The 2009 Forum on Guangzhou's Convention and Exhibition Economy opened today and has attracted business representatives from many of the city's consulates as well as from the exhibition industry. An investment promotion conference on modern service industries is the highlight of this forum, as well as news that cooperation between Guangzhou and Taiwan will be further developed.

55 projects with investments totaling 25.6 billion RMB were put forward to attract investors. Furthermore, 12 large projects with luxury hotels and other high-end companies today signed deals to settle in the Haizhu District, bringing an investment of 10.68 billion RMB.

Many guests gave advice on Pazhou's future development. Mr. Caine K.B Chan, an advisor to the China Convention & Exhibition Society said that "Supporting facilities are urgently needed as the exhibition industry in Pazhou is getting more mature and is under scrutiny from people from around the world." He also remarked that today's situation where 20% of large enterprises dominate 80% of the area's business should be changed to create a better environment for the industry's development.

Pazhou is a new business district in Guangzhou and is located in Haizhu District. Haizhu has long been focusing on guiding industries as well as developing the service sector. The local government recently awarded 10 million RMB to 19 key headquarter enterprises founded in Haizhu in 2009.