The electronics and information industry has been one of the sectors that has benefited most from the opening-up; by the end of 2005, sales in the industry reached 3.84 trillion yuan (US$490 billion).

With the development of the electronics and information industry, China's role in the service trade of computers has also increased.

From 2000 to 2005, its foreign trade rose from US$463 million to US$3.46 billion and the trade surplus expanded from US$90 million to US$422 million.

Exports stood at US$1.84 billion in 2005 and the amount spent on imports was US$41.62 billion.

China now has potential for software and service outsourcing as developed countries look to cut costs by having non-core functions done at lower costs.

Up to now, China has six software export bases and 11 services outsourcing bases.