Norinco maps out strategy for the future

China North Industries Group Corp, the largest military equipment maker in the country, is navigating its way into the commercial mapping market by taking advantage of defense technologies.

Known as Norinco, the State-owned company set up a 2 billion yuan ($313 million) joint venture last month with e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd to provide a commercial high accuracy location and data analysis service network.

The two companies will each hold a 50 percent stake in the operation known as Qianxun Location Networks Co Ltd.