Beijing will turn itself a micro-electronics base in 10 years, said Beijing Vice-Mayor Liu Haiyan at an international seminar on micro-electronics in Beijing Thursday.

According to a blueprint, the micro-electronics base will consist of two parts: research and development (R&D) of micro-electronic technology, and the production of integrated circuits.

Beijing aims to make the R&D base of micro-electronic technology a national R&D center that can keep up international advancement.

Beijing will build 20 production lines producing the integrated circuits.

The vice-major in charge of industries welcomed foreign investment in accomplishing the task.

Beijing is a leading city in developing software products related to micro-electronics and Internet technology in China. It is also home to the most researchers and professionals in the country as it contains China's "Silicon Valley", in Zhongguancun.

(People's Daily 10/27/2000)