The fireworks show will start at 7:30 p.m. at the northern square of the center. But organizers of the CHTF have refused to give details of the display, hoping to surprise spectators.

    This is the first time the organizers have staged an opening ceremony for the State's top science fair at night. The annual event begins tomorrow and runs until Oct. 17.

    In addition to high-tech exhibitions, lectures and forums by entrepreneurs, scientists and government officials, organizers will also invite ministers from more than 10 African and Asian countries to share their scientific achievements.

    The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense has for the first time brought a 300-member delegation, the largest ever for the fair, to showcase civilian products utilizing military technologies.

    Organizers have set up an exhibition zone for the United States, the first time in the fair's history that a pavilion has been allocated to a single country. The area, which covers two-thirds of Hall 8, will host more than 10 U.S. multinationals.

    Eighteen countries including Canada, Japan, Germany and other European Union nations have set up booths and sent delegations to this year's fair, organizers said.