CIIE organizers work to ease pandemic concerns

The Orient International Group, one of the exhibition cooperation partners of the China International Import Expo Bureau, has made great efforts in supporting preparation work for the third CIIE.

To date, the group has attracted 112 companies from over 30 countries and regions to participate as exhibitors in the third CIIE, which will cover an area nearly 6,000 square meters.

"The number of exhibitors we've signed with, and the number of countries they are from, have both increased compared with last year," said Jin Danyan, deputy director of the China International Import Expo Executive Office of Orient International Holding Co.

Although the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns for some exhibiting companies, the CIIE, which has been well organized for two years, still holds particular appeal among foreign companies, especially those who expect to further promote their business in the Chinese market, as the CIIE is one of the best platforms for overseas enterprises to build connection and partnership with local companies and consumers in China, Jin said.

"No doubt the pandemic had caused some difficulties and challenges for our work in attracting exhibitors. For instance, some companies were worried about restrictions on foreign exhibits and personnel entering China," Jin admitted.

In response to such concerns, Orient International has strengthened communication with foreign enterprises via various channels, according to Jin.

The China International Import Expo Bureau, meanwhile, has offered services such as online registration, online communication, cloud matchmaking, cloud signing and cloud roadshows, to enhance interconnection with exhibitors and dispel their worries.

Preparation work for the third CIIE has shifted the focus from attracting exhibitors to drawing buyers and organizing the expo, according to the bureau.

Starting from June 24, professional visitors from home and abroad can log onto the CIIE website, which provides both Chinese- and English-language services, to sign up for the event.

The bureau also launched a series of nationwide CIIE roadshows to recruit buyers. The first stop was held in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, on June 29.