The three-day event, which is being organized by the China Food Additive Association (CFAA) and Sub-Council of Light Industry with the China Chamber for the Promotion of International Trade, will open on Wednesday.

The change of venue from Shanghai will not affect the show and more than 787 companies are already scheduled to attend the event, which will cover an exhibiting space of over 27,000 square metres.

The event is being held in Guangzhou this year to satisfy requests made by FIC exhibitors after three successful sessions in Shanghai, said Qi Qingzhong, secretary-general of the CFAA.

Guangdong Province and Shanghai are both the most developed and dynamic regions for the food industry in China.

There are more than 7,000 companies related to food processing in Guangdong.

"We believe that holding FIC 2003 in Guangzhou will provide opportunities for trade visitors and exhibitors," Qi said.

Shanghai and Guangzhou will take turns hosting the event in the future to assist exhibitors in launching their products in China's two largest markets, Qi said.

(China Daily March 31, 2003)