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E-mail China.org.cn, January 3, 2025
Speakers:
Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)
Ms. Tao Qing, spokesperson of the MIIT and director general of the Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau of the MIIT
Chairperson:
Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Oct. 23, 2024
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we have invited Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and Ms. Tao Qing, spokesperson of the MIIT and director general of the Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau of the MIIT, to brief you on the development of industry and information technology in the first three quarters of 2024, and to answer your questions.
Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhao for his introduction.
Zhao Zhiguo:
Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to express my gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for industry and information technology. First, I'll brief you on its development in the first three quarters of 2024.
Since the beginning of this year, with the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the MIIT has thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. Adhering to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, the MIIT has promoted stable growth, advanced structural adjustment and guarded against risks through reform. Overall, the industrial and information-based economy remained stable in the first three quarters, with continuous improvement of the industrial structure and accelerated development of new quality productive forces. Innovations were achieved in key areas, and substantial progress was made in high-quality development. There have been five key highlights of this progress:
First, the industrial economy maintained stable growth. Industrial production remained steady, with a 5.8% year-on-year increase in the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in the first three quarters, serving as "ballast" for macroeconomic growth with a contribution rate close to 40%. Of the industrial sectors in 31 provinces and equivalent administrative units, and 41 major industrial categories, over 90% experienced growth. Equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing sectors saw rapid growth, with their value added accounting for a higher proportion of the total of the industrial enterprises above designated size compared to the entire previous year. Industrial investment maintained double-digit growth for eight consecutive months.
Second, the transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing industry was accelerated. Efforts to digitalize the manufacturing sector were boosted, cumulatively establishing 421 national-level smart manufacturing demonstration factories and over 10,000 provincial-level smart factories. A total of 13 Chinese enterprises were added to the Global Lighthouse Network, bringing the country's total number of "lighthouse factories" to 72, accounting for 42% of the global total. Solid progress was made in launching the first batch of pilot cities for the digital transformation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with nearly 10,000 SMEs undergoing digital upgrades. The industrial energy conservation and carbon reduction initiative was further implemented, significantly advancing the development of the clean, low-carbon hydrogen industry and the eco-friendly equipment manufacturing industry. The energy consumption per unit of value added for industrial enterprises above designated size continued to decline.
Third, a host of significant innovations were secured. An 18 megawatt (MW) offshore wind turbine was connected to the grid, the first domestically built Mark III membrane large LNG ship completed its trial voyage, and the C919 large passenger aircraft is now operated by the country's three major airlines. A 1,000 (kilowatt) kW turboshaft engine received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, while a 300 MW F-class heavy-duty gas turbine was successfully ignited. Additionally, the Opinions on Innovative Development of Pilot-Scale Testing in Manufacturing Industry and the Guidelines for the Construction of New Material Pilot-Scale Testing Platforms (2024-2027) were issued. Approval was granted to establish two national-local joint manufacturing innovation centers for humanoid robots and embodied intelligent robots, and China's first national practice base for outstanding engineers was set up in Hangzhou. These outcomes have provided strong support for promoting the integration of technological and industrial innovation.
Fourth, business entities experienced steady growth. By the end of August, the number of industrial enterprises above designated size reached 504,000, an increase of 4.4% compared to the end of 2023. A total of 1,557 single-product specialists in the manufacturing industry, over 140,000 SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products, and 14,600 "little giant" companies (novel and elite SMEs that specialize in a niche market, boast cutting-edge technologies, and show great potential) were cultivated. Additionally, the number of high-tech enterprises within the validity period reached 463,000. In the first eight months, the operating profit margin of "little giant" industrial enterprises above designated size reached 7.5%, higher than the average level of industrial enterprises above designated size.
Fifth, information and communication technologies continued to empower. In the first three quarters, the total volume of telecommunication business increased by 10.7% year on year. Significant efforts were made to promote the coordinated development of new information infrastructure, including the internet, computing power and artificial intelligence (AI). By the end of September, a total of 4.089 million 5G base stations had been built, leading to a 5G user penetration rate of 69.6%. The number of gigabit broadband users reached 196 million, ensuring gigabit broadband connectivity in every county, 5G coverage in every township, and broadband access in every village. The integration and application of 5G technology has been further enhanced, with 5G applications integrated into 76 major categories of the national economy as well as the core aspects of key sectors such as industry and health care. There are now more than 15,000 "5G plus industrial internet" projects in place.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that current shifts in the external environment have notably heightened risks and challenges. Some enterprises are facing difficulties in production and operation. However, the fundamentals sustaining China's economic growth remain unchanged. Our comprehensive industrial system, complete industrial chain support, and relatively low overall manufacturing costs continue to provide a competitive global edge. Positive factors driving growth and improvements are accumulating. In particular, the recent implementation of a raft of incremental policies will continue to stimulate industrial upgrading, unleash consumer potential and invigorate business entities. We are confident about achieving our annual goals and contributing to economic recovery and growth. That concludes my introduction. My colleagues and I are now happy to answer your questions. Thank you.
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