SHANGHAI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Foreign small and medium-sized enterprises have shown strong interest in participating in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) this year, with more than 10,000 square meters of exhibition space booked for them in the last two weeks of January.

More than 30 overseas institutions which organize SMEs to attend the expo signed agreements on cooperation with the second CIIE during this period, according to the CIIE organizers.

Jan. 31 was the deadline for enterprises to enjoy a discount on booth fees if they agree to a minimum down payment. Companies can apply for participation by themselves or via institutions such as chambers of commerce or trade associations.

More than 500 companies from about 40 countries and regions have confirmed participation in the CIIE this year.

As the world's first import-themed national-level expo, the first CIIE was held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10 in 2018, and concluded with deals worth about 57.83 billion U.S. dollars. The expo attracted 3,600 overseas companies.