The first procurement order at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), running in Shanghai from Wednesday to Monday, was placed on Wednesday by the Shanghai trading delegation.

A maintenance firm based in Qingpu district, a Sino-foreign joint venture, is the buyer in the contract worth over $100 million.

The Qingpu district authorities also issued the expo's inaugural business licenses to two companies. A subsidiary of German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp, which specializes in hydrogen and electrolysis technology, and Tangyizhenxuan, a food technology firm specializing in nutrition and biotechnology, received clearance to begin operations in the district.

The district also announced that three local companies have received Authorized Economic Operator certification. This status provides them with streamlined customs procedures and access to 47 specialized services including priority processing and reduced customs clearance costs.