Sponsored by the Ministry of Land and Resources and the World Bank, with the support of the Australian and Canadian embassies and the Chongqing municipal government, "China Mining 2002" will be used to discuss the improvements that still need to be made within the industry, particularly in the investment sector.

More than 200 Chinese mining officials and foreign experts and investors are expected to attend the two-day event, the fourth of its kind.

The first three mining expos showed foreign companies the investment opportunities available and the related policies and considerations of the Chinese Government after the country's World Trade Organization entry.

Land and Resources Vice-Minister Shou Jiahua invited foreign investors to help create a modern mining industry in China, boasting advanced technology, efficient management and competitive enterprises of different natures - such as private, joint venture and State-owned - an effective finance mechanism and a fair market of mining rights.

(China Daily October 21, 2002)