Pudong goes all out for CIIE

The Pudong New Area is doing its part to ensure the second China International Import Expo is a success.

Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Group, whose import turnover last year accounted for almost 30 percent of the city’s total, said it will showcase 17 projects at the CIIE.

After the first CIIE, the group established eight trading platforms at Waigaoqiao Port. 

More than 1,000 exhibits from the CIIE continue to be showcased and traded on the platforms. This year, the group will invite more countries to show off their goods.

Cai Hongtu, Party secretary of Shanghai Lujiazui Property Management Group, said that as the property service provider, it faces more challenges than last year.

He said the exhibition area of the CIIE this year will be increased by 60,000 square meters, with the addition of an outdoor driverless vehicle experience zone and a luxury exhibit.

“The new areas require better services and management,” said Cai. “This is also the first CIIE after the new garbage sorting regulation took effect.”

Cai said the company will employ more staff to ensure another well-organized expo.

Last year, Pudong built vivid greenery installations at 490 road junctions in the district which astounded visitors from all over the world.

“We actually started preparation 276 days ago right after the first CIIE lowered its curtain,” said Min Qingfeng, deputy director of the ecology and environment bureau of the district.

Min said this year, the bureau made higher demands. 

“Century Avenue and the streets at the east bank of Huangpu River should be so clean that people can sit on the ground,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pudong is planning to extend its light show at the waterfront of Huangpu River to Jinqiao Town.

“We lit up the 10-kilometer riverbank last year,” Min said. “This year the light show will stretch out to 23 kilometers.”

Min didn’t reveal the exact plan of the light show. 

“I’d like to keep you guys guessing,” he said with a chuckle. “But it would amaze you for sure.”