Dalian, the coastal city in Northeast China's Liaoning Province will put more effort into upgrading traditional industries and developing new high-tech firms to fuel regional economic development.

Nurturing the computer software industry and commercializing software products in the world market will be highlighted in the city's development plan in the next two years, as Dalian has been designated the first experimental city by the Ministry of Science and Technology, said vice-mayor Dai Yulin.

"Other plans include developing such industries as energy-saving, environmental protection, new materials, digital and DNA technology, and modern manufacturing," said Dai, who is responsible for the city's scientific development.

According to the city's science and technology administration, digital and DNA technology will help develop genetic engineering and other life science fields. A digital and DNA technology port has been built to attract talent and investment so as to achieve these goals, and more than 10 biological medicine firms have started operation in the port.

To invigorate traditional industries hindered by outdated equipment and techniques, scientific departments will help them cooperate with universities and research institutes to set up five laboratories that can produce innovative technologies.

Moreover, the city will set up 20 technology development centers for traditional industries within the next two years, said Dai.

The vice-mayor also highly regards development of patented technology and intellectual property rights protection.

He said enterprises across the city are encouraged to apply for patent protection on new technology, and scientific departments will launch a specialized training program of intellectual property rights among computer software and manufacturing sectors late this year.

Dai said the city will also try to link regional companies with top 500 international enterprises to help improve management and operational efficiency.

Overseas Chinese scholars are welcome to contribute to the city's traditional industries through various ways, such as returning to Dalian to set up companies or laboratories.

(China Daily September 16, 2003)