The first batch of sponsors and suppliers is expected to comprise enterprises in the fields of internet safety, internet of things technology, photography, videography, non-alcoholic beverages, travel services, Western-style fast food and household kitchen appliances, the official notice published on the Hangzhou 2022 website said.

The Organising Committee also revealed that it was making a distinction between a sponsor and a supplier based on an enterprise's contributions and investments and the rights to which they will be entitled. 

Official suppliers are to be divided into exclusive and non-exclusive categories to provide more opportunities for small and medium-sized private enterprises.

Qualified companies can apply for sponsorship by submitting materials online. 

Once signed up, the sponsors and suppliers will be entitled to certain rights, as well as priority in negotiations, Hangzhou 2022 promised.

"The Organising Committee of the Hangzhou Asian Games will take full advantage of digital marketing methods, offer cooperation opportunities at official activities and integrate all-media marketing platforms to ensure the rights and interests of sponsors and suppliers," a Hangzhou 2022 official said. 

According to the marketing programme for the Games released at the end of 2018, members of the Games sponsorship system are broken into three tiers - official partners, official sponsors and official suppliers.

Currently, seven companies, including Alibaba Group, whose headquarters are in Hangzhou, Geely Group, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Loong Airlines, have signed up to become the Games' official partners.

In addition, the first 24 franchised manufacturers and 14 franchised retailers for Games-related products - such as souvenirs - have been confirmed, and seven offline stores and one online Tmall store have been launched.