China (Langfang) International Economic & Trade Fair held its grand opening in Langfang, Hebei on May 18, 2010.

“With the approval of the State Council, the Fair has now been upgraded to a national exhibition, sponsored by both the Ministry of Commerce and the Hebei Provincial Government. It will greatly accelerate the cooperation between different regions and speed up economic development in the Bohai Economic Rim,” Chen Quanguo, governor of Hebei Province said at the opening ceremony.

The theme of the Fair is designated as “Share New Business Opportunities Hand in Hand with Bohai Economic Rim,” reflecting the fair’s function as an important platform for the communication between domestic and foreign merchants in terms of talent, information, capital and technology.

More than 2000 exhibitors participate in the Fair. The Fair will release 100 key projects and hold 4 exhibition shows, plus 10 special investment invitation activities. The signing ceremony on May 18 witnessed the successful conclusion of 38 contracts. In one exciting example, IBM China Research Lab has agreed to work together with Qinhuangdao Economic & Technological Development Zone in the data industry.

The APEC Meeting on Smart City and Intelligent Industry is a highlight of the Fair. The meeting will demonstrate the latest outcomes in developing intelligent industries in the contemporary world, and explore more efficient ways to promote international communication and cooperation.

The meeting is mainly sponsored by China APEC Development Council, Langfang Municipal Government and Hebei Provincial Department of Commerce. At that meeting, lots of important government officials, leading executives from famous enterprises and distinguished scholars will all gather in Langfang to carry out high-end dialogues on global hot issues.

Since 1984, the Fair has been held 26 consecutive times.