An international economy and trade fair opened Thursday in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, attracting businessmen from more than 50 countries and regions.

As an annual event to promote western China's development, the 7th Western China International Economy and Trade Fair, has exhibitions in real estate, transportation, medical facilities, tourism culture and education, said the organizers.

With an exhibited area of 60,000 square meters, the four-day fair has attracted 15,000 domestic business people, and 3,000 merchants from 50 countries and regions, such as Russia, the United States, Germany and Vietnam.

"China's strategy of developing its west has greatly promoted the economic development in the region, which will no doubt provide more and more business opportunities for investors," said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi at the fair's opening ceremony.

Beginning in 2000, the fair has become a booster for the development of export-oriented economy of western China. The previous six events have realized transactions worth more than 30 billion yuan (US$3.7 billion).

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2006)