Chinese and Russian workers work at an automobile-level float glass production line in the Russian factory of China's Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. in Kaluga, Russia, July 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)

MOSCOW, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) is expected to facilitate business cooperation between China and other countries including Russia, thus contributing to the development of international trade and regional economic growth, a Russian expert said.

The event "again demonstrates China's focus on mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners," Andrei Slepnyov, director general of the Russian Export Center (REC), said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

The Chinese import expo, to be held in Shanghai on Nov. 5-10, is the first of its kind. It will see participation of more than 2,800 companies from 130 countries and regions.

Slepnyov said the expo represents a serious opportunity for companies to showcase products to potential buyers and to get acquainted with manufacturers from other countries which are also trying to gain a foothold in China.

"I'm convinced that the fair will give the necessary impetus for the development of our trade and economic cooperation," he said.

According to Slepnyov, more than 100 Russian companies have confirmed their participation in the expo, mainly in five industrial zones including food and agricultural products, high-tech equipment, medical equipment, services and consumer goods.

As the coordinator of the Russian mission to the expo, the REC will hold sessions with their Chinese partners on different topics, such as Russia's tourism potential and the removal of trade barriers.

"Our goal is to declare to the Chinese market that Russia has a wide range of products as well as high-quality and competitive technologies to export," he said.

China has been Russia's top trade partner for eight consecutive years. According to the REC statistics, in the first half of 2018, Russia's exports to Asia amounted to 51 billion U.S. dollars, an increase of 12.4 billion dollars from last year, which China accounted for 63 percent of the total increase.

In particular, Slepnyov highlighted that China and Russia are implementing large-scale projects to dovetail the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU).

"We expect... practical contacts, supplies, deals to help strengthen cooperation, diversify supplies and build new ties," he said.

Noting rising protectionism in the world, Slepnyov said that the expo shows China's "openness and commitment to international trade."

"The fact that China holds such a huge exhibition, attracting suppliers from all over the world, is definitely a step towards the strengthening of international trade," he said.

In the future, the exhibition is expected to be held regularly and become an important platform contributing to the integration of the regional economy, Slepnyov said.

"This will contribute to economic growth in the region based on international openness, free international trade and the maximum realization of the potential of all participants in the region," he said.