The biggest information technology trade fair in Asia is set to open in Shanghai on Thursday, September 16, but it will host almost 25 percent fewer exhibitors than last year, the fair organizer announced on Tuesday.

Among the big names not attending CeBIT Asia 2003 are Microsoft Corp and Intel Corp, both of which have large operations in the city.

Organizers, however, who blame the no-shows on the SARS out-break earlier this year, remain optimistic about the event.

"We believe the show will be successful because China's IT market is booming," said Jorg Schomburg, managing director of CeBIT events worldwide, Deutsche Messe AG. "More overseas companies have prepared to seek commercial opportunities in the country.

"CeBIT will give them a good chance to reach potential consumers in China," he added.

Schomburg expects 412 exhibitors and about 50,000 visitors will take part in the fair.

"SARS prevented people from coming to China and no one could confirm when it would stop spreading, so many IT companies decided not to attend," Schomburg said.

He said organizers considered canceling the event at one point, and after they decided to continue, there wasn't enough time to convince many IT companies to attend the fair.

"Another reason (for the poor attendance) is that CeBIT Asia remains little changed year after year. People always see the same faces," said Guo Yingmei, a marketing executive for Analysts Consulting Co Ltd, an IT consulting company.

When the show opens tomorrow, it will cover 23,000 square meters of space with exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, including international giants such as Siemens AG, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, Kodak (China) Ltd and Sony Corp.

Exhibits will include telecommunications equipment, wireless and network technology, human resources and automatic database software, Internet security products and banking technology and financial services.

This is the third time Deutshe Messe AG has held CeBIT Asia in Pudong New Area since 2001.

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