The first China International Import Expo has started its 200-day countdown. Organizers say that more than 1,700 companies have signed up to participate in the November expo and foreign businesses are looking forward to finding more export opportunities.

KENNETH JARRETT, PRESIDENT AMCHAM SHANGHAI "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 the plans are for the expo, because one of the challenges we've been facing is getting enough detailed information to show 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 that aren't 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."

IOANA KRAFT, GENERAL MANAGER SHANGHAI CHAPTER, EU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CHINA "I think companies coming from overseas are not looking for theshort-termm 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."