The number of buyers attending the 25th AFM climbed 2% against theprevious market in February, AFM organising body the Independent Film &Television Alliance (IFTA) reported.

The final tally released yesterday (8) put the number of buyers at1,459 compared to 1,434 in February 2004. Buyers came from 637 companies.

Several countries showed significant attendance increases, withChina up 400%, India up 300%, Turkey up 60%, Thailand up 50%, and Belgium up 26%.

The market also experienced a 20% rise in the number of MiddleEastern countries and a 7% rise among Asian countries generally.

Total attendancefor the November 2004 AFM is forecasted to be more than 7,000, and finalnumbers will be announced after the market ends on Nov 10.