Xi to address opening ceremony of import expo

China's Ministry of Commerce has held a news briefing for the upcoming China International Import Expo. [Photo: Xinhua]

As the start of the first-ever China International Import Expo draws near, China's Ministry of Commerce has held a news briefing for the upcoming event, which is scheduled to run from November 5th to 10th in Shanghai.

Fu Ziying, Vice Minister of Commerce, also the director of the organizing committee for the Expo, has confirmed President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony with leaders from various parts of the world.

"President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and sideline events. World leaders and representatives of the business community from over 150 countries, as well as international organizations, will also come to the expo. President Xi Jinping will also hold a welcoming banquet on the night of November 4th. On the morning of November 5th, he will give a keynote speech during the opening ceremony, and will also visit the country pavilions with foreign leaders accompanied by Chinese officials."

Fu Ziying contends the forthcoming event is the world's first national-level expo focusing exclusively on imports.

It will consist of the exhibition itself, as well as forums.

The exhibition is divided into two sections: the country pavilion and the business exhibition.

Fu Ziying says that 82 countries and 3 international organizations are setting up 71 exhibition stands, displaying the various achievements and products from their countries, including a dozen guests of honor.

"In the country pavilions, the 12 guests of honor, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, South Africa, Egypt, Russia, Britain, Hungary, Germany, Canada, Brazil and Mexico have all prepared unique exhibition stands. As the host country, we have set up the Chinese pavilion with the concept of "Innovative, Coordinative, Eco-Friendly, Opening, and Sharing", and will showcase our achievements of reform and opening-up, as well as opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative."

Fu Ziying says the business exhibition is made up of 7 areas, with over 3-thousand companies taking part from around 130 countries.

More than 5-thousand different types of import goods will be introduced in China for the first time.

"The business exhibition includes high-quality agricultural products, as well as high-end medical products such as advanced equipment and new anti-cancer drugs. Consumers will be able to experience the world's best products without going abroad."

Another aspect of the Expo, the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum will include an opening ceremony and three parallel forums.

More than 2-thousand officials, entrepreneurs and scholars are due to attend the forums.