(Yicai Global) March 5 -- Over one thousand enterprises from more than 120 countries and regions have signed up for the China International Import Expo, of which nearly 100 are Fortune 500 companies.

Some 200 firms from over 50 countries and regions have signed agreements for a combined exhibition area covering 50,000 square meters at the event, which will take place in Shanghai in November this year. 35 percent of the companies come from Asia, 32 percent from Europe, 16 percent from the Americas, 11 percent from Oceania and 6 percent from Africa, China International Import Expo Bureau said.

The event has not only attracted exhibitors from developed and developing nations but also from lesser economically developed countries. Over 140 enterprises from 22 lesser developed countries have signed up for the show as of now, with a combined exhibition area of nearly 5,000 square meters.

These firms cover sectors including apparel, daily consumer goods, food, agricultural and health products as well as local tourism and culture.

Many of the exhibitors hope to participate in forums, trade conferences, industry exchanges, new technology and new product launch events during the event. Some companies have applied to set up long-term brand advertisements and will lease fixed business premises at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, where the expo will take place.