The world's third largest software maker, Oracle Corp, said yesterday it would increase investments in China to tap its fast-growing market.

　　The Redwood City, California-based company will hold a business and technology conference in Shanghai in July, when its president plans to visit the city.

　　"China has become an epicenter within the business world. It is certainly a formidable market in which we plan to expand," Derek Williams, executive vice president of Oracle Asia Pacific, said in a conference in Shanghai yesterday.

　　Williams said China and India were the two fastest-growing markets for Oracle.

　　He added that the company has plans to increase investments in the Chinese software industry, but declined to reveal details.

　　Oracle China has more than 500 employees and has set up two research and development centers in Beijing and Shenzhen.

　　It has 3,000 enterprise customers in China, covering many industries including finance, telecommunication and transportation.

　　Among them are China Eastern Airline Co Ltd, China Mobile Communications Corp and Shanghai Baosteel Group Ltd.

　　Oracle's ERP software improves corporate work efficiency in manufacturing, promotions and sales. It has been selling well in China.

　　Total revenue generated by all software sales in China jumped 26.4 percent to 10.8 billion yuan (US$1.3 billion) in the second quarter from the first quarter, according to a report released by CCID Consulting Co Ltd, of Beijing.

　　Oracle, which licenses database technology software and provides consulting services as well, will sponsor a business and technology conference in the city from July 19 to 22. About 4,000 visitors are expected.

　　"As one of the largest and fastest growing cities in the country, Shanghai is a fitting and vibrant backdrop for delegates to Oracle's premiere global event," said Williams.

　　The company's president, Charles Phillips, will attend the conference and talk with the government to discuss possible cooperation between the two sides on computer grid technology.

　　Meanwhile, Microsoft Corp said yesterday that Bill Gates would also plan a China visit in July.