More than 16-hundred IT industry leaders are in Shenzhen for the 7th China Information Technology Expo. 25 exhibition areas are showing off the latest technology from fields of 5G, robotics, artificial intelligence and computing. The event is in line with China's push to develop its new technology sector, and expand related industries across the nation. CGTN's Omar Khan brings us this story.

Some have called it China's Consumer Electronics Show, and a must attend event for those in the tech industry.

Showcasing some mind-boggling designs and gadgets, this event is defining how we live now, and what the future may just look like.

OMAR KHAN SHENZHEN CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER "With over 100-thousand square meters filled with the latest technology and innovation, this is surely a tech-guru's paradise. Industry leaders are here for the 7th China Information Technology Expo, but no matter where you're from or what you do, there's surely something to check out."

Artificial intelligence and robotics.

Smart home gadgets.

And 'internet of vehicles'.

These are just a few of the developments in the new generation of information technology on display here. But this event is more than just an expo, it positions itself as a platform for the future of IT in China.

CHEN WENHAI GENERAL SECRETARY, CHINA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPO "The CITE is an industry brand that reflects the latest products and technologies from China's electronic information industry. This industry has good momentum in terms of development, and operates on a very large scale. In the future, this industry will be very important among several national economic industries."

AI and robotics are arguably the hottest developments in the world of science and technology. The Chinese State Council has even issued a plan for the tech's future development.

WEN CHANGYI PR MANAGER, UBTECH ROBOTICS "I think the environment is already very good, in Guangdong, especially in Shenzhen. Shenzhen is a city of innovation, there are so many companies that focus on artificial intelligence, so we have a chance to communicate with them and cooperate with them."

KEVIN XIANG GLOBAL TRADE MANAGER, MY ROBOT TIME "Our government is very very think the AI field is a strategy policy in the future, so will give us big support. At the same time, people are the most important, so we also support people from when they are young and when they grow up, people become the important key in supporting the AI field."

Recently-released figures by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology found that the nation's IT service industry climbed 13-point-6 percent in the first two months of the year. So what does this mean for China's future role in becoming an industry leader both at home and abroad?

CHEN WENHAI GENERAL SECRETARY, CHINA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXPO "Especially in the frontier fields of AI and blockchain technology, China and other countries are developing and initiating at the same time. I think in the future, all of us will be optimistic about this industry, not only in China, but worldwide. In terms of development, I think China will definitely be an important participant in this field in the future."

And though this event does look to forge business deals and partnerships. There's still time for some digital interaction and fun.

Omar Khan, CGTN, Shenzhen.