(Yicai) Nov. 5 -- The seventh China International Import Expo, the world’s first national import-focused exhibition, is set to be bigger than last year, featuring over 400 new products, technologies, and services over the next six days.

The CIIE, with an exhibition area exceeding 420,000 square meters, opened today in Shanghai and will run through Nov. 10.

At the CIIE, representatives from multinational corporations told Yicai they are optimistic about China’s economic fundamentals and long-term outlook. The market remains attractive as China continues to honor its commitment to opening up, strengthening investor confidence for sustainable development, they added.

The event this year attracts 152 countries and regions to attend, surpassing that of last year, Tang Wenhong, assistant to the commerce minister, said earlier. This CIIE will have nearly 3,500 companies and institutions, and 186 of them have participated in all seven CIIE events to date.

Honeywell International will showcase more than 100 new technologies, products, and solutions, said William Yu, president of Honeywell China. The American automation giant, a CIIE attendee since the beginning, will unveil more products than ever, including several first-time appearances in China.

Heraeus Group's booth has expanded to 100 sqm this year, up from 36 sqm in 2018, said Ai Zhouping, president of Heraeus China. The German company, a CIIE regular, will present its four business platforms: metals and recycling, healthcare, semiconductors and electronics, and industrial solutions.

Ernst & Young is participating in the CIIE for the seventh consecutive year. As a national platform for opening-up, the CIIE has become a vital window for foreign-invested firms to observe Chinese market trends and seize investment opportunities, Patricia Xia, central managing partner at the accounting firm’s China office, told Yicai.

French tire maker Michelin will present several products for the first time in China—or even in Asia—at its 500-sqm booth. These include tires for moon rovers, aviation tires, and all-terrain tires, along with sustainable products containing up to 71 percent renewable materials.

Nippon Paint Holdings is exhibiting at the CIIE for the first time, showcasing two global debuts and one China debut, according to Eric Chung, the Japanese company’s chief executive in China.

Another new participant, Synopsys, an American electronic design automation company, will showcase industry-leading artificial intelligence-driven chip solutions, digital-twin technologies, and a pioneering chip education system aimed at young learners.

Editors: Xu Wei, Emmi Laine