Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said Friday that the consumer electronics industry brought tangible material and cultural benefits to Chinese people.

Zeng made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the 2007 China International Consumer Electronics Show (SINOCES) which kicked off at the Qingdao International Convention Center on Friday.

The vice premier said the rapid development of China's consumer electronics industry has speeded up the spread of information and brought revolutionary changes to people's lives.

He said the country has become an important manufacturer and consumer of electronics products and called for further efforts in the sector.

Zeng said the annual SINOCES is a good platform for Chinese companies to communicate and cooperate with overseas counterparts.

The theme of this year's SINOCES is "Connecting Anything". The products on show include home cinema systems, portable office appliances, mobile communication equipments and auto electronic products.

During the event, the US and Chinese trade associations will have symposiums on energy, consumption, mobile storage applications and intellectual property rights.

According to its website, SINOCES -- started in 2005 -- was certified by the US Department of Commerce last year as the only consumer electronics show in China that is recommended and promoted by the US government to American companies.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2007)