Power consumption slows in October Shenzhen hosts high-tech fair

China’s electricity consumption posted a slower increase in October, adding to signs of moderating economic growth but a still strong service sector, data showed on Wednesday. Power use rose 5 percent year-on-year, compared with 7.2 percent in September and 7 percent in October last year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. For the JanuaryOctober period, electricity use totaled 5.2 trillion kilowatt hours, up 6.7 percent year-onyear, NDRC spokesperson Meng Wei told a news conference. During the period, electricity use in the service sector maintained double-digit growth, up 10.7 percent yearon-year, with that in the information transmission, computer service and software industry jumping 14.4 percent, Meng said. Power use in the agricultural and industrial sectors rose 7.4 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively. The 19th China High-tech Fair will kick off in Shenzhen on Thursday, as enterprises and organizations from across the world gather to showcase their latest technological achievements and seek business opportunities. This year’s event, themed Innovationdriven Development & Supply Quality Upgrade, has attracted 3,049 exhibitors worldwide, who will bring 10,020 projects, organizers said. Delegations from 35 foreign countries will participate in the event, as international businesses see it as a gateway to tap into the large Chinese market.