The China International Import Expo (CIIE) hosts its road show in Jinan, East China's Shandong province on July 12. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo, launched its road show in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, on July 12, mainly aimed at purchasers in the fields of equipment, food and agro-products.

The expo has held its road shows for six times, covering northern, eastern and southwest China. Sun Chenghai, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, said that CIIE is currently under preparation.

Sun hopes that the expo will become an internationally recognized first-class exposition. This year's expo is designed to attract more purchasers, especially from private companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises.

According to Sun, the expo can help these companies to better understand the international market, stay abreast of the latest trends and identify new business opportunities.

Shandong enjoys unique regional advantages and rich culture. The expo will bring more opportunities for the province to forge closer ties with countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hosted by the Department of Commerce of Shandong Province and the CIIE Bureau, the road show attracted more than 400 representatives from companies, media agencies, related institutions and CIIE exhibitors.