As the host city for the annual national fair in software and information services, Dalian has developed by leaps and bounds in this industry in the past 10 years.

This city, known for its beautiful harbor, also boasts a strong economy in which the per capita GDP has already surpassed 63,725 yuan ($10,000).

The strategically important software and information services industries are the main contributors to the city's fast economic growth. The production value of these industries accounts for 65 percent of what is produced by Dalian-based companies with annual sales in excess of 20 million yuan.

China, as one of the most dynamic economies in the world, has a huge market for the software and information services industry, with an annual increase of 20 percent, as estimated by the organizing committee of the China International Software & Information Service Fair, the largest national and professional expo in this industry.

After years developing intelligent information technologies, companies in this city have accomplished many achievements. For example, Dalian Automobile Technology Co Ltd possesses self-developed assembly lines that have been widely used in Volkswagen, BMW and Audi.

Besides, companies have more than 2,200 software products with independent intellectual property rights.

"The fast development of strategic industries will be our best bet to pursue sustainable development and abandon the extensive pattern," the organizing committee said.

Sales in the software and information service industry reached 70 billion yuan, an annual increase of 30 percent in 2011, and exports hit 2.3 billion yuan, an increase of 28 percent.

The city government will work harder to develop this industry in the coming years. In 2015, sales in these strategic industries are expected to reach 1.3 trillion yuan, making them a primary driver of the local economy.

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(China Daily 06/15/2012 page15)