In connection with 7th Workshop on Exploitation and Utilization of Information Resources in Asia-Pacific Region organised by the Institute of Scientific & Technical Information of China (ISTIC), Beijing, People's Republic of China at ISTIC during May 6-20, 1997, I have visited Beijing. The tour program is given at Annexure - A.

ISTIC founded in October 1956, is a comprehensive scientific and technical information service institution for the development of national economy and science & technology, directly under the leadership of the State Science and Technology Commission (SSTC) of China. ISTIC is one of member countries of ASTINFO/Unesco.

ISTIC adapts itself to the market economy by vigorously developing the information service, opening up information market, so as to increase its capacity of self-development. Now, the budget of ISTIC, about 50% come from the government, and 50% from its information service. ISTIC business can be divided into four major fields, i.e.,

1. collection of national & foreign information resources and network resources,

2. development and application of information technology,

3. information research and consultation service, and

4. information and technology exchange and transaction.

ISTIC's Computer network construction includes International online retrieval network, domestic online retrieval network, Internet B-class node, SSTCC/ISTIC local area network, China S&T network management sub-centre, China Information Network.

The objectives of the said workshop are as follows:

• To introduce methods & experiences for the exploitation and utilization of information resources.

• To exchange experiences in information services to industries, businesses and enterprises.

• To promote cooperations in introducing appropriate technology, technology transfer, new products development and joint venture.

• To promote cooperation in joint research projects, education and training activities.

The workshop was attended by 23 participants from 8 countries, i.e., India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The list of participants is given in Annexure - B.

The workshop was inaugurated on May 6, 1997 at 09:00 Hrs at China Informart International Information Release Hall, ISTIC and followed by a small banquet hosted by the Department of International S & T Cooperation, State Science and Technology Commission of China (SSTCC) and ISTIC. There was a visit to ISTIC in the afternoon. The details of visit to ISTIC are given in Annexure - C.

The workshop has 7 lectures from Chinese officials and 18 lectures from the participants from the Asia-Pacific Region in which I have delivered a lecture on Information Market Scenario in India, which was highly appreciated by the participants & the organisers. The program is given in Annexure - D and the details of the technical sessions are given in Annexure - E. There were visits to the China Patent Office and the National Library. There were two industrial visits to a Floppy Disk Manufacturing Unit (M/s Zhongzing Electronics Co Ltd) and a Glass Factory (M/s Yaohua Glass Group Company) at Qin Huang Dao City (a rising industrial port city).