Shanghai to present world-class import expo

China will present the world business community a first-rate international import expo in Shanghai, which will be held from Nov 5 to 10.

The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) should be on par with the most renowned exhibitions in the world, combining country exhibitions, enterprise exhibitions and forums to form a comprehensive international influence, Chinese Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua said at the 100-day countdown swearing-in conference in Shanghai on Friday.

People from all walks of life have geared up for the preparation work of the event and relevant logistics work has been carried out smoothly in Shanghai, said Wu Qing, vice-mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government.

Major projects are under construction at a fast pace with steady progress and the construction of the "three areas and one space", including the main venues of the West Hall, the parallel forums, the country pavilions and the outdoor space, is progressing smoothly, according to Wu.

The overall layout requirements for construction of the area in Shanghai Hongqiao central business district are of the highest quality and at the best level, and will create the most beautiful environment, targeting a first-class world standard, said Zeng Zheyi, director of the coordination and supervision department at the Shanghai Hongqiao CBD Development Construction Headquarters.

Based on the assessment of the Hongqiao CBD area's construction progress and quality, which was just finished last week, the construction work is 70 percent done, with high-quality workmanship. In the remaining 100 days, Shanghai can accomplish the construction, Zeng said. 

Learning from experiences during the 2010 Shanghai Expo, the first China International Import Expo also aims at establishing an expo that lasts forever with the help of advanced technologies such as internet and online payment, one of four great recent inventions in China, according to Zeng, who was also involved in the preparation work of the 2010 Shanghai Expo.

Shanghai will establish a one-stop trade promotion platform connecting online and offline transactions, and it can provide convenient services for international businesses after the six-day event for a year and even longer, Wu said, adding that Shanghai will stay committed to hosting an import expo that never ends.

As indicated by the CIIE logo, China takes the initiative to open the door which connects China to the world, the door of global trade, as well as the door of friendship among all people by holding the event in Shanghai.

Among those who have expressed plans to attend are World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Azevedo, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, and International Trade Centre Executive Director Arancha Gonzalez, said Vice-Minister of Commerce Wang Bingnan at a news conference in Shanghai on Friday.

Some heads of states and governments have also confirmed attendance, Wang added, apart from over 2,800 companies from 130 countries and regions that have confirmed participation in the first China International Import Expo.

As reflected in the blue-and-yellow scarf worn by CIIE mascot Jinbao, the first CIIE embodies the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road in the 21st Century, representing China's new round of reform and opening-up for a shared future with the world in a new era.