On August 30, 2002 (July 22, 2002 in the lunar calendar), the first China International Equipment Manufacturing Expo opened. On August 30, 2002, the first China International Equipment Manufacturing Expo opened in Shenyang. The equipment manufacturing industry is a pillar industry of the national economy and a symbol of a country's comprehensive strength. This expo is the fifth national-level economic and trade expo after the Shenzhen "High-tech Fair", the Shanghai "Industry Expo", the Beijing "High-tech Week" and the Shaanxi "Agricultural Expo". It is the only professional exhibition in my country in the field of equipment manufacturing. The expo is large in scale and has many exhibitors. The exhibition hall covers an area of 48,000 square meters, with a total of 463 domestic and foreign exhibitors and 1644 booths, including nearly 700 booths for foreign-funded enterprises. Companies from 23 countries and regions participated in the exhibition. Presidents and vice presidents of 16 of the world's top 500 companies led delegations to participate in Shenyang. Seven companies will also hold forums, seminars and other activities. There are 20 provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government participating in the exhibition in China. The expo was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the People's Government of Liaoning Province, and hosted by the People's Government of Shenyang City.