CeBIT Asia 2002 opens in Shanghai
( 2002-09-03 10:34 ) (8 )

CeBIT Asia 2002, the continent's largest exposition of information technologies, Monday opened in Shanghai.

The exposition has attracted 550 telecommunication enterprises and service providers from 25 countries and regions worldwide including big names such as Intel, Philips, Samsung, Pioneer and National.

"Since China will become the largest telecommunications market worldwide by 2010, there is no better choice than a Chinese city like Shanghai to host CeBIT Asia," said Herbert Schmalstieg, Mayor of Hannover, Germany and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Deutsche Messe AG.

By the end of July 2002, the number of fixed and mobile telephone users totaled 380 million, ranking first worldwide, and 40 million people have Internet access.

It is estimated that by 2005, Chinese citizens will own 80 million computers, 300 million mobile phones and 260 million fixed telephones. It is further estimated that by 2005, some 200 million people will enjoy Internet access and cable TV.

The telecommunications industry is becoming China's new economic growth focal point, according to Lou Qinjian, vice minister of Information Industries.

Organizers say global telecommunications giants have brought the most advanced technologies and products and have experimented with several marketing techniques at CeBIT Asia 2002 as part of an overall strategy to explore the Chinese market.

CeBIT Asia was held for the first time in Shanghai in 2001, attracting 509 telecommunications enterprises and some 25,000 members of the public. This year's four-day exposition is expected to lure more than 50,000 visitors, according to the organizers.