First batch of exhibits arrive for China International Import Expo

The first batch of exhibits for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrived at the venue in Shanghai on Tuesday, marking the acceleration of preparations for the November event.

The expo, the world's first import-themed national-level exhibition, is scheduled to take place from Nov 5 to 10 at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Five participating companies brought a variety of products, including avocados from South Africa and a cutting-edge PET/CT molecular imaging system for nuclear medicine. These will be displayed in the food, automobiles, and medical equipment zones.

"We are showcasing one of the most advanced molecular imaging systems in nuclear medicine for the first time. This product features a comprehensive ecosystem solution for the early detection and precise treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This expo marks its global debut," said Zhong Luyin, Chief Communications Officer of GE Healthcare China, a company focused on improving hospital efficiency, enhancing diagnostics and promoting patient health through integrated solutions, services and data analytics.

"We believe the introduction of South African avocados will bring fresh flavors to Chinese avocado lovers, offering high-quality produce year-round," said Wang Na, market director at Dole China, one of the world's leading producers and distributors of fresh fruit.

The setup period for this year's CIIE will run from Oct 25 to Nov 4. Some booths began early installation on Oct 19, and by Nov 2, all major structures, including product displays, are expected to be in place.

Since the first edition in 2018, a total of 142 countries and international organizations have participated online and offline in the CIIE, including 117 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and 26 least-developed countries.

To date, more than 70 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in this year's edition, exceeding the number from the previous session.

First batch of exhibits arrive for China International Import Expo

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday arrived in Kazan, capital city of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian officials greeted Xi at the airport. Among them were head of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan Aleksei Pesoshin and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin.

A guard of honor lined up on both sides of a red carpet to salute the Chinese leader, and Russian youths dressed in national costumes welcomed him with traditional courtesy.

Xi's entourage, including Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau and director of the General Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, arrived on the same plane. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui welcomed President Xi at the airport.

During the summit scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday, Xi is set to attend small- and large-group leaders' meetings and the BRICS Plus leaders' dialogue, and will deliver important speeches. Xi will also have in-depth exchanges with other state leaders on the current international situation, practical BRICS cooperation, the development of the BRICS mechanism and other important issues of common concern.

BRICS is the acronym for an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In January, it expanded its membership to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia.

Xi arrives in Russia's Kazan for BRICS Summit