The third phase of the 105th Canton Fair, China's largest trade event, began Sunday in the capital of the southern province of Guangdong with preventive measures against the A/H1N1 flu.

Visitors wear masks during the third phase of the 105th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, May 3, 2009. The third phase of the 105th Canton Fair, China's largest trade event, began Sunday with preventive measures against the A/H1N1 flu. [Xinhua]

Organizers said there were 60 stations where visitors' temperatures could be taken. A registration system was adopted for guests at every hotel for the third phase of the biannual trade fair, which is a barometer of China's foreign trade.

According to Tang Xiaoping, deputy head of the provincial health bureau, three medical service booths were put up at the fair.

Chen Chaoren, deputy head of the organizing committee, said the fair was in good order with no A/HIN1 cases reported so far. Public venues inside and outside the exhibition hall would be sterilized every day during the trade fair, according to Chen.

The month-long trade fair is held in three phases. This year, the first ran from April 15 to 19 and the second from April 24 to 28.

A staff member checks a visiter's body temperature during the third phase of the 105th Canton Fair in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, May 3, 2009. [Xinhua]

The current, third phase ends Thursday.

Organizers estimated nearly 130,000 business people from 200 countries and regions would attend this session.

This part of the fair features textiles and garments, footwear, office equipment, bags, pharmaceuticals and other medical products, and food.

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2009)