According to the estimate of the Ministry of IT Industry of China, in less than 5 years, China will become the second largest IT market in the world, closing up to the USA.

In 10 years, China could very well replace the United States of America as Mr. Big in the global IT market. As Asia is making its presence felt on the world's hi-tech stage, China market is also exploding. Here are some statistics to testify to the aftershock: From year 1992 to 1998, the telecommunications market in China experienced an average annual growth of 48%. Currently, there are 160 million telephone lines in China. The goal for year 2020 is 1 billion. In year 2000, the estimated amount of sales in computer related products is 24.2 billion US dollars. In year 2002, the Internet users in China will grow from 4 million in year 1999 to 9.4 million. For the very first time, CeBIT is going to Asia. The exhibition will focus on the latest trends and innovations in IT and Telecommunications products. What makes CeBIT Asia different is that consumer electronics are also included, so buyers will have a better opportunity to acquire even more first-hand information about new possibilities in Asia. About 600 exhibitors will attend the exhibition, among which 420 will be foreign exhibitors. As always, Taiwan exhibitors represent the most advanced and mature technology available in Asia. More than 65 exhibitors - already 1/7 of foreign exhibitors - have participated and more applications are coming in each day. CeBIT Asia will be held in Shanghai at Shanghai Everbright Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 8 to 11, 2001.