An official from the organizing committee said that preparations for the festival have been finished.

During the festival, a large economic and trade fair will also be held. Nanning City has prepared a list of 267 major projects for investment promotion at the fair.

These projects, which mainly involve the infrastructure and high-tech industrial sectors, will require a total investment of 16.23 billion yuan (about US$1.96 billion). Among these projects, overseas investment will be required in 66 projects, with an investment amounting to US$298 million.

Guangxi, which had a population of over 46 million by 1997, is home to people from 28 ethnic groups, including 12 major ones. The ethnic groups are well known for their love of singing and dancing.

It is expected that some 1,300 domestic and overseas businessmen will attend the fair.

(People's Daily 11/15/2000)