The 2002 Russia High-tech Fair -- the largest Sino-Russia scientific and economic activity in the year -- opened yesterday in Shenyang, the capital city of Northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Some 250 enterprises from Russia and more than 20,000 representatives from domestic business and scientific fields in 60 cities are expected to hold discussions on cooperation in high-tech fields during the four-day fair.

O N Soskoviz, chairman of Russian Finance and Industry Association, said the fair will highlight the displays of high-tech products, equipment and materials that best reflect the scientific and technological strengths of Russian industry.

It will also stress the industrial advantages of Russia in machinery manufacturing, aerospace, forestry, natural resources, food and environmental protection industries.

Zhang Jianhua, vice-mayor of Shenyang, said his city and Russia both enjoy advantageous geographical positions and have similar industrial structures.

They share many complementary features and have great potential for promoting exchanges and cooperation in economic and high-tech fields.

A total of 18 high-tech projects were inked on the first day of the fair, involving a contractual investment of US$42.9 million.

Russia plans to set up a joint venture with a registered capital of US$30 million in the city dealing with the development of new aircraft vehicles.

The city also signed contracts with Russian counterparts on the export of digital control systems and cooperation in historic building renovation and computer monitor manufacturing.

(China Daily April 23, 2002 )