Some of the Japanese artworks exhibited in the Trade in Service exhibition area of the 4th China International Import Expo or CIIE – which wrapped up in East China's Shanghai on Nov 10 – were recently transferred from being exhibits to bonded commodities, according to reports in the local media.

The 58 Japanese artworks – after completion of the necessary formalities at Shanghai's Shenzhuang Customs office – are now on the shelves at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center in the city. They include paintings, handicrafts and bronze castings by Japanese artists.

According to the officials, these are the first batch of artworks that have been transferred from exhibits to bonded commodities after they were shown at the CIIE, while in the previous expos the commodities were mainly food and daily necessities.

"After the 3rd CIIE, exhibits with a value of about $10,000 from the Japan External Trade Organization, also known as JETRO, were converted from exhibitors to bonded goods. So far this year, there have been more than 8,000 exhibits with a value of more than $300,000 being converted to goods," said Yang Dongying, an official from the Shenzhuang Customs office.

In addition to the 58 Japanese artworks, IGFD – an Italian retail platform for moderate luxury brands – has recreated its CIIE stand at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trade Center, aiming to generate new business there.