Technology Week Creates Major BuzzChina will provide more opportunities for high-technology exchanges, Beijing Mayor Liu Qi said at the opening ceremony for the Third Session of the China (Beijing) International High-Tech Industries Week 2000."Compared with previous events, this year's high-tech week has drawn more domestic and foreign participants," Liu said. "It features a higher level of technological sophistication, a richer variety of programmes and greater potential for business opportunities." Approximately 60 government and business delegations with nearly 1,000 members, representing international organizations, foreign countries or regions, and leading companies, have registered for the event, said organizing committee sources. In addition, more than 100 well-known political,scientific and business figures have been invited to attend this year's event. During the week, programmes involving six expositions, 16 forums, 11 trade talks and 20 exchange activities concerning high-tech industries will be held. The six expositions involve electronics, information technology, geo-information technology, bio-pharmaceuticals, scientific accomplishments of universities and research institutions and overseas Chinese scientists. The expositions will cover more than 20,000 square metres with more than 900 booths. Eleven talks and conferences will be held this week on topics such as technology introduction, overseas investment, technology exports, foreign capital and government purchases. For the first time during high-tech week, matchmaking consultations for venture investment in high-tech industries, foreign banks for key projects, trade talks on agricultural technology and investment will be held. Venture capital has been a significant source of funds for new high-tech enterprises throughout the world. However, very little venture capital has flowed into China. About 20,000 people, including ministry-level officials, scholars, specialists and business people in high-tech, finance and insurance, are expected to attend the 16 forums. Featured speakers exceed 200. Also on May 8, Premier Zhu Rongji met with more than 60 international celebrities who are attending the meeting. Zhu extended a warm welcome on behalf of the Chinese Government and people to the guests and expressed thanks to those who have conducted long-term co-operation and exchanges in economic and technological areas. The premier said that in the 21st century the continued development of high technology will have an enormous and far-reaching impact on the world. "China's development cannot be separated from the rest of the world, and the prosperity of the world needs China," he said. "China will hold an international high-tech industries week in the capital in May each year." He said China hopes financiers and entrepreneurs from around the world will come to invest in China, and make joint efforts with China for the development of global high and new technology industries and economic prosperity. |
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