Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing an increasingly important role in today's global economies, contributing to job creation and sustainable social and economic development.

The Second China International Small & Medium-sized Enterprises Fair (CSMEF), to be held from May 23-25 in Suzhou, is a forum for domestic and overseas SMEs to exchange information and seek cooperation.

Held twice a year in spring and autumn, CSMEF is the largest trade fair of its kind in the Yangtze River Delta.

China is currently home to about 30 million SMEs, accounting for 99.3 percent of the country's total enterprises and 55.6 per cent of the nation's gross domestic product.

The fair is a platform for showcasing services and solutions for SMEs. It combines a large-scale trade exhibition with a series of market and sector-specific seminars.

During the event, the Third China-India Cooperation Forum will be conducted. Indian officials and business representatives will give presentations on market opportunity and policies of investment and taxation in India to their Chinese partners.

Initiated by Taiwan Chain and Franchise Association, the exhibition of brand chains and franchises will provide a platform for service industry enterprises to exchange information on investment, franchise and cooperation.

It is expected that closer cooperation and mutual prosperity will be achieved for Taiwan and mainland businesses.

CSMEF is co-hosted by China International Cooperation Association for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Jiangsu Economic and Trade Committee and Suzhou government.

(Xinhua News Agency May 9, 2007)