for our Swedish companies, it's important to meet with Chinese companies and we believe that China is the world leader in innovation. So our companies need to be here to meet with the Chinese companies." Shanghai, China - Recent: 4. Various of visitors, Colombian booth, exhibitors, products on display Shanghai, China - Nov 6, 2025: 5. Various of Colombian dancing performance 6. Various of visitors, Colombian booth, exhibitors serving visitors 7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Oscar Felipe Rueda, Commercial Counsellor, Embassy of Colombia (starting with shot 6): "We have a delegation of 29 companies this time. As the CIIE grows larger with more participants and companies, this platform becomes increasingly important for Colombia." Shanghai, China - Recent: 8. Various of visitors, booths, exhibitors, products on display [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]