Chinese premier delivers keynote speech at opening ceremony of 7th China Int'l Import Expo

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai on Tuesday.

As the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, this year's expo will run from November 5 to 10.

"Today, the seventh CIIE is opening as scheduled. Friends both old and new, from home and abroad, have come as promised. On behalf of the Chinese government, I wish to express cordial greetings and warm welcome to you all," said Li.

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao moderated the opening ceremony.

The 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. It also sets a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders attending the event.

More than 400 new products, new technologies and new services are set to be unveiled during the expo, which experts believe is a strong indication of global companies' confidence in the Chinese market, and their commitment to further development in China despite a sluggish global economic recovery.

Russia said on Monday that its forces had struck Ukrainian ammunition depots, military airport infrastructure, and energy facilities, while Ukraine on the same day claimed to have repelled multiple Russian attacks.

The Russian Defense Ministry said in a briefing that the Russian air defense system intercepted Ukrainian drones, rockets and aerial bombs.

Meanwhile, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported over 100 battles on the frontlines as of Monday afternoon, with the most intense fighting taking place toward the directions of Kurakhove and Krasny Liman.

The Ukrainian army has repelled multiple Russian attacks, said the Ukrainian side.