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BEIJING, Oct. 29-- With a one-week countdown to its first import expo, China stands ready to present the world with a grand gathering of goods and better thoughts on trade in Shanghai. The China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo, is slated to kick off next Monday, with Chinese President Xi Jinping set to deliver a keynote speech at its opening ceremony. With the slogan "New Era, Shared Future," the CIIE will strengthen business ties, open China's market wider and garner support for free trade. BUZZING BAZAAR Expectations are mounting for the eye-catching new products and latest technologies to be showcased in the lucky clover-shaped venue of the expo as enterprises flock to one of the world's largest importers to introduce products and services. More than 3,000 companies from over 130 countries have confirmed participation in the expo, with a total booth area of 270,000 square meters, Vice Commerce Minister Fu Ziying said Monday. The area, already expanded twice from the original plans, will be equivalent to the size of 38 football pitches and house more than 160,000 domestic and international buyers. The number and value of items on display will shatter the record of previous fairs in China, and 5,000 exhibits will make their debut, Fu said. Arancha Gonzalez, executive director of the International Trade Center, called the CIIE "a very unique fair" and "an example of how international trade can be win-win." | 
