Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Jack Ma, founder of Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba, share a moment at the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai, which opened on Monday. Photo: VCG

The AeroMobil “flying car” sits on display Monday at the expo. Photo: VCG

Mitsubishi’s Robotic Arm performs a traditional Japanese fan dance on Monday amid a sea of hanging paper cranes. Photo: VCG

A Nachi Robotic System robot spot-welds a car body on Monday in front of expo attendees. Photo: VCG

Facebook, whose social media service is blocked in China, has a booth at the expo. Photo: VCG