The Seventh International Exhibition on Road and Water Transport Technology and Equipment (CHINA TRANSPO 2004) opened here Wednesday with about 300 companies participating.

Weng Mengyong, Chinese vice minister of communications, said during the opening ceremony that China has entered its best stage in the past decade for the development of the road and water transportation. He vowed that China would continue to establish a safe, economical, and intelligent public transportation system.

New products and leading technologies in the fields of highway construction, road maintenance and engineering were on display. The Chinese Ministry of Communications set up a comprehensive exhibiting region to provide information about the achievements and the long-term objectives for the country's transportation industry.

The organization committee established forums to discuss industry hot topics, private consulting room and on-line product exhibition.