A visitor interacts with intelligent robots at the International High-Tech Expo in Mianyang, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

The expo attracted 687 high-tech companies worldwide including Microsoft and Panasonic. Over 10,000 cutting-edge products are on shown.

CHENGDU, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- The 7th China (Mianyang) Science and Technology City International High-Tech Expo opened Thursday in Mianyang City, southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The four-day event attracted 687 high-tech companies worldwide including Microsoft and Panasonic, which will exhibit more than 10,000 cutting-edge products in fields including electronic information, equipment manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

Austria, the country named as the guest of honor, organized over 10 high-tech Austrian companies, including B&R Industrial Automation, to attend the expo.

"Hopefully, this will be a starting point for extensive commercial cooperation for the benefit of both sides," said Andreas Reichhardt, minister for transport, innovation and technology of Austria, in a congratulatory letter read at the opening ceremony.

Guests and companies attending the expo are expected to strengthen communication and cooperation through the expo, said Wang Xi, vice minister of science and technology.