A memorandum of strategic cooperation is signed between the Nantong municipal government and Merck at the fifth CIIE. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

The delegation of Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province clinched procurement contracts worth nearly $44.20 million on the first day of the ongoing fifth China International Import Expo.

The Nantong delegation consists of 5,651 visitors and 1,783 enterprises and institutions including 389 key import businesses.

On Nov 5, the Nantong municipal government signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation with German science and technology powerhouse Merck to cooperate in life science, electronic technology, and technological innovation.

The six-day 5th CIIE, which kicked off on Nov 5 in Shanghai, is being attended by representatives from 145 countries, regions and international organizations.