The Eighth China International Fair for Investment and Trade opened Wednesday in Xiamen in east China's Fujian Province.

Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi attended the opening ceremony, which was presided over by Bo Xilai, minister of Commerce.

Thirty-one Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, as well as various government departments, sent delegations to the fair. Exhibitors also included companies from 43 countries and regions.

The fair has 1,500 booths in four exhibition zones. An estimated 10,000 visitors are expected to come, more than previous sessions. The goal of the fair is to encourage direct investment by transnational companies and to promote common economic prosperity.

During the fair, more than 40 countries and regions will host seminars and promotion sessions. Investment agencies from 57 countries and regions will provide tens of thousands of projects for cooperation.

Source: Xinhua