CIIE to make space for more nations, firms

The second China International Import Expo will feature larger exhibition area and will be attended by more countries and enterprises, Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said.

The booth area will cover a planned 330,000 square meters, Zhong said. The first CIIE had an exhibition area of 300,000 square meters.

The event will also showcase more new products, technologies and services, he said, adding that booths in sectors like health care have already been fully booked.

The second CIIE will also offer more business opportunities and see more deals reached, Zhong said.

The second Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum will be held during the CIIE, the minister said.

A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations and more than 3,600 enterprises participated in the first CIIE, which was held from November 5 to 10 in Shanghai. It was the world's first import-themed national-level expo.

Deals for intended one-year purchases of goods and services worth a total of US$57.83 billion were reached at the first CIIE.