Domestic automakers plan to produce 340,000 special-purpose automobiles annually during that time, said sources with the State Administration of Machine-building Industry.

They also aim to export US$150 million worth of these vehicles during that period, sources said.

The sector will focus on the development of high-tech products, including special-purpose automobiles for high-grade highway transportation and maintenance, bridge checking, oilfields and airports, to satisfy domestic demand and engage in world competition.

Investments in the sector's technical upgrading will mainly come from State loans. Non-State investments are also welcome in the sector.

After China enters the World Trade Organization, domestic manufacturers will have more opportunities to gain more foreign investments and advanced know-how through co-operation with foreign companies.

Most of the domestic special-purpose automobile enterprises are joint ventures.

Beijing Special Automobile Co Ltd, a joint venture between six Chinese and Japanese companies, will expand its annual production capacity to 2,500 special-purpose automobiles.

The company uses advanced technology from Japan's Isuzu to produce all kinds of vans.

The company, established five years ago, also adopted Japanese advanced enterprise management experience. It was awarded the International Standard Organization 9002 certificate recently by the China Automobile Quality Certification Center.

The government will accelerate the sector's restructuring in the form of association, merger, reorganization or cooperation with private manufacturers, sources said.

The promising private manufactures are expected to enjoy the government's policy support.

(China Daily 04/13/2000)