Shanghai airports go the extra mile to prepare for CIIE

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co., Ltd. (PACTL) has opened a private channel in the cargo areas of the Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao International Airports, providing priority services for goods entering the second China International Import Expo.

Launched in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is the world's first import-themed national-level exhibition. Besides the Business Exhibition, the expo also includes a Country Exhibition where more than 60 countries will showcase their culture, products and achievements in economic development and trade.

More than 3,000 companies from over 150 countries and regions will attend this year's CIIE, which will be held from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai. With 10 days to go before the opening of the second edition of the expo, the Shanghai Airport Authority has taken various measures to support the fair.

A private channel, which provides priority for the reservation of storage space, processing of information and delivery of the goods bound for the expo, is expected to help reduce processing time by more than half compared to normal situations.

About 187 orders, 657 pieces and 116 tons of exhibits and goods, including fruits, seafood, dairy products, wine, jewelry and medicines have been processed through the PACTL in Pudong International Airport as of Oct 24. The number of items processed is expected to exceed 150 tons, representing a year-on-year growth of 63 percent.

"Through our efforts, we can complete the processing of goods for the CIIE within 24 hours," said Yang Hai, representative of the Pudong International Airport Customs Physical Control Inspection Division.

"We have been improving our efforts in many aspects. First, we have anticipated the needs of the enterprises and taken emergency measures to ensure smooth and efficient operations. We have also set up a private service window for goods entering the CIIE and consulted with enterprises to guarantee the smooth delivery of goods," Yang added.

The Shanghai Airport Authority has also set up more than 30 scenic spots that are integrated with CIIE elements in the terminal areas, transportation center and other passenger flow-intensive areas of the two airports. More than 1,000 electronic display screens and advertising lightboxes in the building are being used to display promotional films and posters of the expo.

Meanwhile, the taxi pick-up point of the Pudong International Airport has launched the Fabulous Shanghai exhibition, which shows visitors some of the most iconic landmarks on either side of the Huangpu River through multi-media videos.

Both airports have set up more than two reception service areas to provide consultancy, publicity and business-related services. These areas will become operational from Oct 25 and run from 6 am to 12 am every day during the CIIE.

In addition, about 60 volunteers will be stationed in the airports from Nov 1 to 10 to help with the reception and consultation of exhibitors as well as provide services related to foreign language translation, luggage, disability assistance and tourism.