China plans to boost its software exports to US$10 billion by
2010, as part of its bid to evolve from a manufacturing powerhouse
to a major player in innovation and services.
To reach that goal, China's software exports will have to grow
by 25 percent per year, according to a document jointly issued by
the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration of Taxation
(SAT) and seven other central government agencies.
The document, posted on SAT's website, says the government's
goal is to foster a group of globally competitive software firms
with their own brands and intellectual property rights.
Software firms will receive preferential treatment in regard to
taxation, borrowing and foreign exchange controls, among other
benefits.
In the face of increasing friction with major trading partners
in relation to goods, China has drafted an ambitious plan to
increase trade in services from to US$400 billion by 2010. Trade in
services was valued at US$160 billion in 2005.
The development of the software industry is a key part of this
strategy.
According to figures from the Ministry of Commerce, China
exported US$3.6 billion worth of software and related services in
2005, a year-on-year rise of 28 percent.
(Xinhua News Agency October 10, 2006)