In order to effectively promote the development and
practical application of new and advanced technology the
Chinese Government in March 1992 promulgated the National
Compendium on Intermediate- and Long-Term Scientific and
Technological Development, laying out a grand blueprint
highlighting the essential loci of China's plan to develop
new and advanced technologies, key technologies and the
nation's strategic objectives for the 30 years to come.
Since March 1986, China has been taking steps to implement
its high-tech research plan, sometimes referred to as the
"863 Plan," to keep abreast of the world's latest
scientific achievements in biological engineering, space,
information storage and retrieval, laser technology,
automation, energy, and new technology.
Beginning in 1988, China has been carrying out
the Torch Programme intended to promote the commercial
application of the results of research in new and advanced
technology and facilitate the development of new and
advanced technology industries. By the end of 1994, more
than 6,735 projects had been established under the Torch
Programme; accumulative increase in total industrial output
value reached 142.7 billion yuan and the total volume of
pre-tax profits, 24.4 billion yuan. Moreover, 120 new and
advanced technology development zones had been set up at
various levels, including 52 at the national level, as well
as a number of export-oriented enterprises. The efforts have
helped enable China's new and advanced technology industries
to orient themselves towards the international market,
entering into international cooperation and competition
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