CHINA'S SOFTWARE industry is experiencing phenomenal growth, with export values expected to reach US$12.5 billion by 2010, more than triple the US$3.59 billion achieved in 2005, according to the Ministry of Information Industry.
In large part, this rapid growth is due to the efforts of the authorities to create conditions for software enterprises to develop in line with international trends. The Ministry of Commerce, for example, has encouraged multinationals to set up high-level research and development centres in China, and domestic enterprises have been given the necessary support to form new joint ventures and boost co-operation with foreign investors.
One sign of success is the high number of jobs available in the business divisions of Microsoft in the Greater China region.
'We are recruiting more people than ever,' said Leslie Chu Wui-wing, country manager for Microsoft's Online Services Group in Hong Kong.
'We had about 20 people 18 months ago and now have over 100 employees working in the main cities.'
Openings in China are posted on the company's website and people from all over the world can apply, provided they match the basic job requirements. At present, middle and senior managers are most in demand, especially those with strong software development skills.