On April 20, the Fuzhou Municipal Government and the Organizing Committee held a press conference for the 12th Cross-straits Fair for Economy and Trade and the 7th Commodities Fair in Beijing.

The press conference gave information on the current investment environment of Fuzhou and its key economic areas and industries, so as to attract further foreign investment in the city. The preparatory work and arrangements for the 12th Cross-straits Fair for Economy and Trade were also mentioned.

It has been learned that, before the Fair, a delegation formed by Fuzhou Municipal Government and the departments concerned have visited 11 cities (Wenzhou, Jingdezhen, etc) in Fujian, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.

They have carried out discussions with local officials and extended invitations to them. The leaders from cities like Wenzhou, Lishui, Quzhou and Shangrao have expressed their tentative willingness to attend the Cross-straits Fair in Fuzhou. The Wenzhou government has considered increasing exhibition booths in the Fair. The Quzhou government hopes to establish a position as sister city to Fuzhou.

By April 20, a total of 164 deals are expected to be concluded, attracting 1.212 billion dollars foreign capital in total.

Every county and city has reported its planned contracts. The following are some representative planned contracts: Tianqing Dreamsky Recreational and Cultural Creation Program in Changle city, for the research and development of animation with a planned investment of 20 million dollars; Dingyuan Photoelectric LED Project in Minhou County, with planned investment of 0.15 billion dollars; SM Commerce and Trade Square, with planned investment of 0.12 billion dollars, etc.

In addition, as of April 19, 118 groups have been invited to the Fair, including groups of Taiwan travelling merchants, foreign consulates, foreign sister cities, overseas customers (including those from Hong Kong and Macao regions) and members of the chambers of commerce from other places.

The organizing committee has also invited 10 members of the Chinese Science and Technology Association, 150 representatives from various transnational corporations, financial investment institutions, foreign businessmen’s associations and famous investment agencies, and senior executives from 20 investment funds, investment banks and accounting firms.

In addition, the Prince of Jordan, the consul generals of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Ethiopia Embassy in China, the Vice Minister of Agriculture of Vietnam, officials at the foreign trade bureau of Valencia, Spain and the presidents of minor enterprises unions in countries like Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Greece are also invited to attend the related activities at the Fair.

By Ke Limin