A series of panel discussions and forums were held Wednesday as a prelude to the Fourth Beijing International High-Tech Week scheduled to open Thursday.

The overture included an introduction on investment and cooperation projects, a conference of Beijing Mayor's international advisers, a forum on information technology and the digital era, and an exhibition of high-tech products.

Beijing, the national capital, is geared up for the coming Beijing International High-tech Week.

The event will feature the development of high-tech industries, according to the municipal government.

So far, about 70 government and company delegations from over 50 countries and regions have registered to participate in the week-long show. The total number of overseas participants is expected to exceed 2,000.