The second China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.

Liu Zhixi is the CEO of Exoatlet China, and his company’s medical exoskeleton is designed to help wheelchair-users learn to walk again. Headquartered in Europe, the high tech AI company hopes to expand its Chinese market by taking part in the second CIIE.

Liu told CGTN that he believes the expo will allow his company to contact more professional buyers, dealers and doctors at the same time. There is no better platform for his products.

There are now 100 days before the opening of the second CIIE.

Many new exhibitors are eager to attend the matchmaking meetings, and try to impress more professional buyers.

Julio Gay-Ger, president and general manager of Lilly China said they have the chance to meet with more than 200 healthcare companies in the expo. Another reason to show up is that it is a great moment for his company since this year they are launching five new products.

More than 3,000 companies from over 150 countries and regions have confirmed their attendance at the Business Exhibition of CIIE.

Alex Gong, vice-general manager of Shanghai Hui Zhan International Trade Company, told CGTN that his company signed an order for South African oranges worth $150 million at last year’s expo. This year, they hope to expand the purchases to $200 million or $300 million.

From catering to customs clearance and transportation, expo organizers are working closely with local authorities to offer more high quality services for global traders. And several new exhibition areas have been announced.

Sun Chenghai, deputy director of CIIE Bureau, told CGTN that this year they have added areas for health and aging, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Also, there will be outdoor exhibition areas for unmanned vehicles and a Winter Olympics Snow Project Experience Zone.

Food and medical products were some of the most popular items at the first expo. And this year looks set to be the same.

With a larger exhibition area this year, more global brand name products are expected to make their debuts. And to facilitate more business opportunities, there will be several matchmaking meetings like this ahead of the second annual CIIE.