Visitors examine imported goods at the China Chile Central in the Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo/VCG]

With fewer than 100 days to go now before the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November, CIIE exhibitors all over the world watching the countdown are gearing up to showcase their most representative and innovative products at the major Shanghai event.

The National (Regional) Pavilion of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, a two-way platform connecting foreign countries and China, has attracted over 6,000 exotic products from eight established national pavilions since 2014 -- when Australia launched its national exhibition and trading center in the area.

After the first CIIE last November, an increasing number of countries and regions -- including Azerbaijan, Serbia, Greece and South Pacific Islands -- made moves to access the Chinese market via national pavilions set up in Waigaoqiao, an area of the Shanghai FTZ.

This July, the Fiji National Pavilion was upgraded at the South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion.

"This stems from our confidence in the Chinese market, and we'll continue to bring local quality products to China," according to an official from Pacific Islands Trade and Invest. He added that the national pavilion provided a great platform for the export businesses of island countries.

Li Chunxi, deputy director of Shanghai Waigaoqiao International Trading Operation Center Co Ltd, said that companies in these countries were faced with opportunities presented by the entire Chinese market after they opened a window onto the Shanghai FTZ. This not only help China open its commercial doors wider but also showcase the achievements of its opening-up process, Li added.

Officials from the Pudong New Area said that the district will launch a cross-border e-commerce plan to export Chinese products and build a platform to introduce foreign goods.

Wine from 700-year-old cellars in the Czech Republic goes on display at the national pavilions for 16 Central and Eastern European countries in Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]

Products from Bulgaria are displayed at the national pavilions for 16 Central and Eastern European countries in Shanghai Pilot Free Trade Zone. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/chinadaily.com.cn]