The third China International Import Expo, or CIIE, is just around the corner. Public health is one of the biggest topics at this year's China International Import Expo, due to COVID-19. Here's what to expect.

Over seventy global top 500 companies in the pharmaceutical sector have joined this year's China International Import Expo in Shanghai. That's more than twice the number of the first year.

Zheng Yiman, Vice President, Medical Affairs, MSD China "MSD China just signed an MOU with the CIIE bureau to commit to another three years."

Several companies are increasing their presence in China, one of their biggest markets for growth.

Michael Lai, General Manager, AstraZeneca China "So we'll be showcasing five regional headquarters, which will be on top of our national headquarters."

Yang Chengxi, Shanghai "The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of attention to the pharmaceutical industry. Many companies are working round the clock to develop vaccines and drugs for the new disease."

MSD is planning to showcase their progress on both.

Zheng Yiman, Vice President, Medical Affairs, MSD China "We have two vaccines under development, they're both on the proven platform, and we try to use the replicate vectors so that one dose is enough. We also work together with our partners to develop oral anti-virus medicines to treat, not prevent, but treat COVID-19 patients with symptoms."

While AstraZeneca is also working on a vaccine, they say the pandemic has provided them with other experiences as well.

Michael Lai, General Manager, AstraZeneca China "We see that after COVID-19, a lot of patients wanted to get care in other settings outside the hospital. So in retail pharmacies, we'll be sharing a smart pharmacy concept, where patients don't only get drugs in the pharmacies, but they also get a more complete disease management."

Pharmaceutical companies are promising a range of innovative diagnosis and treatment solutions at this year's CIIE. Organizers have also set up a special exhibition area on public health and epidemic prevention.