The China International Agricultural Products Fair should be developed into a world-class exhibition to ensure prosperous agricultural development, said Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Tuesday.

With the theme "New countryside, new agriculture, new life", the Fourth China International Agricultural Products Fair opened in Beijing on Tuesday.

The fair exhibits agricultural products from all over the country. The returned capsule of the Shijian-8, China's seed-breeding satellite, is also on display.

Hui said the fair has served as an important platform for the display of China's agricultural products. By turning it into a world-class exhibition, the fair will play a more important role in promoting international and regional agricultural cooperation.

China has begun well in its initiative to develop a socialist countryside, said Hui. It will continue to support the development of rural economy and help farmers to raise their incomes.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2006)