The Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade, which opens on Saturday in Fuzhou, has become an increasingly influential event for promoting the flow of investment between Taiwan and the mainland.

Held annually on May 18 in the capital of East China's Fujian province, the fair covers an area of 77,500 square meters, with a total of 3,660 booths operated by participants from 16 countries.

As of May 10, more than 800 companies, including 510 from Taiwan, have confirmed their attendance at the event, according to the organizing committee.

The exhibition has nine sections involving such themes as cross-Straits tourism culture, specialties and snacks from Taiwan, and machinery and electronics.

The cross-Straits tourism culture area is a highlight of this year's fair.

It will feature folk performances and creative tourism products on May 19, China Tourism Day, to promote getaway destinations in Fujian province.

Long history

The CFET evolved from the Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month, a project initiated in 1994 by current Chinese President Xi Jinping when he was serving as the Party chief of Fuzhou.

The promotional event attracted thousands of investors from more than 30 countries seeking business opportunities in Fuzhou.

At the opening ceremony, Xi said: "Fuzhou will serve as an important platform for economic exchanges between China and other parts of the world, creating opportunities for all involved."

In the years that followed, the Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month grew into one of the two most important investment events in Fujian.

The other one is the China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which is held in September every year in Xiamen.

In 1999, the Fuzhou International Investment Promotion Month was renamed the Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade.

Contact the writers at humeidong@chinadaily.com.cn and sunli@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/18/2013 page10)