Xu's remark aims to respond to the fact that some fairs or similar large events have been cancelled or delayed owing to the outbreak of atypical pneumonia, or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), in China.

SARS has been well contained in Guangzhou and effective precautionary measures have been taken to minimize the possibility of any infection, he said, adding there was no reason why the fair could not go ahead as scheduled.

According to Xu, a leading group consisting of senior ministerial and local officials has been formed and a corresponding office has been set up for the smooth running of the fair.

Every corner of the exhibition halls, including the ventilation system, has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The organizing committee has even paid attention to air conditioner filters, which have all been replaced.

The exhibition area will be cleaned and disinfected daily, Xu said.

Effective control of visitor flow will be implemented and an emergency treatment center will be established on the site, the spokesman added.

Due to fears over SARS and the ongoing Iraq war, some foreign business people have either cancelled or postponed their trips to the fair, but new applications to take part in the fair are still coming in, Xu said.

According to the spokesman, 48 domestic trading delegations and 9,128 enterprises will attend the fair, the biggest number in its history.

(China Daily April 14, 2003)