Wei Jianguo, vice minister of China's newly-founded Ministry of Commerce made the remarks on the occasion of the ministry's first national meeting, which focused on the export of electronic and machinery products.

Wei noted that the huge volume of exports of such products is helping the Chinese manufacturing industry to keep pace with the globalization of the world economy.

The surge in exports promotes the transfer of hi-tech technology and the improvement of China's industrial structure, Wei said.

Statistics showed that China's exports of electronic and machinery products valued at 312.68 billion US dollars in 2002, accounting for half of the country's total export volume.

China's export volume of television sets, mobile phones, air-conditioners and electronic tools has topped the world list, Wei said.

The Commerce Ministry will further encourage the export of hi-tech products and focus on the processing industry, the vice minister said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2003)