Experts and business representatives gathered at the China National Computer Congress (CNCC) in Taiyuan on Oct 20 to discuss computer science and the development of the IT industry.

It was the largest ever session of the congress since its foundation in 2003, as more than 5,000 people took part in the event with 26 guests from the United States, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

The opening ceremony of China National Computer Congress 2016 commences in Taiyuan on Oct 20. More than 5,000 people attended the three-day congress, held to discuss the latest achievements and growth of the IT industry. [Photo/people.com.cn]

With a theme of "computing changes the world", the congress provided experts and scholars with a platform for exchanging cutting-edge IT technologies and cooperation on scientific innovation.

Some 200 professionals and entrepreneurs in the IT field shared their opinions about artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, autopilot technology and cloud computing during 30 different technical forums. Another 50 activities, including a network security event, were held during the three-day congress.

Li Zhifei, CEO of Mobvoi which specializes in voice search services, lectures on the opportunities and challenges when starting a business in the field of artificial intelligence, at the China National Computer Congress in Taiyuan. Dozens of experts and entrepreneurs in the field of computer science shared their expertise and experience with the congress. [Photo/news.cn]

This year's CNCC provided the opportunity for many renowned international IT experts to find out more about Taiyuan, and offered the city a great opportunity to foster its IT industry and transform its industrial structure with the help of the specialists.

Experts from both home and abroad visited local companies and universities following the congress, using the opportunity to strengthen their links with Taiyuan as well as finding different areas to cooperate in, according to Du Zide, secretary general of the China Computer Federation which organized the CNCC.

Meanwhile, the communication between international IT firms and Taiyuan businesses attending the congress will improve investment and boost the establishment of high-tech companies in the city, promoting the application of IT in traditional industries, such as manufacturing and power.

Wang Weizhong, one of the top officials in Shanxi province, makes a speech at the opening ceremony of the congress on Oct 20 in Taiyuan. He expressed his hopes that scientists and business representatives at the event will bring their advanced projects and innovations to Taiyuan in order to boost local technological innovation and development. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Taiyuan has accelerated the growth of the IT industry in recent years. The number of companies involved in information services, communications and electronic equipment manufacturing reached 53 in 2015, accounting for 12.89 percent of local emerging industries, such as new energy and cultural innovation.

An economic hub in North China under the Belt and Road Initiative, the city aims to be an IT industrial base in the coming five years by introducing highly-skilled workers and supporting local individuals and groups engaged in this field.