An exposition of science and technology in China opened in Paris Thursday, displaying latest achievements in research and application of high technologies, agricultural and durable technologies in China and Sino-French cooperation in the science-tech field.

The event came one day after China successfully launched an astronaut into space aboard the Shenzhou V spacecraft in a historic mission, on which France has expressed warm congratulations.

It is also one of the major expositions of the Year of China in France, which, inaugurated last week, is expected to bring 300-plus major cultural events across the French territory till July 2004.

"As a French citizen, minister of research and former astronaut, I am very glad to join the opening ceremony of the exposition," said French Minister of Research Claudie Haignere after examining the models of Long March rockets exhibited at the City of Sciences and Industry in northwest Paris.

"I wish to express the congratulation of our government and our country for the performance of Mr. Yang Liwei, the Chinese astronaut, who just came back from the space after an excellent mission," said Haignere, who stayed for eight days in the International Space Station in October 2001.

"The success of the launching of Long March carrying the Shenzhou V capsule is a historical step that marks a new space era," she said.

"China has an immense scientific and technological potential and is a great partner for France and Europe," she said.

"We the French share the pleasure of the success and expect more cooperation with China," she added.

The exposition displays latest achievements in China covering various fields including biotechnology, information, new material, environment and space.

Visitors can also find explanation of the recent research on reproduction of Chinese panda and the Yangtze River Three Gorges project at the exposition, which will run till Oct. 26.

(People's Daily October 17, 2003)