Information Industry: Powerful Engine for China's Economic Growth (2)

Mobile telecom services have witnessed record growth and an increase in business. Mobile telecom services between January and October increased by 70.6 percent, making 131.3 billion yuan which accounted for almost half of China's telecom business volume.

China Telecom, the nation's largest telecommunication service provider, has connected its GSM (global system for mobile communications) network with 68 companies in 42 countries and regions.

China has also rapidly improved its telecommunications infrastructure such as phone lines and internet cables, providing better services for all consumers. The electronic industry is also developing in leaps and bounds with booming markets for all its major products. The total output value of the electronic industry in the first ten months of 1999 was 585.2 billion yuan, increasing 27.3 percent over the same period last year.

During this period, production of microcomputers was 2.7 million, an increase of 29.1 percent over last year. Sales reached 2.4 million, up 39.7 percent.

A total of 30 million color TV sets were produced, up 19.3 percent, and 28.7 million were sold, up 25.3 percent.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Information Industry said that the ministry will take initiatives to maintain the present growth within the industry which is making remarkable contributions to China's economy. (Xinhua)


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