Chinese High-tech Exports Grow

Support from the central government and efforts of high-technology companies contributed to the growth in export of high-tech products last year, said Wei Jianguo, of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTEC), yesterday in Beijing.

"Last year, export volume of high-tech products hit US$24.7 billion, up 22.6 per cent on a year-on-year basis, ranking it the highest among the various industrial sectors," Wei said at a press conference.

In addition, due to the introduction of high technologies into traditional industries, involving electric engine and textile sectors, the export volume of products with high technological added value increased US$5 billion, or 21 per cent, in 1999.

The export volume of high-tech products is estimated to reach US$30 billion this year, 15 per cent of the total for industrial products export, Wei said.

MOFTEC will co-operate with the Ministry of Information Industry, State Economic and Trade Commission, as well as some other departments to speed up the development of high-tech industry in 15 key cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. At the same time, the departments will offer more financial support for the country's 53 high-tech zones.

Wei said that the central government is slated to "set up a group of industrial parks for high-tech products export."

The press conference was held for the 2000 China (Beijing) High-Tech Industries Week, beginning on May 8. MOFTEC was co-host of the event.



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