Knowledge-based service industries such as accounting, legal services, project consultation and image design are now gaining weight in Beijing's economic development, according to a recent research by Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology Commission.

Statistics show that the total income from knowledge-based service industries last year amounts to 4.3 billion yuan, making them an important growth area in the capital city's booming economy.

At present, Beijing has about 7,000 businesses related to the above industries which employ approximately 300,000 people.

Research shows that these businesses completed about 200,000 projects and generated takings of 3.49 billion yuan in 2000.

The emerging central business district, financial street and Zhongguancun high-tech trade zone will help to boost the development of the above industries.

Experts say that a large number of Beijing-based universities, business institutions and overseas scholars will bring momentum to the knowledge-based service industries, which constitute a key indicator of an international metropolis.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2002)