Foreign businesses are looking forward to the Expo to find more export opportunities, as Mi Jiayi finds out.

Several major business organizations in Shanghai are lining up to keep their members informed about the expo and helping them to sort out any questions about participation.

KENNETH JARRETT, PRESIDENT AMCHAM SHANGHA "For our members we are getting many questions about it. Two weeks ago, we had a special briefing session and we had representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and from the Shanghai Commerce Commission, to explain to our members what are the plans for the expo, because one of the challenges we've been facing is getting enough detailed information to show with our members. The briefing was very helpful. The focus' on exports, a very good focus because our member companies, as well as those based in the US are not present in China are looking to sell more into China. So we do expect the expo will lead to new business relationships and new contracts, and give a boost to exports from the US to China."

The CIIE also launched an online trading platform this week, which will enable companies to showcase their products throughout the year, as the organizers look for ways to extend the influence of the event beyond just its six-day show. This should suit the needs of many companies currently deciding whether to attend.

IOANA KRAFT EU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CHINA "I think companies coming from overseas are not looking for the short-term benefits of another exhibition, there are a lot of exhibitions in Shanghai and China to showcase their products, but I think the real meaning of this import expo is to pave the way for more opening up, they don't only come to the exhibition, but also can come into the market and produce their products here and sell to the Chinese market. the other point is to use this opportunity to pilot some administrative reforms, looking at customers, looking at licensing for some of the special products to come into China. So that's a great opportunity to send out a signal to the world."

This is the first time China has held such an expo, and it will be on in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10.