The China International Exhibition Center Group Corp, China's first exposition group, joined forces with transnational IT giant IBM Tuesday to launch its online information system in Beijing.

The system, with a total investment of 20 million yuan (US$2.41 million), includes a digital exhibition hall, digital communication, online management, a call centre and office appliances.

It will not only allow the exhibitors to obtain detailed information and communicate with the organizers, but also means that the exposition group can conduct digital operations externally and internally.

"This high-tech system will help us increase service efficiency, improve management mechanisms and keep in line with our leading international counterparts," said Chen Ruowei, a senior official of the China International Exhibition Center Group Corp.
 
IBM, the world's leading IT solution provider, has worked with the exhibition operator since last April to build the online information system.

And it is expected to sign another contract with the exposition group covering maintenance, systems renovation and staff training.

"This cooperation can be regarded as a win-win strategy for both of us, as IBM may take its advantages on information industry to expand its business in the exhibition sector, while the up and coming industrial sector of the 21st century needs high-tech support eagerly," said Peter Jen, chief representative of IBM China Co Ltd.

(China Daily November 19, 2003)