Over 100 overseas artworks set to exhibit in 4th CIIE

A polka-dotted yellow pumpkin sculpture by Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama was transported to the exhibition hall of the 4th China International Import Expo from the bonded warehouse of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone (Shanghai FTZ) on Oct 25 – one of the many international artworks that will grace the upcoming show.

The giant annual expo, known for short as the CIIE, is scheduled to be held in the city of Shanghai in East China on Nov 5-10. 

Shanghai Customs said that more than 100 overseas artworks are expected to feature in the expo, thanks to the Shanghai FTZ's favorable policies. 

Many overseas art institutions are due to participate in the 4th CIIE and as a result, there are reportedly a raft of substantial artworks among the exhibits being imported via the Shanghai FTZ. These include paintings, sculptures, contemporary art works and returned cultural relics, said Wang Jiaming, deputy general manager of Shanghai PFTZ International Culture Investment and Development Co Ltd. 

Through the Shanghai FTZ, the exhibitors doing so can get one-stop services for the import process – including help for stand constructions, exhibition arrangements and removals and import tax settlements, Wang added.

Statistics showed that from 2013 to 2020, the total value of artworks imported and exported through the Shanghai FTZ was nearly 50 billion yuan ($7.81 billion). In the first three quarters of this year, the value of artworks imported and exported through the zone reached 7.8 billion yuan.