Beijing, China— It's showtime again in the "Northern Capital." Miconex 2000—International Fair for Measurement, Instrumentation, and Automation—returns with high expectations, after the last show in 1998, to the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, Sept. 11-14. [For additional worldwide developments, see the "Global Update" department in this issue.]

China has maintained a steady development course despite Asia's recent economic turmoil. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.1% in 1999, a growth rate that's expected to increase somewhat in 2000. With its impending World Trade Organization membership and permanent normalization of U.S. trade relations virtually approved, China can now allow greater focus on infrastructure development and upgrading, as well as progress toward a market economy.

This is good news for suppliers and customers of automation and control products. Miconex offers exclusive business opportunities to both sides at a venue where some 470 exhibitors from 13 nations and 53,500 visitors met in May 1998. Continuing its "Beyond Measure" theme, Miconex 2000 presents a comprehensive cross section of technologies in several sectors:

• Equipment and systems—including intelligent control, automation and monitoring; instruments, sensors, and process analyzers; data acquisition, communication, and networks; user interfaces; and drives/actuators;
• Test and accessory devices, components—including robots and automatic handling/assembly systems;
• Software—for advanced process control, process optimization, asset management, and ERP; and
• Turnkey automation solutions for various industries and technical services.

A sampling of exhibitor companies demonstrates Miconex's international standing. Announced exhibitors from the U.S. include Cybosoft, Fairchild Industrial Products, Fluid Components Intl., Liquid Controls, Magnetrol Intl., Princo Instruments, and associations, Hart Communication Foundation, and ISA.

Europe will be well represented by such names as Endress+Hauser, Phoenix Contact, Pilz, Turck, and Vega Grieshaber.

Chinese subsidiaries of global firms like Danfoss, Emerson/Fisher-Rosemount, Eurotherm, Intellution, Rittal, Rockwell, and Siemens will fill out the majority contingent of in-country exhibitors. Also, over 40 Chinese government ministries, associations, and organizations support the show.

Miconex 2000 is jointly organized by the China Instrument & Control Society (Beijing) and Messe Düsseldorf Asia (Singapore).

For related coverage, see "News," CE, May '00, pp. 34-35. For more information, visit www.cis.org.com, or e-mail miconex@mda.com.sg. In North America, visit www.mdna.com.