"It provides us with a platform to expand in the Chinese market, share cooperative opportunities and realize mutual benefits and win-win," Zhang said, adding it displayed two of the latest helicopters manufactured by Italian aerospace company Leonardo at CIIE.

It also signed a contract with Leonardo to purchase 15 helicopters used in emergency medical rescue at the event. They also agreed to purchase 160 multiple types of helicopters from 2019 to 2023, for the company to develop training schools and localized production in China, according to Zhang.

"The achievements were made with the support of CIIE," he said, adding he is happy that the organizer has set up outdoor exhibition areas, which helps the company better display its helicopters.

French yeast manufacturer Lesafre plans to expand its exhibition area by 200 sq m this year to host the Asian contest of the Louis Lesafre World Bakery Cup. The competition is considered the "baking Olympics" of the world.

Global accounting and consulting firm Deloitte also plans to double its exhibition space to showcase more of its advanced technologies and services in intelligent city, intelligent medical care and intelligent finance, said Liu Minghua, innovation leader of Deloitte China.

During last year's event, the company signed over 10 agreements, mainly on digital transformation and globalization of Chinese companies. It also organized 25 forums covering artificial intelligence, financial technology and internet security.

"CIIE gives exhibitors from around the world a chance to show their advantages and explore opportunities for cooperation," he said.

According to the CIIE Bureau, the organizer also welcomes more private and small and medium-sized enterprises to take part. It will set up news conference areas for companies to release latest products, technologies and services.

A new high-end consumer goods exhibition area will be set up, conforming to the wave of consumption upgrading. Augmented reality, virtual reality, pension services, outdoor cooking equipment and automated driving are some of the innovations that will be on display at this year's event.

The China Pavilion will focus on the theme of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and showcase the economic and social progress of the country and the new opportunities in the new era.

Ministries will be invited to interpret related policies and release research reports. The organizer will also invite countries, regions and cities to host cultural activities.

CIIE will also hold an exhibition for different countries who want to display their development achievements and industries. It aims to improve the influence of countries and enhance international economic cooperation. The event will show the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration, the organizer said.