A State-level exhibition showcasing the country's latest achievements in agricultural research was held in Yangling in Shaanxi Province yesterday, attracting more than 4,200 projects in the field.

The five-day Seventh China Yangling High-tech Agricultural Research Achievements Fair was co-sponsored by 16 State ministries and commissions and the Shaanxi provincial government, and supported by the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the European Union and the World Bank, according to Cheng Andong, governor of Shaanxi province.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing sent a congratulatory letter to the fair, saying that making great efforts to raise the level of agricultural technology is a requirement for the strategic West Development project as well as the development of China's economy in the 21st century.

"And the promotion of the use of advanced technology in agriculture will not only help farmers in poverty-stricken areas live a better life, but help local people protect the environment as well," Governor Cheng said in his opening speech at the fair.

During the fair, an agricultural high-tech forum will be held, and other activities, including the trade of agricultural products, project investment and co-operation, technological exchanges on the Internet, technical training and agricultural talent exchanges will take place, Cheng said.