The 2002 Zhengzhou National Commodities Fair opened Friday in Zhengzhou,capital of central China's Henan Province,highlighting trade and economic ties between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The fair has attracted representatives from about 500 industrial and trade firms,including nearly 100 with Taiwanese or foreign investment.

More than 10,000 kinds of commodities in 20 categories are put on show,said Wang Guangcan,an official from the organizing committee.

The fair,an annual event in the city since 1995,has been increasingly market-oriented and has played a significant role in enhancing technological and investment cooperation.

( eastday.com August 31, 2002)