Yangzhou culture, living environment and water resources will play important roles in attracting investment from home and abroad in this year's Yangzhou International Economy and Trade Festival which will open April 18, said Wang Rongping, vice mayor of the Yangzhou Municipal People's Government.

Construction workers work at a construction city in Yangzhou, a city in East China's Jiangsu Province April 1, 2006. The famous cultural and historical city is in preparation for the coming of the Yangzhou 2006 Economy and Trade Festival which will starts April 18 this year. [Chinadaily.com.cn]

His remarks came when reporters from China's ten most prestigious online news portals such as the People's Daily Online and Chinadaily Website gathered from March 30 to April 1 in Yangzhou city in Jiangsu Province, Eastern China for an annual business activity promotion.

Wang said "this year's economic and trade festival is different from that of other years", adding that the local government attaches more importance to investment, infrastructure construction and local citizens' living environments.

The government has been beefing up its efforts in building a culturally significant, environmentally friendly city. This year culture, living environment and the canal will be used as three brands to boost the festival's competitiveness in an effort to lure more investment for the further development of the city.

The beautiful scenery of the famous 'Slender West Lake' in Yangzhou city, East China's Jiangsu Province. [Chinadaily.com.cn]

"Not only the government, but also the local residents will take part in this year's International Econmy and Trade Festival," Wang said, adding that the government this year expects Yangzhou's residents to contribute more to the success of this year's business activity.

Located by the Yangtze river and Jinghang (Grand) Canal, Yangzhou has always been a leading economic and cultural center throughout its 2,500 year history. Founded in the spring and autumn period, the city was called Kuang-Ling until 590 AD, when both Kuang-Ling and the rest of southeastern China began to be called Yangzhou.