The 15th Western China International Fair (WCIF), to be held from Oct. 23 to 26 in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, will help strengthen local citizens' awareness of international events and promote the country's exhibition industry, according to a Chinese expert.

In an interview with China.com.cn, associate professor Luo Qiuju, vice dean of the School of Tourism Management at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong, spoke highly of the event's influence on the local economy, trade, science and technology, and the training of qualified personnel.

"The WCIF, under government leadership, has greatly promoted the development of China's Western region," she said, adding that it will help to strengthen local citizens' willingness to participate in major international exhibitions and events.

As an expert in the exhibition industry, Professor Luo particularly stressed the importance of training qualified personnel. "With the internationalization of the exhibition industry, more and more high-level events will be held in China. A multi-level cultivation of talents in the exhibition industry has become particularly important," she said.

"Vocational schools should place a special emphasis on students' skills training, while colleges and universities should focus on broadening students' outlook and vision." They should also provide moral training, she said.

The scale of China's exhibition industry is expected reach 300 billion yuan (about US$48.8 billion) by 2015, according to Sichuan provincial statistics.

Professor Luo predicted smooth development for the exhibition industry over the next 20 years based on four characteristics of China today: the rapid development of its economy, the fact that it has become a global manufacturing center, increased industry understanding by governmental officials and the finer division of labor based on specializations.

After 14 years of development, the WCIF has become an important platform for economic and trade cooperation and diplomatic relations. Organizers believe this year's four day event will provide new development opportunities for businesses at home and abroad.