The countdown is on to the first ever China International Import Expo, or CIIE. July 28th marks a hundred days before the big event, which hits Shanghai from November 5th to 10th. Just ahead of the hundred-day launch, some participating enterprises and merchants are getting together to talk particulars. Our reporter, Wang Hui brings us more.

David Miller has spent the last 11 years in Hong Kong, working for Italian appliance maker Ariete. He wants more people to learn about his company's products via the China International Import Expo.

DAVID MILLER AREA MANAGER FOR ARIETE COMPANY "It's never been done by a country that really focuses on building international companies presence in its country. 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, and consumer electronics and appliances are showcasing their products and negotiating deals. One quarter of those on hand are from Fortune 500 companies and many others are industry leaders. Many of them are from around the world, such as the US, Japan and Italy. They are attracted to China's huge consumption market.

WANG HUI SHANGHAI "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."

Despite rising trade protectionism, the Chinese still want to provide more access to their market for international companies. One supplier says he couldn't be happier about that.

NELSON GABLE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, METCASH ASIA LTD "The CIIE is an incredible opportunity to promote trade and commerce for all countries, for online and office. We are fortunate to have 200-square meters here at the CIIE. We are valuing the openness."

Many Chinese state-owned companies, big private ones and small businesses are here to negotiate deals. Some people even have sealed them. One merchant believes the expo is not only helping suppliers, but also the merchants.

ZHAO YONG GENERAL MANAGER, WUJIE TRADING CO. LTD "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 for us we to see many products and meet many companies all at once."

The Expo will also include a country pavilion of trade and investment and the Hongqiao International Trade Forum. The suppliers and merchants here are only a small fraction of those expected this fall. About 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions will showcase products for estimated 150-thousand buyers. Wang Hui, CGTN, Shanghai.