Shanghai's Pudong New Area has transformed from farmland into a bustling center for development and industry over the past few decades. Michael Kruppe, general manager of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), arrived in Pudong 32 years ago and has witnessed this remarkable change firsthand.

The SNIEC, one of the world's busiest exhibition centers, has played a significant role in connecting people from various industries, including companies, consumers, and exhibitors.

As a platform for industry convergence, the SNIEC creates a mutually beneficial environment, bringing people together from different industries. "We can open our venue to B2B but also to B2C, allowing consumers to have a look at how these industries come to China and bring advantages in many areas," said Kruppe.

As a foreign executive of a joint venture, Kruppe said that it's his mission and responsibility to attract more international companies and visitors to China, Shanghai, and the SNIEC.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused setbacks in the exhibition industry's development over the past two years. However, Kruppe remains confident in the industry's recovery. The fifth China International Import Expo was held in November 2022 as scheduled, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Its success gives hope for the exhibition industry in Shanghai in the coming year.

Kruppe said that he firmly believes that SNIEC's exhibitions will restart in 2023, benefiting all stakeholders in the industry.

He added that he admires the policies and guidelines established by the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, noting that he believes that the government's top priorities are people's well-being, social harmony, and stability.

As a crucial platform for businesses worldwide to converge, exchange ideas, and support the country's development strategy, the SNIEC's commitment to innovation and technology will play a big role in facilitating China's future economic growth.