The International Friendship Cities Trade Fair will be held in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, from Oct 15 to 17.

Covering an area of nearly 4,000 square meters, the fair will display a wide range of commodities including cosmetics, food, arts and crafts, tourism products, household necessities and agricultural products from sister cities.

Officials said that 27 international sister cities from 17 countries and regions have confirmed that they will be participating in the event.

The fair will set up 40 booths meeting international standards, and booths for five countries – Germany, Russia, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea – will be decorated to present diversified cultures and customs.

Featured products from Jinan as well the cities of Jining, Weihai, Rizhao and Heze will be featured at the Shandong booth in an effort to showcase Shandong's culture to foreign guests.

The fair will also launch an online channel for residents to purchase international products.

As part of the Shandong International Friendship Cities Conference for Cooperation and Development, the event aims to further enhance exchange between Jinan and its sister cities, deepen international cooperation, and facilitate the construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.