Changsha National Economic and Technical Development Zone

1. Location

The Changsha National Economic and Technical Development Zone (CETZ) is situated in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. It is in south central China, with the Jiangxi province to the east of Hunan, Chongqing city and Guizhou province to the west, Guangdong and Guangxi province to the south, and Hubei province to the north. Founded in August 1992, CETZ was approved by the State Council as one of the 54 national economic and technical development zones in February 2000.

2. Natural environment

Changsha city has a subtropical, monsoon, humid climate with clear divisions among the four seasons. There is abundant sunshine and rainfall, and a long frost-free period. Hunan province enjoys annual sunshine of 1300-1800h, an average temperature of 16 centigrade to 18 centigrade throughout the year, a frost-free period of 260-310days, and average rainfall of 1200-1700mm.

The geographic characteristics of CETZ are its high altitude (altitude: 40-60m, the highest record of 37.5m) and the soil. Clay is the main ingredient found in their soil and the land can bear weight of 18-24 tons per square meter. This is helpful in reducing building costs.

3. Human environment

Changsha has a 3 thousand-year history and a population of 6 million. There is a large workforce with over 160 thousand people entering the labor market every year.

As the capital city of a high densely populated province, Changsha has a considerable workforce, which is continually being supplemented by new graduates from its middle schools, technical institutes and universities.

There are 347 middle schools, 33 technical schools, 39 universities, and 112 vocational secondary schools in Changsha city.

Major educational institutions in Changsha include the National Defense University of Science & Technology, Central South University and Hunan University.

In 2004, approximately 3,200 students obtained masters degrees, and 490 university students obtained doctorate degrees.

Changsha has an abundant supply of general workers, many of whom have had formal training in their respective fields.