Delegates pay tribute to pivotal business centre

For many tourists, Harbin is simply a fantastic winter wonderland, full of breathtaking vistas of snow and ice. However, beneath its perma-frosted coating, lies one of northeastern China's pivotal business centers, with much of its activities focused on globally-renowned annual China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair.

Over the 19 years since its launch in 1990, the fair has become widely recognized as one of the most important platforms for Chinese producers to develop economic and trade ties with their counterparts in overseas markets.

Back in 1990, the fair began life largely as a shop window for businesses in the former Soviet Union and a number of East European countries. Since 1994, however, its remit has become considerably broader and deeper. The event now attracts delegates and exhibitors from as far afield as Japan, South Korea (ROK) and North Korea (DPRK), as well as its core attendees from Russian and the former Soviet bloc. The number of non-Chinese mainland exhibitors - especially from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan - has also risen dramatically.