The fair's executive organizing official, Huang Xiaoxiang, who was also vice-governor of southwest China's Sichuan province, told reporters on Sunday that the decision to postpone the fair was made after consultation with medical experts.

As many parts of the country were busy trying to prevent and control Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) disease, he said, the postponement was necessary and appropriate.

The trade fair was originally planned to go ahead in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province, from May 25 to 28.

The fair is an annual event sponsored jointly by the Sichuan provincial government, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council, the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives. The first fair was held in 2000.

More than 1,000 business people from over 20 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, and Russia, and several thousands from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao have applied to attend the fair.

Eight exhibition halls with a total area of 40,000 sq m have been prepared for the display of commodities and for trade negotiations. And 1,000 business booths have so far been booked.

(Xinhua News Agency May 4, 2003)