The president of the International Association of Horticultural Producers, yesterday praised the organizers of the ongoing Shengyang-China International Horticultural Exposition 2006, saying they had set a new benchmark for the running of the event.

The exhibition opened on May 1 and runs until October 31.

“As I said at the opening ceremony, the Horticultural Expo Garden in Shenyang is the most beautiful in the world and after several months, it has grown more beautiful,’’the President, Mr Doeke Faber, said.

Located in Shenyang Qi Pan Shan International Scenery Tourist Development Zone, the Expo garden covers 2.46 square kilometers, the largest in the event’s history. It is also the first time the Expo has been held in a forest.

Since its May 1 opening, the Expo has attracted more than 8 million visitors. It is estimated that it will receive over 10 million by the end of October, setting a record for the biggest number of visitors to attend a Horticultural Expo.

“The success of the Shenyang Horticultural Expo creates a new model for the running of the event,”Faber said.“With the use of new technology and skills, the Horticultural Expo will have more content in the future.

“In addition to the display, the event will also promote a new lifestyle concept, for people to enjoy and relax with.”