Top at the list is electronics and information technology.

MST officials said the ministry chose those hi-tech fields in accordance with the world science and technology development trend, and the requirements of China's development strategy of science and technology as well as economic and social development.

The other 10 fields that enjoy government support include: bio-engineering technology and new pharmaceutical industry, new materials, advanced manufacturing technology, aerospace technology, modern agricultural technology and new energy and highly efficient energy-saving technology.

They also include: environmental protection technology, marine engineering, application of nuclear technology and new technology for upgrading traditional ventures.

The Ministry of Science and Technology also stipulated that hi-tech ventures should be engaged in developing and manufacturing products from at least one of the above mentioned hi-tech industries and at least 10 percent of its employees are required to make research and development work for the venture.

The hi-tech industries enjoy preferential policies from the government.

So far, China has registered a total of 53 hi-tech development zones. Apart from a agricultural hi-tech zone, the remaining 52 hi-tech development zones registered an export volume of US$3.2 billion in the first half of this year, up 50 percent over the same period last year.

(Xinhua)