China releases plan for 3D printing industry

(ENCS) - A blueprint for the development of 3D printing has been released by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Shanghai Securities News reported on Monday.

The plan aims to establish a preliminary 3D printing industry "system" in China by 2016, ensuring that Chinese firms keep pace with international competitors.

Luo Jun, the secretary-general of the World 3D Printing Technology Industry Alliance, says the plan promotes the development of 3D printing, and will strengthen confidence among Chinese players, which are mainly private companies.

According to the plan, investment funds and innovation centers will be set up for the printing industry.

The industries of aviation, automobiles, culture innovation, and biomedical will be the main fields of its application.

China will also strengthen financial support to 3D printing enterprises by encouraging them to list both at home and abroad, and to issue corporate bonds.