SHANGHAI, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- The numbers of overseas companies and industry heavyweights attending the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) are both set to reach record highs, underscoring the enduring appeal of the world's largest import-themed trade fair.

The event is scheduled to open on Thursday in Shanghai, east China, with more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders expected to participate, marking a record high. Additionally, more than 2,000 companies will be exhibiting here for the first time, according to organizers.

This year's expo is expected to attract a record 4,142 overseas exhibitors from 148 countries and regions. In total, 162 countries, regions and international organizations will participate, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Since its launch in 2018, the trade fair has maintained strong appeal for international companies of all sizes, which have used the platform as a launchpad for new products in China and a fast track to enter the world's second-largest consumer market.

Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, which has participated in all the previous eight editions of the expo, will showcase new medicines during this year's event, including Kyinsu, a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes.

"The CIIE has become an important part of our work in China," said Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk. "This is our ninth consecutive year taking part, and many medicines we first presented at the expo have since launched here."

This year, over 480 exhibits are set to make their global, Asian or China debuts -- another record for the event.

Canada-headquartered athletic apparel brand lululemon will participate in the trade fair for the third consecutive year, with China now serving as its second-largest market globally.

"The CIIE is far more than a platform to showcase products," said San Yan Ng, regional president of lululemon China and APAC. "It also gives us the opportunity to engage in deeper dialogue and build stronger connections with Chinese guests, partners, government stakeholders and friends from all sectors."

The CIIE is a prominent example of China's efforts to open its market wider and facilitate entry of quality products from around the world. China expects the expanded imports will boost domestic demands and support its industrial upgrading.

The nation's imports reached 16.7 trillion yuan (about 2.48 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first nine months of this year, up 22.3 percent, the fastest growth since 2021.