Despite the international financial crisis, Kunshan in east China's Jiangsu province has maintained steady economic growth and began construction on several long-term projects.

This year, the city's GDP is projected to grow more than 15 percent to 200 billion yuan. Newly registered foreign capital is expected to surpass $3 billion and actual utilization of foreign investment will exceed $1.5 billion yuan.

Hi-tech industrial output is expected to grow more than 2 percentage points, and urban and township per capita income is projected to rise by 10 percent.

The city will pay increased attention to long-term sustainable development and accelerate construction of an innovation-driven economy.

Local authorities hope to attract foreign investment, as they plan to build 10 tech industrial parks, 10 service industry groups, and 10 leading industrial chains.

Investing in development

The city government will intensify Kunshan-Taiwan economic and trade cooperation, increase Hong Kong's service industry investment and heighten efforts to obtain investors in Europe and Japan. China's top 500 enterprises, listed companies and other leading businesses will all be targeted.

Officals aim to begin all major projects and have 85 percent of necessary investment by year's end. The city is dedicated to fostering large enterprises with a sales value exceeding 10 billion yuan.

Government will emphasize development of production-oriented service industries such as finance, modern logistics, science and technology and commerce.

The Kunshan Development Zone (KDZ) and the High and New Technology Zone are key areas for modern and eco-friendly investment projects, said officials. New industrial bases will also be built for emerging industries.

An opto-electric industrial park and supporting facilities are now under construction in KDZ .

Train service will soon be available from Kunshan to Shanghai along the R11 light track. The railway will also be extended to Huaqiao, forming a direct link with Pudong international aviation center.

The new transport line will help Kunshan capitalize on Shanghai's economic growth and forge close ties with Suzhou, said officials. This will make Kunshan a key city in the Shanghai metropolis rim, they added.

Kunshan government will foster sectors listed on the national industrial restructuring and revitalization plan, while focusing on IT and advanced machine manufacturing.

Cooperation in research

Local authorities plan to improve public services, technological industrialization, financing and human resources development, as well as intensify cooperation with leading universities and research institutions.

Each township in Kunshan will be required to partner with one domestic technology college to promote sustainable development.

Zhoushi township will accelerate construction of flat panel display, clean energy, new material, pharmaceutical, environmental protection, service outsourcing and equipment manufacturing bases.

The electro technical and electrical apparatus production sectors will be highlighted at Zhangpu, while Lujia will focus on production-oriented services and Qiandeng on new materials.

Featured industries in other townships include software in Bacheng and aviation in Dianshan Lake.

(China Daily 09/20/2010 page24)