CHINA
announced the formation of its automobile and auto components center yesterday
as part of government's efforts to rein in fast expanding auto exports and boost
the sector's development.
The Ministry of Commerce said eight state-level
centers would be set up in cities including Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen and Chongqing.
Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co Ltd, Xiamen Kinglong United Automotive Industry
Co., Ltd and Xiamen Golden Dragon Van Company were also among the first batch
of 160 automakers that have the export license, which is now required to export
vehicles and spare parts from January 1 next year.
Zhang Ji, deputy director-general
of the Electromechanical and Science and Technology Department of the ministry,
said previous booming auto exports have boosted the country's overall exports.
"But there is growing trade protectionism in the global market,
and the export environment is deteriorating," he added.
The setup
of the export centers, as well as the upcoming 10 guidelines on auto exports,
is likely to usher a healthy environment to support a fast and sustained growth
amid soaring volume of exports.
Vehicle exports expanded quickly as the
low labor costs enable Chinese automakers to drive into overseas markets.
Chinese vehicle exports jumped 120 % to 172,800 units last year, overtaking
imports for the first time in over a decade while the export price has dropped
for three consecutive years.
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