The countdown is on to the first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE). July 28 marks 100 days to the big event which will take place in Shanghai from November 5 to November 10.  

The expo affirms the country's commitment to free trade and open markets, Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua said at the countdown meeting on Friday.

Hu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged the organizers of the landmark event to cooperate closely with various entities to ensure its success and extend its influence internationally.

Some of the participating enterprises and merchants have been meeting in the eastern China metropolis to talk about their hopes for what has been described as the world's first import-themed national-level expo. 

David Miller, who has spent the last 11 years in Hong Kong working for Italian appliance maker Ariete, wants more people to learn about his company’s products.

"It’s never been done by a country that really focuses on building international companies presence in its country," said Miller, Ariete's area manager. "It's really a big opportunity for us to meet potential buyers and let the consumers know our brands."  

About 100 companies, specializing in everything from apparel to accessories and consumer goods to consumer electronics and appliances, will showcase their products and seek to negotiate deals at the expo. One-quarter of the exhibitors are from Fortune 500 companies and many others are industry leaders from around the world, including the US, Japan and Italy. They are attracted to China’s huge consumption market. 

China is the second largest economy in the world, as well as the second largest global importer and consumer. Over the next five years, China expects to import products and services worth more than ten trillion US dollars. 

China's market is not only large but also wide open. Facing rising trade protectionism though, the Chinese still want to provide more access to their market for international companies. Nelson Gable, the director of Business Development for Metcash Asia Limited, says he couldn't be happier about that. 

“The CIIE is an incredible opportunity to promote trade and commerce for all countries, for online and office," he said. "We are fortunate to have 200-square meters here at the CIIE. We are valuing the openness.” 

Many state-owned Chinese companies, small and big, are in the city to negotiate deals, some of which may already have been sealed. One merchant says the expo is helping both suppliers and merchants. 

"As a small business, we go overseas to find good products. But our resources are very limited, so it’s really challenging. This expo creates an excellent platform, so we can see many products and meet many companies all at once," said Zhao Yong, the general manager of Wujie Trading company. 

The Expo will also include a country pavilion of trade and investment, and the Hongqiao International Trade Forum. 

The suppliers and merchants who attended the meeting are only a fraction of those expected this fall. About 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions will showcase products for an estimated 150,000 buyers.