Many CEOs of multinational companies have confirmed their attendance at the 6th China International Import Expo, the organizer announced during a promotional event for the annual expo's medical equipment and healthcare products zone on March 31.

Zhang Weimin, assistant to president of National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), made the remark as he spoke about the preparations for the 6th CIIE, which will take place from Nov 5 to 11 in Shanghai.

At present, companies have already booked more than 230,000 square meters of exhibition space, Zhang added.

The pharmaceuticals section, which is set to showcase innovative drugs, advanced technologies and services, has attracted the participation of leading pharmaceutical companies like Merck Sharp & Dohme, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, said Zhang.

Gilead Sciences, which specializes in developing treatments for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, will participate in the CIIE for the second time this year, according to the company's global vice president Jin Fangqian.