Stronger support for advanced machine tools urged

More policy support is expected by national legislators and political advisers to back major technological innovations and wider applications of advanced equipment, fortifying tech advancements for machine tools, in a bid to propel green and high-quality transformation of the manufacturing sector.

The suggestions came after the government called to give full rein to the leading role of innovation and press ahead with new industrialization, according to the Government Work Report delivered during the ongoing two sessions.

The report said an initiative for pursuing high-quality development of key manufacturing chains will be launched, with a focus on shoring up weak links, reinforcing strengths and fostering new capabilities, so as to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of industrial and supply chains.

In response to this call, Tang Dongsheng, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice-chairman of the CPPCC Foshan committee in Guangdong province, said upgrading traditional industries, nurturing emerging ones and continually refining the modern industrial sector is of vital importance to promoting the high-quality development of manufacturing.

"Further efforts are needed to deepen technological innovation in industrial chains and support the digital transformation of more small and medium-sized enterprises. More support in land, capital and talent resources is also expected to enhance the resilience of industrial chains in emerging sectors," Tang said.

Zhang Xiaolun, a CPPCC National Committee member and chairman of China National Machinery Industry Corp, underscored China's commitment to the development and application of cutting-edge major technological equipment. While acknowledging advancements in areas like high-speed railways and power grids, he also highlighted the need to improve product maturity and enhance supportive measures for sustained development.

"Due to the lack of maturity of some primary major technological equipment and the ongoing refinement of support mechanisms, many such products still encounter some difficulties during mass production phases. Currently, some relevant policies are primarily focused on the development of the initial batch of equipment, and there is still a need to further refine mechanisms for promotion and application processes," Zhang said.

He suggested an integrated mechanism for design, research and development, and rapid iteration of primary sets of major technological equipment. He also urged ongoing improvements in insurance compensation policies to reduce uncertainties and risks during the mass production process.

Han Xiaojun, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress, the nation's top legislative body, and also chairman of Sinomach Heavy Equipment Group, said more support is expected for construction machinery makers to venture abroad. He said industrial cooperation between economies involved in the Belt and Road Initiative is an opportunity for all participants.

Yu Benhong, a CPPCC National Committee member and chairman of equipment manufacturer Kede CNC Co Ltd, emphasized the importance of developing machine tools in promoting high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

"Machine tools are foundational equipment for manufacturing, and high-end machine tools are crucial core assets for advanced industries like aerospace. The robust development of high-end machine tools can secure greater global influence and proactive development for industrial economic progress," Yu said.

He added that it is of urgent importance to expand technological innovation capabilities for high-end machine tools, and leading enterprises are expected to boost systematic industrial technological innovation capabilities.

To promote the green transformation and high-quality development of the steelmaking sector, Hu Wangming, a CPPCC National Committee member and chairman of China Baowu Steel Group Corp, suggested enhancing efforts to establish a tech innovation system with companies being the main body to promote industrial upgrade.

Hu urged support for leading enterprises in recycling resources and advancing recycled resource trading, and highlighted the importance of systematically recycling scrap steel and other renewable resources.