Beijing officially began construction of its first science park for environmental protection technologies yesterday in central Zhongguancun, the well-known "Silicon Valley of China."

"Because the foundations of success are well-established in the environmental protection industries in Beijing, indications look promising for the overall industrial upgrading," said Wang Yuqing, vice-minister of the State Environment Protection Administration.

According to Wang, the current level of environmental protection industries in China is comparable to that of advanced countries in the 1980s.

One major obstacle to industrial development is the lack of research and an effective mechanism to transform laboratory achievements into lucrative industrial production.

Fortunately, said Wang, more and more Chinese cities have recognized this and would like to speed up the development of industries producing environment-friendly products.

He especially applauded the efforts the Beijing Municipal Government has made in that regard, and said the construction of the park clearly showed Beijing's commitment to helping central government fulfill its promise on environmental protection.

"Zhongguancun is the most active area of research in the country and brings together many of the country's leading minds," said Wang.

"We have reason to believe the success of the park will give new momentum to the production of environment-friendly products in general."

The demonstration park, located at Wenquan, is 13 kilometers from the Summer Palace and occupies a total area of 3.6 square kilometers.

It will focus on recycling and the production of highly advanced, environment-friendly technologies.

And with an eye on future generations, it will provide education and training for children and young people.

Liu said the start of the construction of the demonstration park marked the official beginning of a five-year campaign to give a major upgrade to Zhongguancun.

(China Daily October 17, 2002)