CIIE benefits extend well beyond expo

Preparations for the China International Import Expo from November 5 to 10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Qingpu District are in top gear.

The Zhuguang Road tunnel is open to traffic, and the main part of Beidi Road underpass is scheduled to be finished in October.

Of 20 roadside greenery and resurfacing projects, 12 are already finished with the rest scheduled to be completed before October 20.

Three new parking lots within easy striking distance of the NECC will be ready before the end of September. Three reserve parking lots will be added later.

Signage has been improved in Hongqiao traffic hub and the lighting situation along both banks of the Huangpu River, around the convention center, Hongqiao business area, People's Square, Lujiazui and along Suzhou Creek will be brighter than ever.

Intertidal zones along Huangpu River are now cleaned daily, a big improvement on the previous twice per month, and more accurate weather forecasts are promised.

Shanghai customs are using big data management to make clearance faster for exhibitors. Automatic comparison of exhibit data and documentation will  improve efficiency.

About 5,000 volunteers be present during the CIIE. Nearly 100, who helped out at last year's expo, have started work already. New volunteer training will start soon, covering general knowledge, communication and etiquette. 

Around 1,200 signs inside the venue are to be improved, with another 1,200 added. Multilingual signs will be installed on major roads around the venue.

Numerous generators will ensure a stable electricity supply, and many cables have been replaced.

About 60 percent of a 5G network covering all the main exhibition venues and key areas is complete. Nearly 200 5G stations in the Hongqiao business area will go into operation in October.

Food suppliers, food delivery companies, tourist attractions and traffic hubs have been inspected. Prices in hotels will be checked during the event to prevent profiteering. Information on accommodation, reservation rates, prices and shuttle buses will be available in real-time time. Nearly 300,000 hotel rooms in the city will be available.

Undercover investigations of hotels should stamp out any irregularities with many already ordered to rectify issues.

Medical services are already prepared for every eventuality. A coordination system involving health, traffic, police, market watchdogs and fire authorities will guarantee the city's tourism market.

About 20 flowerbeds have been planted Hongqiao business area, accompanied by eight sculptures. About 10 kilometers of landscape lights on the Jiamin and Songze elevated roads have been improved.

A tunnel connecting the NECC and the Hongqiao traffic hub is finished, and the second phase of the east extension of the second-floor pedestrian path to the center will be in use by mid-October. 

E-bike routes will be worked out to ease traffic pressure.