The second China International Import Expo opens in Shanghai on Nov 5. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 7,800 delegates from Hangzhou are participating in the second edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which is taking place in Shanghai from Nov 5-10.

Over 3,100 local firms in Hangzhou are participating in the event in search of trade cooperation opportunities.

Pan Weihong, chief economist with the Hangzhou bureau of commerce, said that the Hangzhou government is now working with local firms to build Hangzhou into a global supermarket of import commodities.

 "We aim to upgrade industry and consumption, and realize high-level opening-up by participating in the event," Pan added.

Officials revealed that the Hangzhou trade delegation would purchase commodities such as food, dairy products, health care products, agricultural products, and vacuum cups from countries such as New Zealand, Thailand, and the United States during the expo.

Hangzhou products are also on display at the expo, offering visitors a taste of local culture and the chance to try out advanced technology which is reshaping the way people shop.

Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first import-themed national-level exhibition.