New catalogue of encouraged imports focuses on environmental industry

The National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Commerce jointly released the 2014 version of the Catalogue of Encouraged Technology and Product Imports on 20 March. In a move to strengthen the role of discount interest policy for imports in promoting technological innovation and industrial restructuring, the new catalogue greatly expands the import of advanced technologies and products such as key equipment, parts and components, as well as supports the development of key industries.

In the 2014 version of the catalogue, many industries related to energy saving and environmental protection have been listed as priority industries receiving support. This is closely related to the increasing attention paid by China to the issue of environmental protection. In early March this year, premier Li Keqiang pointed out in the Government Work Report that the problem of environmental pollution in China is serious, and that greater efforts must be made to protect the ecology and environment as well as rein in pollution.

The development of a total of 75 key industries in the new catalogue is encouraged. Compared with 45 industries in the 2011 version, there is a significant increase in number. Many of the newly added industries are closely related to energy saving and environmental protection, including projects of comprehensive utilisation and treatment of wastewater, waste residues and waste gases, as well as the technological development, application and production of equipment in relation to energy saving, water saving, materials saving, environment protection and comprehensive utilisation of resources.

Moreover, the import of 223 advanced technologies is encouraged. These include technologies for the design and manufacturing of key parts and components for new energy cars; technologies for the production of 3D printing and related equipment and materials; and technologies for the design and production of key equipment for high-speed trains, inter-city trains and urban rail transport.

For details of the catalogue in Chinese, please visit the website of the Ministry of Finance at:

http://www.mof.gov.cn/zhengwuxinxi/zhengcefabu/201403/t20140320_1057482.htm