BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan said on Thursday that he hopes small and medium-sized companies in the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) region will further technology exchanges.

　　Zeng made the remarks in a letter sent to the fourth APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Technology Conference and Fair which opened in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province.

　　Cooperation among small and medium-sized firms from APEC members would play an active role to drive economic growth in the region, create jobs and promote social development, said Zeng in the letter.

　　The theme of the fair is promoting economy through technology and creating future through cooperation. The fair will hold a series of forums, negotiations and technology exchanges. More than 1,000 domestic and overseas companies are attending.

　　The fair is organized by China's National Development and Reform Commission. Enditem