SHANGHAI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The 2nd China International Import Expo (CIIE) will invite purchasers nationwide, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and private companies, to share the fruits of the exposition.

A road show launched on Thursday evening will help SMEs and private enterprises become familiar with advanced technologies and better understand overseas markets, said Sun Chenghai, vice director of the CIIE Bureau.

The second CIIE will be held in Shanghai in November.

A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations and more than 3,600 enterprises participated in the first CIIE in November last year.