"Attending the China Hi-Tech Fair is one of the most important tasks for us every year since 2000", said an official with the science and innovation section from the British Consulate-General Guangzhou.

This year's CHTF made more people know about the UK-China Partners in Science, a one year program to promote the exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and British scientists. The consulate identified a specific focus for their exhibition at the hi-tech fair for each year. Last year, it was electronic hardware and biotech. And this year it was nanotech.

The official also mentioned that Lord Sainsbury, Minister of Science and Innovation of the UK, visited the annual hi-tech fair in 2001 and 2003. And the British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott also paid a visit here.

Mr. Armin Siegert, Director of International Economic Affairs for Asia-Pacific from Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Nuremberg and Central Franconia, has arranged exhibition affairs for German delegations from Bavaria since the first hi-tech fair in 1999. He viewed the national fair a perfect platform with high quality services and visitors. "Other similar exhibitions should all learn from this fair," he said.

Softgate, a German information technology service provider for medicine, found a local partner last year at the fair. Now it has its representative office in Shenzhen. This year they came again and have made new contacts.

It was the first time that China Galileo Industries had promoted its business to the public since it was established. A market official said they met people from every part of the industry chain. Visitors also learned what Galileo was really about, what opportunities it may mean to them, and how it would change our life in just a few years to come.

ITER, an international thermonuclear project with the participation, among others, of both China and EU, also made its debut to the public at the fair. And visitors engaged in scientific researches had the chance to know EU's Framework Program which gives access to financial support for research projects.

The hi-tech fair this year was launched on Oct. 12 and concluded on Oct. 17 in Shenzhen. The number of overseas participants this year hit a record high. It attracted delegations from 23 foreign countries.

By People's Daily Online