Energy efficiency and environmental protection will be hot topics at the 2007 China International Industry Fair which is running until Saturday.

More than 300 overseas companies will display their latest technologies at the fair, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

The companies, from 20 countries and regions, are also seeking trading opportunities.

The fair, covering a site of 103,500 square meters at the Shanghai New International Expo Center at Pudong, has 4,522 booths, of which nearly one-third are occupied by overseas companies.

Big names include Siemens, Philips, Honeywell and ABB.

"It will be the first time for us to take part with a complete portfolio in areas of automation, industry solutions and services, building technology, lighting and home appliances," said Meng Fancheng, senior vice president of Siemens China.

The fair also provides a platform for leading Chinese companies to display their technologies.

Chinese innovation includes high efficiency and clean power generators, passenger planes and cars.

Dai Liu, chairman of Shanghai World Expo, said more than a million people will flock to the fair.

(Shanghai Daily November 6, 2007)