Li Shouyu, vice-mayor of Weifang, Thursday made the announcement in Beijing at a forum reviewing the Weifang International Kite Festival over the past 20 years.

Li said in addition to large-scale art performances and kite contests, more recreational activities will be held during the festival.

At the same time, an annual trade fair and the third Shouguang International Vegetable Exhibition would be held in the city, said Li.

Nineteen international kite festivals have been held in Weifang since 1984, and the city is drawing increasing foreign investment while showcasing its kites to overseas visitors.

Forty-seven kite-flying teams from 20 foreign countries, including the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and 24 domestic teams participated in the competition last year, attracting nearly three million visitors.

Kite-making in Weifang, known as "Kite Capital," can be traced back to the late 16th century and the early 17th century. In modern times, Weifang has conducted cultural and economic exchanges with over 100 countries and regions.

Statistics show that nearly 700 cooperative contracts have been signed in the city since 1995, with total investments of US$1.5 billion. Another 4.6 billion yuan (US$556 million) has been invested in the city in the last three vegetable exhibitions.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2003)