FIVE ministers of culture from overseas confirmed their attendance at the Second China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industry Fair (ICIF), the fair’s organizers said yesterday.

    The ministers will lead delegations from South Korea, Venezuela, Serbia and Montenegro, Cambodia and Mauritius. They are scheduled to speak at forums during the ICIF, which will take place from May 18 to 21.

    More than 20 bureau chiefs or directors from the cultural industries of the five nations will also come with the ministers.

    Speaking at a press conference, a spokesman for the ICIF said delegations from 20 other countries will also attend the ICIF.

    Half of the delegations are expected from cities that have ties with Shenzhen, including cities in Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Japan and Brazil.

    About 508 delegates from 20 foreign chambers of commerce such as Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Italy will be part of the thousands of exhibitors at the fair.

    More than 21,599 professionals have registered for the ICIF this year, including 18,328 from the mainland and 3,271 from 46 countries and regions. Ninety-seven foreign companies have signed up for the fair, accounting for 8 percent of the total participating companies.

    The organizers of the cultural fair have also invited 300 overseas investment organizations to send delegations to the fair.