More than 900 companies from around the world are showcasing a variety of new products at the 6th China International Technology Fair in Shanghai. But the new technology isn't the hot topic this year. Intellectual property protection is. Our Mi Jiayi talked to foreign businesses there to find out what they think about the IP situation in China.  

The foreign companies at this year's fair are showcasing everything from air purifiers to hydrogen energy as fuel to cars. One thing they all have in common is that they've been very sure to apply for patents for their technology.

HIDEYASU MORI TATSUNO CORP. "We hope our company can establish a good relationship with Chinese partners, and that we can work together to protect our IPR. Our hydrogen energy products have just entered China, and we are applying for patents on them to ensure they are protected."

FU QIANG, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR AAVI TECHNOLOGIES "I hope that the government will put more emphasis on preventing theft of company technology, and make it harder for those who want to break the law by copying from their competitors."

In fact, the country is considering just that - President Xi Jinping said during political meetings earlier this year that China will be devoting greater attention to IPR protection. This is good news for many newcomers to the market. A Norwegian company that designs e-mobility and grid software for new energy cars told us that the strength of IPR protection is the most important factor for them in deciding whether to enter the market here.

AASMUND FRENGSTAD MESHCRAFTS "For us that's the biggest concern we have, the market opportunity is great, the country has a great opportunity and we are willing to do a lot of things. But as a software company, we are very very scared of our IPR and how easily it can be copied."

JORN HAANES, STARTUP DIRECTOR OSLO BUSINESS REGION "It's a very important signal from the government to say we take piracy and IPR infringement very seriously. It shows that both sides are interested in making the full of it, and it can be very beneficiary to Norwegian companies, especially in clean tech and food production, etc."

The organizers hope that an environment of improved IPR protection will lay the groundwork for better trade relations with foreign countries, especially along the Belt and Road. The fair has one area dedicated to discussions of intellectual property protection with staff to help companies deal with any questions they may have. This year's China International Technology Fair will run through Saturday.