Taicang's precision machinery industry was included in the list of industrial clusters considered priorities by the economy and information technology commission of Jiangsu province.

A paper containing the list was issued on April 6 and then circulated among the commission's local branches.

Most of Taicang's precision machinery companies are situated in the high-tech development zone that stretches along the banks of the Yangtze River before it meets the sea.

Thirty-five percent of the zone's output value is attributable to the nearly 200 manufacturers that comprise the precision machinery park within the zone. They produce quality products ranging from high-precision bearings, precision machine tools, and precision molds to auto parts and wind power equipment.

Fourteen scientific research facilities, 63 high-tech companies from within the province, and 250 projects with national support are operating inside the park. Technical workers include more than 30 entrepreneurs and 300 degree holders returned from Germany.

By Liu Sitong and edited by Peter Nordlinger