India will be one of the “Guest of Honour Country” at China’s second International Import Expo (CIIE) to be opened at Shanghai on November 5 where it plans to make a strong pitch for exports of its Pharma, IT and agricultural products among others.
An Indian business delegation headed by Commerce Secretary, Anup Wadhawan, would take part in the import expo which is aimed at enabling countries from the world over to showcase products to enhance their export to China. In this year’s expo to be inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, India is among the 15 Guest Countries of Honour.
The others are Cambodia, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Peru, Russia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Zambia.
A number of European leaders — including French President Emmanuel Macron and incoming EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan would take part in the expo which would be held from November 5 to 10 for businessmen. Later it would be open for public till November 20.
Guests and representatives from more than 170 countries and regions have been invited to attend the expo, Vice Minister of Commerce, Wang Bingnan, told the media ahead of the fair. More than 500,000 buyers and visitors from home and abroad are expected at the expo, he said.
The expo is composed of three parts — country exhibitions, business exhibitions and the second Hongqiao International Economic Forum. It covered a total area of 30,000 square meters, the country exhibitions will host 64 countries and international organisations, with uniquely designed pavilions to showcase the countries’ development achievements, business environment and special industries, Wang said.