China's hi-tech trade reached about 260 billion US dollars in the first 10 months of the year, up 44 percent, China Radio International reported on Thursday.

Figures from the Ministry of Commerce indicate that hi-tech exports for the whole year are expected to reach 160 billion US dollars, 50 billion US dollars higher than last year.

Hi-tech exports accounted for just over 27 percent of China's total exports.

The Ministry of Commerce attributes the fast growth of hi-tech exports to the policy of "boosting foreign trade with science and technology."

Trade fairs for software and hi-tech were successfully held in Dalian and Shenzhen this year, and government departments have beefed up their coordination and support.

Global demand for Chinese hi-tech products is also increasing. Export tax rebate rates for 97 kinds of hi-tech products are unchanged in the new tax rebate system, which greatly helps hi-tech exporters.     

(CRI.com November 19, 2004)