The annual China Yiwu International Small Commodities Exposition opened in Yiwu City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Wednesday.             

It is expected to attract 200,000 domestic and foreign business people from 110 countries and regions, say local officials.

More than 200,000 small commodities produced by over 100,000 domestic and overseas factories are on display at the exposition.

A series of lectures, forums and presentations will be held as part of the international commodities fair.

Yiwu has turned into Asia's largest marketplace of small commodities ranging from needles and buttons to lighters and playing cards, since China launched its reform and opening drive 25 years ago.

Zhejiang, one of the fastest developed provinces in the country, is home to many factories producing small commodities in large quantities.

(China Daily October 23,2003)