(Yicai Global) Aug. 28 -- French tiremaker Michelin, Japanese carmaker Toyota and British bank HSBC were among more than 60 exhibitors and 100 buyers who gathered at the third China International Import Expo site in Shanghai today for a supply and demand matchmaking meeting ahead of the expo's official launch in 68 days' time.

Michelin unveiled its new concept tire that can be recycled using 3D printing technology. The company will promote sustainable transport at the CIIE and will also display its latest products, the Clermont-Ferraud-based firm said.

Today's meeting focused on the automobile and trade in services sections of the expo. World leading automakers including Volkswagen, Toyota, Honda, General Motors, Ford, BMW and Tesla, as well as major auto parts suppliers Michelin, Bosch and Webasto and financial giants HSBC, ORIX and KPMG were all in attendance.

The supply and demand meeting plays an important role in promoting transactions, the CIIE Bureau said. The expo has now held four such meetings in four different exhibition areas. More than 600 companies have participated and some companies even signed contracts on-site.

The third CIIE will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10. The 360,000 square meters exhibition area will showcase a wide range of products in the services, food and agricultural product, automobile, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare product sectors.

Editor: Kim Taylor