Silk production has been an important part of the Chinese economy for thousands of years. The forestry industries produce pine, oak, teak and mahogany. MDF is one of China's main wood products. Bamboo is sometimes used as an alternative to wood fibre. China is a major producer of fish such as cod, tuna and dolphin.
Prawns are an important catch.
Freshwater fish are also significant for the Chinese diet. China is rich in minerals. It is one of the world's largest producers of coal and one of the leading suppliers of oil. China also has important deposits of iron ore , tin and tungsten. Today, investment is needed in manufacturing plant.