The core area of Wuhan national agriculture sci-tech innovation center in Optics Valley. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The 17th China Wuhan Agriculture Expo -- or WHAE -- is set to open on Dec 16 at the China Optics Valley Convention and Exhibition Center in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone in Wuhan, capital city of Central China's Hubei province.

The upcoming expo in the zone -- also known as Optics Valley of China -- is of major interest as an agricultural event, especially in Hubei and Wuhan.

This year's expo from Dec 16 to Dec 18 has six exhibition areas with an exhibition area of 20,000 square meters. In addition to exhibition areas for agricultural science and technology, there will be areas for digital agriculture and finance, poverty alleviation, the province's rural revitalization and high-quality agriculture.

A themed exhibition area for national agriculture science and technology innovation centers will also be set up for the first time.

Five national agriculture sci-tech innovation centers and a number of scientific research institutions will participate to showcase the latest technological achievements, exchange their experiences and views, as well as explore new opportunities for the development of modern agriculture.

Meanwhile, at the summit forum held during the expo, a number of distinguished guests from scientific research institutions will conduct in-depth discussions to share frontier views and the latest scientific research achievements in agriculture.

With the help of advanced technologies, this year's expo will have a cloud exhibition hall, integrating functionalities for online displays, publicity and promotions, production and market matchmaking.

According to the organizing committee, the third Wuhan university students' agriculture innovation and entrepreneurship competition will be held during the expo. It will support the innovation and entrepreneurship of local students and provide support for talents, which in turn will help rural revitalization.