Sixth import expo in final stages of preparation

The sixth China International Import Expo is shifting focus from exhibitor recruitment to exhibition operations in preparation for the Nov 5-10 event at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

The expo will feature a wide variety of activities, including exhibitions from more than 100 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, interactive enterprise exhibits, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum and cultural exchange events. Technological innovation, advantageous industries and investment environment will be highlighted to promote mutual understanding and reciprocal benefits among participants, according to the CIIE Bureau at a media briefing of the 50-day countdown to the sixth CIIE held on Friday.

The China pavilion will be upgraded and expanded, with the exhibition area increasing from 1,500 to 2,500 square meters. It will focus on showcasing China's latest achievements in promoting high-level opening-up and high-quality development, attracting investment and reviewing the achievements marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of pilot free trade zones, organizers said.

Dedicated to organizing a comprehensive exhibition with professional operations, the Business Exhibition of the sixth CIIE will feature the top six exhibition areas for food and agricultural products, automobiles, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare products, and trade in services.

To date, about 3,000 businesses have signed up to participate, covering an exhibition area of more than 360,000 sq m, and according to the bureau, a special area for innovation incubation will be unveiled soon.

Some 400 enterprises have returned to the Business Exhibition after an absence of more than two years. The food and agricultural products section will have the most exhibitors and widest sources, with more than 1,000 businesses from 100 countries and regions participating, while the automobiles exhibition area will bring together the top 15 automotive brands from around the world.

The low-carbon area in the intelligent industry and information technology section has reached a record size, and the scale of the digital industry and integrated circuit zones has also been expanded. The consumer goods exhibition area will showcase customized and limited-edition products, as well as new eco-friendly, intelligent and innovative products.

The medical equipment and healthcare products exhibition area will focus on demonstrating innovative products, cutting-edge technology and services to support the Healthy China initiative. The service trade exhibition area has set up five sectors featuring commercial logistics, consulting, finance, culture and tourism, and general services. The innovation incubation zone has expanded both its exhibition area and themes, focusing on cooperation and innovation.

Another important component of the sixth CIIE, the foreign business association groups, visited dozens of countries and regions to invite their business association institutions to take part in the expo. Currently, the number of institutions has increased by 50 percent, with a 35 percent increase in the exhibition area and a 20 percent increase in the number of participating companies.

Meanwhile, professional visitors, represented by purchasers, are a cornerstone of the continued healthy development of the CIIE, and organizers have always attached great importance to their contribution. This year's expo will feature group visits consisting of trade delegations, cooperative units, and major purchasers to enable precise communication and business matching between exhibitors and buyers, and organizers will assist in developing plans, contacting exhibitors, arranging guided visits and providing tailored services as per requirements.

Officials said organizing group visits aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of business matching between exhibitors and buyers is a key service provided by the CIIE.

Already 25 businesses, including GE Healthcare, Bayer and Cargill, have signed contracts or cooperation memorandums for their participation in next year's expo, where the total exhibition area is expected to exceed 10,000 sq m.

To ensure smooth customs clearance of exhibited goods, the CIIE Bureau, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) and Shanghai Airport (Group) have signed a cooperation agreement on air cargo services for the sixth CIIE.

In addition, the CIIE Bureau and the convention center have joined hands with China Taiping Insurance Holdings to launch a "carbon neutral action" for the sixth CIIE. The bureau and the convention center have also signed a cooperation agreement with Nio, which will serve as the official designated auto partner, providing green and smart travel solutions for the event with new energy vehicles.

A signing ceremony for exhibitors to participate in the seventh China International Import Expo held on Friday. CHINA DAILY