The development of information activities in the Special Economic Zones of China

Abstract

Since the early 1980s, China has begun to establish Special Economic Zones one after another. The establishment of these zones of China has attracted the attention of the international community. Due to the Chinese government's special policy, favourable geographical conditions near Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas investment, the economy of the Special Economic Zones has developed rapidly for the last ten years and more. Along with the economic boom, the develop ment of information activities is also very rapid. In Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and Shantou, which are four main Special Economic Zones of China, there have been dramatic changes in every aspect of information activity including public infor mation consciousness, staff numbers in information service departments, the adoption of modem information technology, and directed information-gathering.