Initiated in 1994, the Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade has provided a platform of exchange and cooperation for investors both at home and abroad, as well as injected impetus for improving the image of Fuzhou and promoting its economic development. It can be said that the fair has become a name card of Fuzhou in its going global campaign, said Liang Jianyong, deputy mayor of Fuzhou.

Many people got to know Fuzhou through the fair and also brought to Fuzhou their vision of their businesses. They think that Fuzhou will sure become an economic zone distinct from the Yangtze River Dealta and the Pearl River Delta as long as it makes full use of its advantages in location and popularity.

"The fair is a success, we will come here again next year." This is what the reporter heard the most at the fair. The delegates to the fair all spoke highly of it.

Staff members with Ericsson (China) told the reporter that they came just because they are fancied by the brand of the fair.

Weng Wenguang, secretary general of Fuzhou's association of enterprises invested by Taiwan compatriots said that it is the third time that they participate in the fair. They regard it as a very good stage for showcase and they will continue to participate.

As one of the new-generation overseas Chinese, Zhuo Yong'en, a doctor whose ancestral home is Fuzhou, went to Italy in 1933. He said, many overseas Chinese all got to know Fuzhou at the cross-Straits fair.

With years' accumulation and improvement, the Fuzhou fair has further manifested its international feature with greater influence abroad. Thousands of buyers come to the fair each year, along with a large group of overseas Chinese and businessmen from foreign countries as well as from China's Hong Kong and Taiwan .

Till May 17, a total of 141 key delegations with 1,753 people have come to the fair. The fair this year features expanding delegations, expanded international participation and service to Taiwan. According to the organizing committee, this year will likely outdo last year with 326 contracts signed and US$2.185 billion of foreign investment actually utilized.

The fair is also a frontier for enterprises to promote their brands. According to TPV Group, a well-known Taiwan-funded enterprise engaged in R&D and sales of monitors, the company has never missed the fair. They come here this time to exhibit their new products and boost their popularity both at home and abroad.

By People's Daily Online