A giant 7,000-square-meter pavilion area for foreign countries -- the first of its kind in China -- will debut at the Waigaoqiao of Shanghai Free Trade Zone before the second China International Import Expo, local media reported on Sept 12.

The National (Regional) Pavilion Project was launched in 2014. The FTZ's officials said it serves as a two-way platform to promote exchanges and commerce between China and other countries and regions in the fields of products, the economy and culture.

To date, over 7,000 exotic products from 10 countries have been introduced to China via the nine individual national pavilions established at the FTZ since 2014 -- when Australia launched its national exhibition and trading center -- connecting more than 1,200 small and medium-sized enterprises around the world.

At present, countries involved in the project include Australia, Chile, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece.

Officials said that to help integrate different national pavilions and promote the international profile of the brand, a council of national and regional pavilions of Shanghai FTZ was established.

It reached agreements with e-commerce company Pinduoduo and China Post – making it easier to deliver goods directly to consumers within a shorter period of time and help open up the retail market, said Shan Yuqiang, head of the newly-launched South Pacific Islands Union Pavilion in Shanghai FTZ.

Along with economic services, the project also promotes exchanges and cooperation in other areas, such as culture and education.

The council of the national (regional) pavilions of Shanghai FTZ is established in the city on Sept 11. It aims to integrate different national pavilions in the zone and promote the international profile of the brand. [Photo/chinanews.com.cn]