The logo of China International Import Expo, or CIIE, is decorated with flowers in Shanghai on Oct 29, 2023. [Photo/VCG]

The first batch of 252 companies and institutions to be present at the 7th China International Import Expo was unveiled on April 18, when the exhibition embraced its 200-day countdown.

French industrial giant Alstom and Dublin-based auto technology supplier Aptiv will be among the first-time comers for the CIIE this year, according to the CIIE bureau, the organizer of the exhibition.

A highlight of this year's CIIE is the high-quality development driven by new quality productive forces, which were stressed during this year's two sessions. Therefore, a special area for new materials will be added for the first time. High-end, intelligent and green development of emerging industries will be demonstrated at this year's exhibition.

Low-carbon energy and environmental protection technologies, smart mobility and industrial digitalization, which were showcased in previous editions, will also be displayed this year, showing more progress, according to the CIIE bureau.

The 7th CIIE, which will be held in early November, is comprised of six exhibition areas like the previous editions, covering food and agricultural products, automobiles, intelligent industry and information technology, consumer goods, medical equipment and healthcare products, as well as trade in services. A special area for innovation and incubation will be set for this year's show.

Over 800 companies from more than 60 countries and regions have signed up for the 7th CIIE, with the total exhibition area reaching 270,000 square meters, according to the CIIE bureau.