by Wang Yamei, Li Xia

SHANGHAI, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) has drawn applause from exhibitors and representatives of companies and institutions from various countries attending the expo.

They said the expo has provided them with a huge opportunity to present their best products to Chinese consumers, and a significant chance to cooperate with China in the future.

China is opening wider its market to more countries, which is a positive move and is welcomed in the UK, said Gareth Taylor, Consul of Science & Innovation at the British Consulate-General in Shanghai.

The expo will boost cooperation between Russia and China in areas such as infrastructure, tourism, and hi-tech products, said Azad Karryev, Media Director of Russian Exhibition Systems.

Yvest Morath, counselor of Swiss Business Hub China, said Switzerland announced its official participation in the CIIE quite early, because it believed that the expo is "a very important platform not only for China, but also for the world."

Morath also said he was most impressed by the fact that the expo not only focuses on the industrial sectors, but also on other sectors such as the culture industry.

Vlasimir Kocerha, trade commissioner of Economic and Commercial Office of Peru in Shanghai, highlighted that Peru wants to hold this opportunity to bring more high-quality products to China.

Vlasimir Kocerha's expectation was also echoed by other representatives.

Matthias Berninger, vice president of Public Affairs of Mars Incorporated of the United States, said that "the expo means a lot" and it is an opportunity for his company to demonstrate its commitment to the Chinese market.

Stefan Vadocz, CCO of Aeromobil, a Slovakian engineering company, said he expected to find new partners, suppliers, and investors at the import expo.

Bisrat Ermias Gebremariam, a government delegation member from Ethiopia, said that he attended the expo not only for more exports to China and good relations with Chinese companies, but also for promotion of Ethiopia's tourist attractions to the Chinese consumers.

These exhibitors and representatives were also impressed by the scale of the expo and the large number of participants.

The CIIE, held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, attracts over 3,600 exporters from 172 countries, regions and international organizations.