Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, a benchmark area in terms of opening-up and business-friendly climate, will launch its debut exhibition as one of the two venues of the Appliance & Electronics World Expo (AWE) 2026, marking the commercial hub's latest effort to provide an ideal platform for product launches, technology exchanges and business negotiations, said officials and industry leaders.

As one of China's largest exhibitions for home appliances and consumer electronics, AWE 2026 will set up an exhibition area in the zone for the first time since its inception in 1992, which is designed to showcase latest achievements in cutting-edge technologies worldwide, said Pan Yan, deputy director of the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Informatization, during a news conference on Wednesday.

Pan said AWE's combined exhibition space will amount to 170,000 square meters, which consists of a 140,000 sq m exhibition area at Shanghai New International Expo Center and the newly launched 30,000 sq m space in the zone.

As the first of its kind across the nation, it is hoped that the pilot zone will invigorate the nation's efforts to advance high-standard opening-up.

"As one of the areas meeting the highest standards of international openness, the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone is tasked with providing convenience and support for all types of international business activities, including consumer electronics exhibitions," said Zhao Yugang, deputy director of the zone's administration.

The innovative measures in the cooperation zone are expected not only to promote people-to-people exchanges and cross-border transportation of products, but also facilitate the gathering of talent, technology and capital, Zhao said.

"Featuring a high level of international openness, the cooperation zone allows invited individuals from all countries with valid invitations to enter without visas or other entry permits. They may stay for up to 30 days per entry, and can apply for extensions if needed," Pan said.

In addition to the special 30-day stay policy, inbound visitors can equally enjoy existing visa-free policies during their trips from the cooperation zone to Shanghai and surrounding areas, while people in China can enter the zone by applying for a relevant pass, he added.

With 200,000 visitors expected, the expo — to be held in Shanghai from March 12 to 15 — will feature 1,200 companies in the home appliances and consumer electronics sectors.

"It will offer visitors a panoramic view of the latest achievements and major products in consumer electronics, provide a world-class platform for industrial innovation, and bring together top-tier resources and expertise," Pan said.

Xu Dongsheng, vice-chairman of the China Household Electrical Appliances Association, said the two exhibition zones would adopt distinctive models.

"The exhibitions at the Shanghai New International Expo Center will focus on the AI ecosystem. The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone will highlight cutting-edge technologies, showcasing the latest breakthroughs in consumer electronics."