Leading fireworks producers from about 30 countries gathered in Liuyang city, central China's Hunan Province, Saturday to explore business opportunities at a trade fair.
Organizers said the three-day international fireworks trade fair would include the inauguration of an international association of fireworks producers sponsored by enterprises from nine countries, including China, the United States and France.
It would also highlight fireworks trading, a large-scale fireworks show and an exhibition of new technology, equipment, materials and products.
Fireworks and firecrackers production has been a pillar industry of Liuyang for over 1,400 years. The city's fireworks and firecrackers bring in more than two billion yuan (240.96 million US dollars) in sales revenues annually.
(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2002)