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
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
