China should plan for a high-level import exposition with international standards, making it a milestone for opening-up, said Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua at a panel meeting on April 16 of the preparatory committee for the first China International Import Expo.

He said the expo, set for Nov 5-10, should feature a combination of exhibitions and forums for countries and enterprises, to stress the theme of import at a State-level expo.

“Now only some 200 days are left before the expo, but there is still a lot of work to do,” said Hu. The schedule must be strictly followed, and key tasks such as a reception for foreign guests, security and venue renovation must be carried out deliberately, he added.

Every department, region and firm involved should put the expo at the top of their priority, he urged.

Before the meeting, the vice-premier went to Shanghai to inspect the venue renovation for the expo and heard local officials’ reports on the progress.

He also visited some foreign trade companies to investigate current import and export trends and employment of workers.