Shanghai: the next generation
credits: Born Sleepy
Revenue of Shanghai’s information technology industry is set to double last year’s figure to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$128 billion) in 2010 when the World Expo is held here.
The city will invest heavily in several IT projects for the expo, such as a citywide wireless broadband network, a digital transport management network, electronic payment and social security systems, paper-less customs application system and mobile TV, according to Shanghai Municipal Informatization Commission.
In 2006, revenue of Shanghai’s IT industry reached 590.45 billion yuan, ranking it as the city’s No. 1 pillar industry for five consecutive years, and accounted for 13 percent of the city’s total GDP. Exports of the IT industry were US$37 billion, one-third of the city’s export value, according to Zhou Weidong, the commission’s secretary general.
The IT industry in the city also got a boost from the software and integrated circuit industries. The revenue of the local software industry, with 26 star firms authorized by the national regulator, hit 61.67 billion yuan, one-sixth of the country’s level. The local IC revenue was 38 billion yuan, ranking it No. 1 in China.
“We will continue to invest in IT infrastructure to let World Expo visitors enjoy the latest high-tech services in Shanghai,” said Zhou, who is also in charge of IT development at the Bureau of Shanghai World Exposition Executive Commission.
Shanghai plans to set up a citywide wireless broadband network in time for the expo in 2010. Once completed, it will be the first citywide wireless broadband network on the Chinese mainland.
Shanghai Telecom Co Ltd and China Mobile’s Shanghai branch have signed agreements with the IT commission to invest a total of 40 billion yuan to improve local IT infrastructure, including the wireless network.
