This year's Flowery March Festival in Yangzhou is focusing on high-tech innovation and academic cooperation to help upgrade local industrial structures and find alternative means of developing the economy rather than relying only on tourism.

Zhang Aijun, Standing Deputy Mayor of Yangzhou, said the process of building a new Yangzhou could be accelerated by improving investment and the physical environment and advocating a harmonious social environment.

Zhang also said six measures have been enacted to upgrade the investment environment in Yangzhou. They are supposed make the application process as simple as possible and provide the most convenient financial support to those investors.

Media reportsestimate that more than 10,000 businessmen and potential investors will be invited to attend this festival from home and abroad.

The city is also expecting 2.5 million visitors, including 40,000 foreign tourists.

The festival aims to secure a total $2.8 billion in registered foreign investment for Chinese companies by the times it ends in mid-May.
The Flowery March International Economy & Trade Tourist Festival of Yangzhou runs from April 18 to May 18 and includes a variety of activities.