[photopress:Zones_China_aerospace_and_Science.jpg,full,alignright]China is constructing another civil aerospace center in the Shaanxi province this year after the launch of the initial Shanghai base last year. This marks an increase in China’s effort in its civil aerospace industrialization. The State Development and Reform Commission approved the planning of Xi’an National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base on December 26, 2007.
According to Huafeng Yue, Xi’an deputy mayor of the National Civil Aerospace Industrial Base of Xi’an, it will, when completed, cover 23 square km and will focus on developing satellites, new materials, energies, IT and other technologies. It is stressed that these are all intended as civil applications.
In November 2006, Xi’an and the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation jointly set up Xi’an Aerospace Science and Technology Industrial Base.
Its focus has always been the development of the civil space industry.
Hongzhuan Zhao, a Xi’an official responsible for the planning of the base, said, ‘The main industries in Xi’an base include equipment manufacturing, software and service outsourcing, new materials and solar photovoltaics.
‘Xi’an base industry planning is consistent with the national strategic overall planning, which lays foundation for the upgrade of Xi’an base to a national base.’
A press release from deputy mayor Huafeng Yu, said, ‘The setting up of national aerospace base in Xi’an, an ancient city renowned for its terracotta warriors, is a firm indicator of China’s commitment to boosting the aerospace industry infrastructure beyond major cities. Xi’an will give full support to the national base through tax concessions, preferential policy in land use and infrastructure building.’
As the core of the Yangtze River Delta radiation region, Shanghai National civil aerospace industry base aims to drive regional economic development through market-oriented space industry operation. Xi’an officials expect Xi’an Base to exert greater influence.
Source: Emerging China
