As the first batch of exhibits set sail for the second China International Import Expo, companies attending the show have pinned high hopes on the upcoming six-day exhibition.

According to the CIIE bureau, the first exhibits for the show, which will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, were shipped from northwestern Italy's Genoa Port on Sept 2. Exhibits from Vanuatu and Czech Republic were also shipped in early September.

The shipment from Italy is mainly made up of cosmetics, nutrition products and traditional Italian bread, which need to be delivered under constant temperatures throughout the journey to China. The products are expected to arrive in Shanghai in early October.

To ensure that exhibits are handled properly and efficiently, COSCO Shipping has specially designed a one-stop solution that covers clearance, goods pickup, packaging, temporary warehousing and cold-chain shipping, said Wang Songwen, vice-general manager of COSCO Shipping Europe.

Up till now, more than 3,000 companies from over 150 countries and regions have signed up for this year's show, many of which participated last year.