The development of the financial and capital markets and the growth of high-tech enterprises will be two of the highlights of the seventh session of China (Beijing) International High-tech Expo, which is expected to be held from May 21 to 26 in the capital.

"The exposition will pay great attention to the fundamental function of the financial market, especially the capital market, in boosting the development of China's high-tech industries and optimizing the allocation of resources," said Yang Liuyin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council, the organizer of the annual China (Beijing) International High-tech Expo.

A series of forums concerning the theme will be held during the exposition.

"As an important ingredient in rejuvenating trade through science and technology, export credit insurance plays an important role in China's foreign trade of high-tech products," said Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology, one of the hosts of the high-tech event.

The Forum on Rejuvenating Trade through Science and Technology and Export Credit Insurance is to be introduced to the exposition this year.

It will discuss the issues, involving financing for vessels' export, management of interest rate risks, safeguarding against financing risks before delivery, as well as forfeiting insurance.

"The forum pays attention to the most recent development of China's export credit and the international credit markets and promotes exchanges among financial institutes and enterprises," said Yang.

Meanwhile, the Forum on Property Rights will focus on heated topics including the development of the property rights market and operational innovations, the relationship between the property rights market and the transfer of State-owned property rights, the role of the property rights market in the financing for medium and small enterprises and high-tech enterprises, property rights market and merger and acquisition by foreign capital, as well as the treatment of non-performing assets of banks.

In addition, the China Economic Forum and the Beijing Forum on the Capital Market are also on the schedule.

So far, 43 scientific or business delegations from 43 nations and regions have registered to attend this year's exposition and a group of world leading high-tech enterprises has ordered the exhibition booths.

"Over 20 CEOs of world top 500 confirmed they will come to Beijing for the high-tech event and delivery speeches on the forums," said Yang.

(China Daily April 12, 2004)