The ISF World Seed Congress 2014 will kick off at the Qinglong Lake International Cultural Center in Beijing's Fengtai District on May 24, according to a press conference held on May 7.

"The congress aims to promote the development of the seed industry of China and Beijing,"Liu Yu, vice district mayor of Fengtai, said.

As of April 17, a total of 1,374 participants from 59 countries and regions had registered for the congress. More than 1,400 representatives are expected to attend the congress.

"Yuan Longping, known as China's ¡®father of hybrid rice,' will attend the congress," Liu Hang, secretary-general of China National Seed Trade Association, noted.

The event, dubbed "the seed industry's Olympics," combines meetings, forums and business talks, providing a platform for all countries to showcase their latest achievements in the seed industry and seek cooperation opportunities.

The congress, themed "Little seeds, great dreams,"is hosted by the International Seed Federation (ISF) and Beijing Municipal Government. It is the biggest annual gathering in the seed industry.

This is the first time that the congress, the 75 of its kind, has been hosted by China.

The event will run until May 28.