The projects are expected to help China "rapidly command a host of cutting-edge technologies in the 21st century, make significant technological breakthroughs and get them industrialized in five years," ministry officials said.

The projects involve super-scale integrated circuits (IC) and software, electric vehicles (EV), innovative medicine and herbal medicine modernization techniques, dairy development and water-saving agriculture.

Experts said projects such as the "in-depth processing of major agricultural products" and "food safety" are meant to clear hindrances to sustainable development of the national economy and society, facilitate the strategic industrial restructuring, boost farmers' income and safeguard public health and security.

Research on "super-scale IC and software" and "key technological criteria" are expected to break up foreign monopolies in some high-tech fields, grasp the core technologies that are significant to China's national sovereignty and security, and provide technological support for the development of the information industry.

Projects like the "information security and e-government" and "innovative medicine and herbal medicine modernization" are being designed to help industries cope with foreign technological barriers and effectively participate in international competition. With projects such as the EV, China hopes to get patents and self-owned intellectual property rights by making core technological breakthroughs.

Ministry officials said the projects have passed feasibility testing and have been officially approved for implementation.

Among the US$2.5 billion to be spent during the country's 10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05) period, more than US$750 million will be earmarked fiscally, with US$1.8 billion coming from related ministries, local governments and enterprises.

Most of the projects have been open to public bidding.

The projects, involving 19 departments and 22 provinces and municipalities, will have a far-reaching effect on the country's industrial restructuring, market competitiveness and farmers' income, officials said.

( China Daily July 31, 2002)