SHANGHAI－Some 170 companies from Germany will attend the first China International Import Expo, according to Simone Pohl, delegate and chief representative of the Delegation of German Industry & Commerce in Shanghai.

Germany was confirmed as one of the 12 guests of honor of the expo in July.

The expo has attracted 2,800 companies as exhibitors. They will come from over 130 countries and regions.

Among them, there are 170 companies from Germany, mainly in the sectors of high-tech, manufacturing, automobiles, chemical industry, machinery equipment and food and beverage, which are Germany's strengths, according to Pohl.

"We've heard that more than 150,000 domestic and international buyers are expected to attend the expo, which doesn't happen often," said Pohl. "So, the CIIE has received a warm response from the German business community, as they would like to establish closer business contacts with Chinese companies.

"For the German and other foreign companies that are already in the Chinese market, the CIIE is a great opportunity to deepen business ties between the German and Chinese sides. For the newcomers entering the Chinese market, the CIIE is a starting point for them to learn about and experience the market."

The first batch of exhibits from the German enterprises have been transported to the port of Hamburg and will arrive in Shanghai well in time.

China has been Germany's largest trading partner for two years. Pohl said all the German companies have high expectations for the expo.

"Germans like to plan things and prepare in advance. We plan to showcase not only the business side but 'the whole of Germany' during the CIIE," Pohl said.