The full range of China's machine industry was laid out for the first time at the opening of the China International Equipment Manufacturing Expo Friday.
The expo, in the capital of Liaoning Province, a traditional industrial base in northeast China, has attracted over 20 delegations from across the country to exhibit their most technically advanced products, including machinery equipment, digital machines, robots and industrial automatization facilities.
Half of China's fiscal revenue and 75 percent of the national foreign exchange income are contributed by the machinery industry. It also employs nearly half of the urban working population.
Ranking fourth in the world, the industry works as the locomotive for China's economic growth.
The first ever expo featuring China's progress in machine manufacturing has also raised awareness internationally. Of the 463 foreign participants from 23 countries and regions, 16 are among the world's top 500 companies.
Activities during the expo, which will run until Sept. 5, include forums, trade fairs and a football match performed by robots.
The expo is China's fifth state-level economic and trade exposition.
(Xinhua News Agency August 31, 2002)
