22 major companies from 13 countries and regions signed contracts on Monday to take part in the first China International Import Expo in November in Shanghai. CGTN's Wang Hui is there and filed this report.

The first China International Import Expo is adding 22 major enterprises to its list of exhibitors. They include Johnson and Johnson, Philips, Nokia and Whirlpool.

LIN NA, BRANDING DIRECTOR WHIRLPOOL CHINA "We will bring advanced products, especially our refrigerators, washing machines and kitchen appliances."

Frede Juulsen of Arla foods says the event will benefit his company and everyone who trades with China.

FREDE JUULSEN, HEAD OF GLOBAL CHILD NUTRITION ARLA FOODS "I believe for everybody who wants to do trade with China, this perhaps a landmark, a new step for improving the trade between the companies like us and our partners in China."

More than 1,600 enterprises from about 120 countries and regions have applied to take part in the exhibition. Over 600 have already signed contracts. Organizers say they're taking action to protect the exhibitors' intellectual property rights.

WANG CHEN, HEAD OF LEGAL AFFAIRS CHINA INTERNATIONAL IMPORT EXPO BUREAU "Before the expo, we will inspect the intellectual property rights of the participating enterprises to ensure their products have IPR in China. So they will be well protected. We will also establish a service center to take care of IPR complaints and disputes during the expo."

PATRIC SCHROETER, VICE PRESIDENT LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING "This is an International standard. China is doing great in getting there. We are pretty much appreciating it."

SUSANNA CHIU, DIRECTOR LI & FUNG DEVELOPMENT "At least you have all the brands, IP been protected, and eliminate fake goods and Chinese customers will enjoy authentic goods."

As a firm supporter of free trade, China has now been following a policy of its opening up for 40 years. It is now the second largest importing country and consumer country in the world. And it's expected to import more than 10-trillion-US dollars of goods and services in the next five years. This expo aims to provide more access and opportunities to global producers.

SEAN DECRANE, INDUSTRY RELATIONS MANAGER UL LLC "It sends the signal that China's open for business, China wants these investors and manufactuers coming to the market.

STEPHANE RINDERKNECH, CEO L'OREAL CHINA "It's a big statement, a statement of the country, to further opening up and future reform to truly global and boost consumption."

The upcoming expo will take up an area of 210-thousand square meters. Just over half of that space has been taken up by the exhibitors.

WANG HUI SHANGHAI "The first China International Import Expo is divided into three major areas, Country Pavilions for Trade and Investment, the Enterprise and Business Exhibition and the Hong Qiao International Trade Forum. About 150-thousand international and domestic buyers are expected to take part in the Enterprise and Business Exhibition. About 3,500 guests will be there for the trade forum. Wang Hui, CGTN, Shanghai"