The promotion and preparation efforts for the third edition of the China International Import Expo has not be affected by the novel coronavirus outbreak as staff resumed work online in early February, according to the CIIE bureau.

Lu Peng, a clerk at the expo's business exhibition department, said that he has since Feb 3 been communicating with 300 foreign companies about the exhibition through emails and phone and video calls. He added that more than a dozen companies have signed up for the expo by completing online contracts.

Wu Donghui, a staff at the expo's buyers and trade missions department, said the epidemic has not affected his work, which involves sending out invitations to buyers across the country.

The team behind the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, a parallel event of the CIIE, has also been working despite the outbreak. The team most recently called on its member companies such as Lego and Danone for suggestions for this year's theme.

Li Renqing, a member of the IT department at the CIIE bureau, said the expo's hotline 968888 has received more than 1,350 inquiries since Jan 16. Most people have asked about the registration process for the third edition, as well as whether the outbreak would affect the event.

"We will provide the latest updates regarding the expo on our website, WeChat account and mobile app," Li said. "For now, things have been proceeding smoothly."