What can we expect from the historic import expo?

The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the first import-themed state-level expo in the world, will be held from Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai. What can we expect from the historic expo? Here are some facts and figures.

Aerial photo taken on Oct. 21, 2018 shows a night view of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the main venue to hold the upcoming first China International Import Expo (CIIE), in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

-- More than 3,000 companies, including over 200 enterprises that are leading in their industries from over 130 different countries and regions, have confirmed their participation in the expo.

-- The expo will cover all members of the G20 and over 50 countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

-- The total booth area of the expo will be 270,000 square meters, which is equivalent to the size of 38 football pitches.

-- The expo includes seven exhibition areas, exhibiting consumer goods, electronic products, intelligent equipment, foods, medical and health care products, automobiles, and trade in services.

-- About 160,000 domestic and international buyers are expected to visit the expo.

-- The expo provides two standard booths free of charge for less developed countries. More than 30 of the 44 least developed countries in the world will attend the expo.

-- About 5,000 exhibits will make their debut in China during the expo.

-- Speakers and panelists will include Alibaba's Jack Ma, co-founder of Microsoft and chairman of TerraPower Bill Gates, and Jose Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).