100-Day Expo Countdown: Mascot released for China International Import Expo

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03:04

July 28th marks 100 days to go before the first ever China International Import Expo, which hits Shanghai from November 5th to 10th. On the start of the 100-day countdown, the organizers debuted the mascot and slogan of the event. Officials are gearing up to better prepare for the event. Our reporter, Wang Hui, explains.

On the launch of the 100-day countdown ahead of the first China International Import Expo, the event's mascot took center stage. The giant panda is called Jinbao, which means "bringing in wealth" in Chinese. His name aligns well with the event's theme "New Era, Shared Future".

WANG BINGNAN VICE MINISTER OF COMMERCE "The slogan carries on the principles and spirit of the Belt and Road Initiative. Extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits are all part of that spirit."

Three world organizations and 80 countries have confirmed their participation in the country pavilion of trade and investment, one of the three parts of the expo. They include 21 developed countries, 50 developing ones, and nine lesser developed nations.

About 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions, will showcase their products. Over 200 of those companies are on the Global Fortune 500 list, and are leaders in their respective industries. They will bring more than 100 new products and techniques. An estimated 150-thousand buyers will take part in the autumn event.

WANG BINGNAN VICE MINISTER OF COMMERCE "This is an important measure that China is taking the initiative to open its market to the world. It will help expand our imports, and facilitate balanced development of foreign trade. This is the first national-level exhibition with the theme of exports, which shows great determination and confidence of opening up."

To help foreign companies access the Chinese market, the city government of Shanghai, where the event will be held, is taking measures.

WU QING DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHANGHAI "The exhibitors will take part in the event for a week, but we will serve them for a year. We are trying to help turn the exhibition items into commodities in the Chinese market. We are building a one-stop trade facilitation platform, which can showcase products online and provide consultation to companies throughout the year."

Shanghai is also upgrading its transportation, catering, and customs' services to make participation of the event easier.

WANG HUI SHANGHAI "The Expo in November will include a country pavilion of trade and investment, an enterprise and business exhibition, and the Hongqiao International Trade Forum. The event will be held in nine exhibition halls at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, with the total floor space up to 300-thousand square meters. WY, CGTN, Shanghai.