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REGIONAL> Development
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Harbin fair grows in size and influence
By Xiao Huang (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-06-19 07:37
The 19th International China Harbin Fair for Trade and Economic Cooperation concluding today in the capital of Heilongjiang province has become an increasingly important stage for promoting trade in Northeast Asia and helping revitalize aging industrial sites in northeast China. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, the United Nations Industry Development Organization and several other international groups, this year's fair attracted 12,000 overseas participants from more than 50 countries and regions. Myanmar, Slovakia and Finland made their debut at the event. Eleven regions in Russia also participated.
Nearly 400 multinational companies including General Electronic, Wal-Mart and Mitsubishi attended the fair, 30 percent more than last year. Delegations from 22 regions on the Chinese mainland, as well as Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, also participated with a total of 764 exhibition booths. This year's fair has 2,400 exhibition booths and a 10,000 sq m outdoor area to display large machines. Furniture hall A special furniture zone is part of the fair for the first time, organized with the help of local furniture shopping center Red Flag Town. Displays cover 10,000 sq m with 40 indoor booths and 46 outdoor booths designed to facilitate furniture trade between China and other northeast Asian countries. Domestic-made furniture and accessories are showcased to display their creativity, delicate designs and quality craftsmanship. A number of noted furniture makers from Guangdong, Beijing and Jiangsu presented their latest products at the exhibition. With themes of originality and diversity, a wide range of furniture is on show - from classic and plywood to children's furniture, soft furniture and designs made of rattan. The exhibition's goal is to convey the concept of convenience and comfort. Rattan furniture on display combines traditional handcrafting with modern machine techniques to integrate varying designs, patterns and materials while maintaining the original natural style. Environmental protection is also a highlight of the Harbin Fair this year. More green plants have been placed inside and outside the venue in order to create a garden-like environment. Air purifiers have been used to improve air quality. Exhibited products that cannot meet environmental standards are not permitted to enter the venue. A great variety of support events have been held during the fair, including business talks, economic forums, a contract signing ceremony and sports and entertainment activities. Finance is a hot topic this year with a series of forums and seminars discussing improvement of the financial industry and revitalization of old industrial facilities in Heilongjiang. Forums also included discussions about listing local enterprises on domestic and overseas stock markets.
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