Over six decades after China established the Canton Fair, originally aimed at exports, the country is planning to open its first trade expo exclusively dedicated to imports.

China announced the 100-day countdown to the first China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first import-themed national-level expo, which will be held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10.

A landmark project to open up China's market to the world, the expo affirms the country's commitment to free trade and shared prosperity, despite rising protectionism.