The continuing outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in China Sunday forced authorities to cancel an international trade fair due to be held in the south-western province of Sichuan, state news reported.

West China's fourth international trade fair was due to be held in the city of Chengdu from May 25 to 28, according to Xinhua news agency. It has been postponed until September.

Organiser and vice-governor of Sichuan province, Huang Xiaoxiang, said Sunday the decision was made based on medical advice, Xinhua said. He said the postponement was necessary and appropriate.

More than 1,000 people from some 20 countries were expected to attend the fair.

Meanwhile, in another initiative aimed at boosting trade, China's Ministry of Commerce issued a circular Sunday urging local authorities to assist foreign-funded firms fight SARS.