Chu Xiangyin, an official with the organizing committee and secretary-general of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council, said the decision was based on suggestions from experienced foreign exhibition operators, in a bid to upgrade the high-tech event.

"We are also considering co-operating with certain leading international exhibition enterprises in the next session, in an effort to make the event a world famous high-tech expo," said Chu.

This session will focus on newly developed technologies and promising industries.

"Though the floor space will be smaller than the previous five sessions, the technological content will be enhanced," said Chu.

According to the organizing committee, digital technology underpinning telecommunications, daily life and the 2008 Olympic Games will be core in this year's China Beijing International High-Tech Expo.

Meanwhile, bio-pharmaceutics and environmental protection, regarded as promising industries, are to have the spotlight.

So far, more than 1,000 high-tech enterprises and institutions from home and abroad have registered to attend the exhibition. It is expected to be held in Beijing's China International Exhibition Centre from May 23 to 27.

(China Daily April 18, 2003)