Global consumer goods companies flocked into the first pre-expo matchmaking session of the third China International Import Expo (CIIE) with their latest product offerings on Friday, signaling their strong confidence in the Chinese market in the upcoming years.

Around 50 exhibitors, which have signed up for the third CIIE, including a number of Fortune 500 companies, industrial leaders and "hidden champions"－a term to describe enterprises that dominate a narrow business segment but are largely unknown to the general market－brought their latest products to the matchmaking event. Many of the products were launched for the first time in the Chinese market, according to the participating companies.

A group of consumer goods industry giants, such as Germany's BSH Home Appliances, Karcher and Vorwerk, and Japan's Shiseido, committed to their participation for three consecutive sessions at the matchmaking event. This reflected their confidence in the Chinese market, according to the CIIE Bureau.

According to Eva Serrano, president of Inditex China, the annual gathering provides a broad exchange platform in which Inditex can share its innovation, create value for customers and make further contributions to China's progress.

Inditex, which has signed up for the 2020 CIIE, reported rapid growth in China over the past 16 years thanks to the country's stable market, open environment and prosperity, she added.

More than 100 buyers took part in the matchmaking event, including online platforms Alibaba, Pinduoduo and Suning, and traditional platforms Bailian Group, RT-Mart, Carrefour and Metro, as well as conglomerates such as Orient International Group and Takashimaya.

In 2020, CIIE's consumer goods sector will continue to bring wonderful experiences to global buyers, sellers and visitors. The Consumer Goods Exhibition Area of the third CIIE will cover an area of 90,000 square meters. It will be divided into eight subsections, namely intelligent and household appliances, furniture and household goods, sporting goods and events, maternal and child care products, gifts and handicrafts, jade and gemstones, beauty and personal care products, and fashion apparel.

According to the CIIE Bureau, more than 200 globally leading brands will show their products in the subsections of intelligent and household appliances, and furniture and household goods.

The beauty and personal care subsection will boast a great number of top beauty and personal care groups, such as L'Oreal, Unilever, Estee Lauder, Procter & Gamble and Shiseido. More than 400 imported products will be shown at the upcoming expo.

Fashion giants such as Richemont, Kering, Inditex, Fast Retailing and Tapestry will bring more than 100 high-end brands to the expo. Some brands will debut co-branded, customized and limited editions at the event.

The sports goods and events subsection will welcome more than 20 brands focusing on different segments in 2020. There will be a display area allowing brands to demonstrate their products for basketball, running, badminton, cycling, sailing, triathlon, indoor fitness and electronic sports.