First batch of exhibits arrive for China International Import Expo

The first batch of exhibits for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) arrived at the venue in Shanghai on Tuesday, marking the acceleration of preparations for the November event.

The expo, the world's first import-themed national-level exhibition, is scheduled to take place from Nov 5 to 10 at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Five participating companies brought a variety of products, including avocados from South Africa and a cutting-edge PET/CT molecular imaging system for nuclear medicine. These will be displayed in the food, automobiles, and medical equipment zones.

"We are showcasing one of the most advanced molecular imaging systems in nuclear medicine for the first time. This product features a comprehensive ecosystem solution for the early detection and precise treatment of Alzheimer's disease. This expo marks its global debut," said Zhong Luyin, Chief Communications Officer of GE Healthcare China, a company focused on improving hospital efficiency, enhancing diagnostics and promoting patient health through integrated solutions, services and data analytics.

"We believe the introduction of South African avocados will bring fresh flavors to Chinese avocado lovers, offering high-quality produce year-round," said Wang Na, market director at Dole China, one of the world's leading producers and distributors of fresh fruit.

The setup period for this year's CIIE will run from Oct 25 to Nov 4. Some booths began early installation on Oct 19, and by Nov 2, all major structures, including product displays, are expected to be in place.

Since the first edition in 2018, a total of 142 countries and international organizations have participated online and offline in the CIIE, including 117 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and 26 least-developed countries.

To date, more than 70 countries and international organizations have confirmed their participation in this year's edition, exceeding the number from the previous session.

The death toll in the war-torn Gaza Strip has risen to 71,455 since the conflict between Hamas and Israel erupted on Oct 7, 2023, with the number of injuries reaching 171,347, Gaza's health authorities said on Friday.

In the past 24 hours, hospitals in Gaza received 14 more bodies, including 12 new deaths and two bodies recovered from the rubble, in addition to 18 new injuries as of 11:00 on Friday, the authorities said.

Since the ceasefire agreement took effect on Oct 11, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 463 people and wounded 1,269 others, according to the Gaza health authorities.