The inaugural CIIE will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on Nov 5, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The organizing committee of Shanghai Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD) revealed the five major tasks for preparation to ensure the successful hosting of the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), at a working conference held on Nov 24.

The tasks include advancing key construction projects for roads and parking lots around the convention center and renovating the local area, making sure hotels, cultural and commercial facilities are operating smoothly, and formulating traffic emergency response plans.

In preparation for the CIIE, the district plans to establish a Hongqiao Foreign Trade Center, an exhibition center for renowned enterprises from the Yangtze River Delta, as well as a Financial Valley and a Smart Valley to attract more regional headquarters for international enterprises and Fortune 500 companies.

The inaugural CIIE will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on Nov 5, 2018. More than 100 countries and regions are expected to participate in the expo, with state leaders, entrepreneurs and scholars from various countries taking part.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced in May this year that China would hold the International Import Expo starting 2018.