Import expo to grow despite coronavirus

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the third China International Import Expo will be held as usual in November, but on a bigger scale and with new sections, organizers said.

Ahead of the 100-day countdown to the expo, Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, told a news conference on Friday that the bureau had overcome difficulties posed by the pandemic and preparations were proceeding as scheduled.

Companies had shown enthusiasm for the business expo, Sun said, adding that it has reached its goal of 360,000 square meters of exhibition area, up 20 percent from last year. The average exhibition area to be occupied by Fortune 500 companies participating in the expo was up 14 percent, he said.

This year's expo, which will run from Nov 5 to 10, will feature four new sections: public health; new energy and environmental protection; smart transportation; and sports.