Performers perform at Hainan International Tourism Trade Expo. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The first Hainan International Tourism Trade Expo began in the seaside city of Sanya on March 26, with companies from Italy, France, Poland, South Korea, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Pakistan, Vietnam and Malaysia participating in the weeklong event.

It is being hosted by the local city and provincial governments, the central Commerce Ministry and the national body China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

A total of 71 projects worth 13.2 billion yuan ($2 billion) in investments have been signed at the expo so far, covering tourism, trade, agriculture, e-commerce and other areas.

As part of the expo, a duty-free goods fair — involving nearly 200 international brands — was also held.

In the next few years, the expo in southern China, will look to become an annual feature for companies from home and abroad.

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