Wu Wenxiang, deputy secretary-general of the WPC-7 Organizing Committee, said that some 2,000 participants from 20 countries and regions will exchange views pertaining to "Challenges Facing the Printing Industry in the 21st Century in a Knowledge Driven Society," which is the main theme of the six-day event.

Some 40 high-ranking panelists from China and other countries, will voice their views on new trends in printing technology, customer demands and supplier responses in a multimedia environment, and the global printing market.

During the session of the WPC-7, there will also be the 2001 China Print Exhibition, the first exhibition by the Asia-Pacific Screen Printing & Graphic Imaging Association (ASGA 2001) in conjunction with Screen Printing & Signs China 2001 (SPSC 2001).

Wu said that the China Printing Museum will also stage a bountiful collection of China's printing achievements, including printing equipment and printed materials in various historical periods, as a special component of the WPC-7.

According to Wu, Vice Premier Li Lanqing will act as Honorary Chairman of the WPC-7 Organizing Committee, which was established in November 1998.

The World Print Congress, also dubbed the World Print Forum, is an international organization consisting of print associations in various countries. It convenes every four years.

The WPC has been held previously in Singapore, the United States, Hong Kong, Brazil, India and Australia since it was started in 1978.

China joined the WPC in 1985. It is the first opportunity for China to hold the WPC. This year's Congress will be the largest gathering ever held by the WPC Organization, said Wu.

(Xinhua 03/30/2001)