"40 years ago China started to build its bridge to the world by opening its economy and kick-starting reforms that have changed the lives and prospects of hundreds of millions of people here but also beyond China. By transforming itself through trade, through hard work, also learning from others, China has helped transform not only itself but also the global economy," Lagarde said.
The IMF chief noted that further development aimed at expanding the intentional cooperation and re-balancing the Chinese economy requires "even greater openness of China’s domestic market and further reforms to unlock the full potential of private-sector firms."
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The CIIE, hosted by the Chinese Commerce Ministry and Shanghai Municipal People's Government, will last through November 10. Over 2,800 companies from 130 countries are participating in the event.
Russian companies are represented in five industry areas, namely food and agricultural products, high-tech equipment, medical equipment and goods, services, consumer goods. The Russian delegation is headed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.