The Ningbo Commission of Commerce has announced that a total of 3,500 local companies will attend the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.

"We will build a delegation group for the expo," said an official, adding that the group will include import platforms, key import companies and other companies.

The group will further tap the potential of its member companies and strive to clinch deals worth $2.1 billion during the expo, ensuring that Ningbo, a port city in Zhejiang province, is among the front-runners.

The CIIE is a first-rate international import expo which combines country exhibitions, company exhibitions and forums on various themes. More than 160,000 purchasers from over 80,000 domestic and foreign companies have registered for the event as of Aug 7, according to the organizers.