The annual Weihai International Food Expo opened in grand style on June 22 at the Weihai International Exhibition Center in Weihai, Shandong province.

With an exhibition area of 30,000 square meters and 702 international-standard booths, the expo has attracted 422 foreign enterprises from 18 countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Russia, Germany, the United States, and Vietnam.

Foreign companies account for 38.2 percent of total exhibitors, up by 69.5 percent year-on-year. Half of them are from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

A total of 261 domestic companies take part in the expo, taking 498 booths.

The expo also invites nearly 2,000 purchasers from home and abroad to facilitate business cooperation.

The expo consists of six categories, namely seafood, agricultural and sideline products, imported commodities, snacks, alcohol and beverages and food packaging.

To last until June 25, the expo is expected to attract nearly 150,000 visitors.

Launched in 2010, it's held every June, and is jointly organized by the Shandong provincial department of commerce, the Shandong entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau and the Weihai municipal government.                                                

Huabobo, a kind of steamed bun, is on display at the 2018 Weihai International Food Expo, June 22. The delicacy is a must on special occasions such as festivals, weddings and birthdays, in Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] 

Visitors sample seafood products at a booth at the 2018 Weihai International Food Expo in Weihai, Shandong province, June 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]  

An exhibitor introduces wine products to a purchaser during the 2018 Weihai International Food Expo in Weihai, Shandong province, June 22. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]