BEIJING — China will invite the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the 15th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), the organizer said at a news conference on May 3.

It will be the first time for a Middle Eastern country to take part in the CISMEF since it was launched in October 2004, said Wang Jiangping, vice-minister of industry and information technology.

The ministry will co-host the 15th CISMEF with the State Administration for Market Regulation and the People’s Government of Guangdong province.

This year’s fair will include a theme exhibition and two specialized exhibitions in Guangdong. The theme exhibition will be held in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, from October 10 to 13, focusing on intelligence, smart manufacturing and energy saving.

The fair will showcase new technology in fields such as the industrial internet and smart manufacturing.

CISMEF will host product promotions, technology transfers and marketing activities to support SMEs to integrate into the global industry and value chains.

Two specialized exhibitions on furniture and home appliances will be held separately on July 9-12 and August 23-26.