The 11th Optics Valley of China International Optoelectronic Exposition and Forum kicked off in Wuhan on Thursday.

The annual event attracted many Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Mitsubishi and Panasonic, and hosted a record 15 overseas pavilions.

On the first day, Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone signed 18 contracts worth a total13.3 billion yuan ($2.16 billion), mainly in the field of photonics.

The event also included a 3-D print clothes show and 3-D print design competition to demonstrate the future of 3-D printing technology.

The public also had a chance to use the latest 3-D Green laser virtual keyboard and 100-inch laser TV. They can play a virtual game of the future, try candy and chocolate made by a 3-D printer or experience an infrared body thermometer.

Launched in 2002 the event has become the biggest professional optoelectronic exposition in central and western China.