A press conference for the 22nd China International Grain and Oil Expo (CIGOEX) was held in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Nov 3, unveiling plans for the upcoming event, which will run from Nov 6 to 8 at the Xiamen International Convention and Exhibition Center.

A press conference for the 22nd China International Grain and Oil Expo (CIGOEX) is held in Xiamen, Fujian province, on Nov 3. [photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Under the theme "Food Security for All, Smart Connectivity for the Future", the expo will cover 40,000 square meters and feature five exhibition zones across two major sections: grain and oil products, and grain machinery and equipment. Nearly 700 enterprises from 22 provincial-level regions across China are expected to participate.

This year's event will highlight the integration of technology and nutrition into the grain and oil industry. Dedicated zones for nutrition and healthy foods will showcase low-glycemic-index products and whole grains, while an artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing zone will feature technologies from companies such as Huawei, iFlytek, and Inspur, covering smart storage, precision inspection, and digital management.

The expo will also feature multiple international exhibitors, including the USA Rice Federation, as well as a rural revitalization zone bringing together 10 counties from eight provinces to promote local products and increase market access.

Pan Xichun, vice-president and secretary-general of China National Association of Grain Sector (CNAGS), said the expo aims to evolve from an industry-focused exhibition into a broader industrial platform, driven by advances in nutrition and artificial intelligence.

Yu Hao, deputy director of Xiamen's municipal bureau of commerce, said the city's port and trade advantages, together with its role as a major exhibition hub, make it an ideal location for the expo, which will help connect industry resources, strengthen trade cooperation, and expand international business opportunities.