One of China's biggest trade fairs has been renamed and restructured to encourage imports as well as exports.

The 101st China Import and Export Trade Fair (Canton Fair) in the southern city of Guangzhou is hosting foreign exporters for the first time and added the word "import" to the title.

Almost 6,000 domestic buyers have confirmed their attendance at the import trade fair scheduled from April 15 to 20.

"The Chinese government is striving for a trade balance and taking more measures to encourage imports." said Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng.

The import exhibition is made up of two units: industrial products and consumer goods.

Nine categories of products will be displayed in 629 booths covering 10,400 square meters, including machinery, cars, home appliances, hardware, building materials, daily necessities, ornaments, jewelry and agricultural products.

It will host 303 companies from 37 countries and regions, including six least developed countries.

The export zone will cover 620,000 square meters with 31,053 booths. Altogether 14,430 domestic firms will display their products.

Two special zones will display products from leading brands and products for international buyers.

Fourteen international companies from France, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Japan and Germany have signed up for the fair.