SHANGHAI, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be hosted in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10. A growing number of multinational firms said they would use the expo to strengthen their brand and expand their business.

Next year's CIIE is now accepting reservations, and accounting firm EY has already confirmed participation in the second CIIE.

The CIIE, the world's first import-themed national-level expo, is expected to bring together thousands of enterprises from more than 130 countries and regions.

The first CIIE commercial exhibition will include trade in goods and services. The section of trade in services comprises emerging technologies, service outsourcing, creative design, culture and education, tourism, logistics, and comprehensive services. EY has secured a 72-square-meter exhibition area.

EY employs 18,000 people in more than 20 cities in China. "It is a well-known company, but many participants of CIIE may not know the full range of our services. During CIIE, we plan to present a different image of EY," said Walter Tong, EY Greater China Key Accounts Leader, in an interview with Xinhua.

To embrace the digital future, EY launched its first China innovation hub called Wavespace in Shanghai last month, which is a highly connected global network that provides new business solutions through a digital experience.

"We'll bring our most innovative services containing high-tech elements from our innovation hub such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and blockchain technology to CIIE, in addition to traditional services like tax or advisory," Tong said.

Given the fact that more than 2,800 companies have confirmed participation in the first CIIE and more than 150,000 domestic and international buyers are expected to attend, Tong believes the meaning of CIIE is collaboration and cooperation among companies, governments, and people around the world. "It's a win-win-win event for everyone," he said.

"Another expectation is to get to know more small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the event. We want to build relationships with companies when they are small because when they become big, it will be too late," Tong noted.

According to the CIIE Bureau, exhibitor enthusiasm has been beyond expectations and the booth area for businesses has been fully booked. More than 40 companies and institutions, including the Japanese manufacturing company Nachi-Fujikoshi Corp., which was the first to sign up for this year's CIIE, have also signed up for the second CIIE.

"We want to express our confidence that CIIE will be a very successful event, so we want to make sure we'll have the chance and space next year. The EY booth next year will be as exciting and as innovative as this year," Tong said.