CIIE 2021. Photo: Li Hao/GT

Shanghai's preparation for the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) are running according to schedule, according to Shu Jueting, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday, responding media's question about the event.

Shu said that 250 enterprises among Fortune Global 500 have signed exhibition contracts and the current exhibition area for signed enterprises has exceeded 75 percent of overall area. In addition, multiple countries have confirmed to attend the country exhibition to promote their products and engage with local partners.

Chinese authorities announced early this week that this year's CIIE, a major platform for foreign businesses to introduce their products and services to the Chinese market, will be held in early November offline, as did in previous years. The announcement marks a major step in Shanghai's recovery from the recent severe Omicron battle.

In 2021, the 4th CIIE was held from November 5 to 10, 2021 in Shanghai. Around 2,900 companies from 127 countries and regions attended last year's CIIE, with an exhibition area of 366,000 square meters, which set a new record in the history of the event. About 422 new products and services were launched during the expo. A total of $70.7 billion worth of deals was made during the expo.

Global Times