First held in 2018, this year's edition of the trade fair is scheduled to take place on November 5 2020 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai in China.

The CIIE is under direct guidance of the President of China, Xi Jinping.

"This is yet another progressive step for the AESF, aligning ourselves with like-minded partners who share a common goal and vision," said AESF President Kenneth Fok. 

"This is a two-way collaboration which improves both parties in so many aspects, and I believe I share the sentiment of my CIIE counterpart when envisioning a long-lasting, exponential growth for the esports scene here in China, with CIIE playing a major role in its progress."

AESF director general Sebastian Lau attended the signing ceremony and added: "This is a great opportunity for esports to connect with sectors linked to the esports ecosystem. 

"Not only does it bridge the gap in knowledge between differing sectors, it also opens up a lot of opportunities for everyone interested in fostering partnerships.

"I also see this as a way for the AESF to better educate the public which can only benefit all parties in the long run and this also provides the golden opportunity for esports and sports companies who would like to enter or promote themselves or their products in the Chinese market."

Now the AESF's participation will allow it to expand its brand and promote close relationships between the organisation and Governments.

"I look forward to an extensive and in-depth cooperation with the AESF through the platform of CIIE," said vice director general of the CIIE, Liu Fuxue.

"Through the influence of AESF, more emerging sports companies will not only be introduced to CIIE, but also into China."

At the CIIE, the AESF will look into opening a dialogue to make esports part of the Olympics and introduce game events.