BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The first Smart China Expo focusing on smart technology will be held from August 23 to 25 in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, according to a State Council Information Office press conference held Tuesday.

With the theme "Smart Technology: Empowering Economy, Enriching Life", the expo will feature cutting-edge technological achievements and present the scene of future smart life.

The exhibition area will be 150,000 square meters, with a 30,000-square-meter plaza featuring smart technology application scenarios such as smart medical care, smart homes, and smart entertainment.

A series of events will also be held simultaneously with the expo, including a driverless technology competition and forums on AI and semiconductors.

Zhou Changkui, an official from the Ministry of Science and Technology said the expo is an important step to accelerate China's AI industry.

"It will also promote AI innovation and smart industry in China's western regions," Zhou said.