Photo/Xinhua

Nov. 5 (NBD) – The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held in Shanghai on November 5-10.

The CIIE includes Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum and two exhibitions for countries and businesses, respectively.

A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations all over the world are invited to showcase their development achievements and international image during the event.

Officials from international organizations, executives of top enterprises and renowned scholars attend the forum discussing the impacts that opening-up, innovation and investment have on the trade development.

In country pavilions, 82 countries display their accomplishments, such as trade in goods and services, industries, investment and tourism, as well as representative products of the country or region with distinct features.

About one third of total exhibits come from Japan, South Korea, America, Australia, Germany and Italy, China Central Television reported.

The CIIE, as the first one organized at the national level, is considered a new platform for products of different countries to access the vast Chinese market.

More than 3,600 companies across the world bring flagship products to the exhibition, including 87 Brazilian enterprises that engage in businesses of service trade, food commodities and agricultural products and 130 Italian firms focusing on intelligent equipment, medical products and other sectors.

It is noted that over 200 Fortune 500 corporations and industry leaders launch more than 100 new technologies and products at the expo.

Rachel Duan, global senior vice-president, president and CEO of the greater China region of General Electric (GE), told NBD that the company expects to demonstrate how GE achieves digitalization in traditional domains, and also innovation in advanced manufacturing and business models.

U.S. science company 3M is to unveil a new type of particulate pespirator for children and a vehicle air purifier this time.

In addition, France's cosmetics giant L'Oréal S.A. introduces more than 500 items under 21 brands.

As one of first multinational firms set to participate the expo, L'Oréal entered Chinese market 21 years ago and China has grown into its second largest market after America.

Another conglomerate Siemens AG presents their innovative products, technologies and solutions in its four exhibition areas-digital enterprises, sustainable energy, intelligent infrastructure and digital healthcare.

CEO of Siemens Greater China Lothar Herrmann held that CIIE signals China's further opening-up. He believes the six-day event enables Siemens to enhance communication with its Chinese partners and jointly promote digital innovation.

The expo will help deepen international trade and economic cooperation, promote Belt and Road construction and advance economic globalization, President Xi Jinping said in a welcoming banquet hosted on Sunday.

Email: zhanglingxiao@nbd.com.cn