(Yicai Global) April 2 -- The number of exhibitors preparing for the third China International Import Expo almost doubled yesterday as some 125 global firms signed up despite the Covid-19 pandemic that ravages the world.

The world's top 500 firms make up about 30 percent of the 125 new participants, but there are also small firms and market debutants, said Fu Changchun, general manager of the CIIE bureau at Shanghai's National Convention and Exhibition Center.

By last month, some 143 firms had already signed up for the annual event held in November, according to the organizer.

Many of the recent additions are new to the sport. Both consumer goods and intelligent industry & information technology sections have gained five first-timers. Hong Kong's We Solutions has booked a 650 square meter exhibition area in the automobile area. Two commercial banks from Russia and Kyrgyzstan have also decided to join the service trade area for the first time.

The list includes European transport hubs. The two ports of Germany's Duisburg and Belgium's Antwerp are looking to offer smooth logistics services to exporters and importers along China's Belt and Road network at the event.

Some of the expo veterans are honing their strategies. Portugal's Clean & Clean, which will be present at the consumer goods section, has adjusted its global program to consider the CIIE as the most important event of this year.

The third expo will have four areas, including trade in services, automobile, consumer goods, intelligent industry & information technology, medical equipment & healthcare products, as well as food and agricultural products. The segments of senior care, public health, home cleaning, and personal protection will be enhanced.

Editor: Emmi Laine