Tech expo a catalyst for region

Business Asia, Oct 25, 1999

A major international technology expo being held on Queensland's Gold Coast will be a catalyst for economic growth in Asian nations emerging from financial crisis, according to organisers.

The event, APEC Technomart III, presented by WorldxChange Communications, has been officially endorsed by the 21-member economies of APEC as the successor to the highly successful APEC Technomart II held in Chinese Taipei early in 1998.

Event chairman, Brisbane trademark and patent attorney, Peter Fisher, said the APEC endorsement had ensured senior international government and private sector involvement.

More than 30,000 visitors and 500 exhibitors are expected to attend the conference from November 1-6.

A major delegation from China, consisting of more than 300 delegates and more than 80 exhibitors, has already committed to attend the event.

The influential Japanese economic and trade body, the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and leading scientific research organisations will encourage participation by Japanese companies in the Technomart.

Along with MITI, APEC Technomart III will be actively promoted to their members by The Japan Robot Association, The Japan Bioindustry Association and The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies.

A key component of the event is The International Venture Capital Forum, designed to foster an exchange of expertise and experiences from investors around the world.

"It will provide a welcome catalyst for many nations that have suffered financial crisis," Fisher said.