KIEV, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The first China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers a chance for Ukraine to boost its exports to China, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv said on Thursday.
"China is a multi-billion-dollar consumer market, where Ukraine can supply many products, ranging from food to industrial goods, clothing, various equipment and services," Kubiv was quoted as saying by the government's press service.
Ukraine will display a large exhibition stand uniting a range of companies at the expo scheduled for November in Shanghai, China, he said.
"I am convinced that the national stand of Ukraine will help our exporters to show themselves in a comprehensive way and to enter the advantageous Chinese market," Kubiv said.
According to Ukrainian statistics, Ukraine exported about 2 billion U.S. dollars worth of goods to China last year, up 11.3 percent from a year before.
On Feb. 1, Ukraine announced its participation in the CIIE, a major event to be organized by the Chinese government to promote a new round of high-level opening-up.
The expo, which will include exhibitions and forums, provides a platform for trade and services, and offers opportunities for closer international cooperation.
State leaders, entrepreneurs and scholars from over 100 countries and regions are expected to participate in the expo.