The United States does not plan to send senior government officials to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, a U.S. Embassy Spokesman said. “We encourage China to level the playing field for U.S. goods and services. China needs to make the necessary reforms to end its unfair trade practices that are harming the world economy,” he said. However, nearly 180 U.S. companies have so far confirmed their participation in the event, although the U.S. won’t have a country pavilion. The CIIE will bring together thousands of foreign and Chinese companies, aiming to boost imports, allay foreign concerns about China’s trade practices and show readiness to narrow trade gaps. The CIIE has attracted over 2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions. China is expected to import USD10 trillion worth of goods and services in the next five years.

China has said British Trade Minister Liam Fox will attend, while diplomats say most major trading partners will send delegations, including some that have been critical of its trade practices, such as Australia, Canada, France and Germany. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to speak at the opening ceremony of the Expo, which is expected to be held every year. China will also further streamline import and export procedures. By the end of 2018, the number of required documents to be verified will be reduced by more than one-third compared with 2017, and all verifications will be operated online except for documents deemed confidential, which will reduce the overall customs clearance time by one-third. In the first three quarters, China’s foreign trade volume remained stable despite the ongoing trade dispute with the United States. Goods trade increased by 9.9% year-on-year to CNY22.28 trillion.

Preparations for the Expo are now in full swing. Expat community volunteers are reminding foreigners arriving in Shanghai that they must register their accommodation details at a police station when not staying overnight at a hotel. Random security checks at train stations have been increased and the Shanghai railway police have been reinforced with 800 colleagues from other provinces. There is also a citywide ban on the unauthorized use of drones, light and ultra light airplanes, light helicopters, gliders, airships, model planes, hot air balloons and tethered balloons from November 2 to 11. Traffic restrictions in areas of the Huangpu and Yangtze rivers have been put in place by Shanghai maritime officials.

The mobile phone app Jinbohui Jiaotong (CIIE Traffic) provides information about buses, the metro, taxi services and parking, as well as the location of the 21 gates of the Expo center and the distribution of booths in the venue. The app will also provide the waiting times at taxi stands, bus and metro stations. Android phone users can download the app at www.jt.sh.cn. For iPhone users, they can find the app in the App Store.