ZHENGZHOU -- The eighth Central China Expo, an important platform for contract-signing and investment in China's central regions, kicked off on Saturday in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province.

Some 36,014 businessmen, including senior executives of Nestle, Carrefour and other big names among the world's top 500 companies, are attending the three-day event.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang and Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng were present at the expo's opening ceremony.

The event aims to boost trade activities and draw domestic and foreign investment into central regions that China has planned to build into favorable destinations for industrial transfers from coastal areas amid economic restructuring.

China set out its "Rise of central China" strategy in 2004, following similar strategies for the west and northwest of the country, amid efforts to achieve more balanced development nationwide.