Foreign and domestic companies have shown enthusiasm for the third China International Import Expo (CIIE), as exhibitors and buyers crowded the first pre-expo matchmaking session for consumer goods in Shanghai on Friday.

Around 50 exhibitors and 100 local buyers attended the matchmaking session, and a video conferencing area was set up to connect companies which cannot come to the site.

Many businesspeople see the expo, scheduled to run from Nov 5 to 10, an ideal platform to boost their sales in China as the country has reopened its economy after successfully containing the coronavirus outbreak.

Jisu Lim, general manager of NUC Electronics Co, said the pandemic posed both a threat and an opportunity, as it made people pay more attention to health.

The South Korean e-commerce company has demonstrated a smart juicer made by kitchen appliance maker Kuvinos in the matchmaking, and established contacts with many Chinese buyers.

"We are not worried about the coronavirus, because we believe the Chinese government can control the outbreak," said Lim, adding they have just attended the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou.

Zhao Li, senior marketing manager of Miji Design Germany, said the company is preparing to use virtual reality technology to bring the expo to their customers overseas and across China.

"We have attended the expo in the past two years, and received positive feedback," said Zhao, adding the company has increased its exhibition area for the expo's third edition.

Liu Zhongqi, vice president of the Consumer Data Research Center at e-commerce company Pinduoduo, said Chinese people have shown more interest in purchasing high-end foreign consumer goods.

He said transactions on Pinduoduo's global store channel increased by 470 percent during the June 18 mid-year shopping festival.

"We are looking for more potential suppliers on this matchmaking session and will livestream the third CIIE to show Chinese people more high-quality foreign goods," Liu said.

Shen Weihua, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, said the Shanghai trade mission for the expo has started recruiting members and will help connect buyers and sellers to ensure the expo achieves continued success.