"The report delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao sounded the clarion call for the development of large aircraft. We are now in the advent of a production climax," said Jin Xingming, general manager of the Shanghai Aviation Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. (SAIC) and a deputy to the on-going session of the 11th National People's Congress during a Shanghai delegation meeting last Thursday.

After studying the government work report Jin said that he realized the aviation industry development represents a benchmark for a country's economic strength. All big powers in the world are equipped with advanced aviation technologies.

"The aviation industry also serves as a boon to various associated industries like metallurgy, electronics, equipment manufacturing and modern service industry," Jin said. As available statistics show, every US$10,000 invested in the aviation industry will generate US$800,000 in related industries 10 years later.

"Under State Council's unified plan," Jin Xingming said, "The SAIC would work together with other aircraft production bases in China and engage in the management, planning, assembling, test flights, sales and after-sales services of large aircrafts."

To meet this end, he suggested that the government map out long-term plans for large aircraft development, because the production of aircraft may require one or two decades. A pluralistic investment system should also be set up. In addition to regular government allocation, aviation companies should be allowed to raise funds through means of bonds and special development funds. Large enterprises with close ties to the aviation industry, such as the Baosteel Group and Chinalco, should also be permitted to venture into aviation production.

During the meeting, Jin also proposed that the government should implement policies in the favor of domestic aircraft manufacturers and boost the development of service industries related to the aviation industry.

(China.org.cn by staff reporter Chen Xia, March 10, 2008)