The Sixth China Beijing International High-Technology Expo opened in Beijing Friday afternoon, attracting governmental agencies, professional organizations, enterprises and financial institutions from 27 countries and regions.

The expo was originally planned to be held in May but was postponed due to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Over 2,000 hi-tech enterprises at home or abroad will hold exhibitions during the exposition, which will also feature 22 forums on the world economy and China's economic development, involving over 400 domestic and overseas experts.

The expo also includes six trade negotiation fairs.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the expo, State Councilor Chen Zhili said that China will make efforts to promote the development of hi-tech industries in the country.

By developing hi-tech industries, Chen said, China will seek a new way of industrialization which sees high economic efficiency, low cost of resources, little pollution and full use of human resources.

(People's Daily September 13, 2003)