The 2019 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Expo and the 27th Guangzhou Fair are scheduled to be held in Guangzhou from Aug 23 to 26, and over 3,500 enterprises from 92 countries are due to participate in them.

The expo will consist of a special exhibition area for Belt and Road countries, a comprehensive exhibition area of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and three comprehensive exhibition zones of domestic provinces and cities, as well as professional exhibition areas for advanced manufacturing, modern service industry, and marine economy. A total of 8,000 booths will be provided, covering a total area of 160,000 square meters.

The theme forum of the expo will be held at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center from August 23 to 24, with nearly 1,500 guests from more than 40 countries discussing the most pertinent issues faced during the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the cooperation of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao in the Belt and Road construction.

To date, 17 state officials from Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Laos, Ethiopia, Nepal, Belarus, Egypt, Fiji, and Tonga have confirmed their participation in the event. Another 23 guests, including former political figures, provincial and ministerial officials, as well as leaders from foreign business chambers and trade councils, will also attend.

In addition, the Expo will also hold the first exhibition themed on poverty alleviation in Guangdong, showcasing to the world the results of Guangdong's precision poverty alleviation efforts and counterpart support work in the east and west, promoting poverty-stricken areas in the province in their efforts to tap into overseas market.

The press conference for the 2019 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Expo and the 27th Guangzhou Fair is held in Guangzhou on Aug 15. [Photo/cri.cn]