Kunshan authorities in Jiangsu province are planning a 500-billion-yuan urban expansion.

The project is designed to attract emerging industries and build an economy driven by innovative enterprises.

City government will focus expansion efforts on integrated circuit software, computer and networking equipment, electronics information and new energy facilities.

The modern services sector will also receive government support. Production-oriented services are expected to contribute significantly to local economic growth.

A supply chain management service center and bonded area are now being built to promote cargo and technology trade.

The city will support construction of an international business center at Huaqiao and accelerate construction of a cross-Straits commercial and trading cooperation zone for Taiwan products.

Kunshan officials hope the city can become a leading destination for Taiwan-funded financial institutions and a corporate headquarters base.

An industrial technology institute and several science parks are now being built.

The city will strengthen cooperation with Duke University in the US to expand overseas training for outstanding professionals.

Each year, local government will earmark no less than 1 percent of its income for an awards fund supporting research and educational facilities.

Kunshan generated 61 billion yuan in GDP in the first four months of this year. Total industrial output reached 210 billion yuan.

Overall social fixed asset investment hit 15.48 billion yuan during the same period.

Actual utilization of foreign investment reached five billion yuan while newly added domestic registered capital was 8.3 billion yuan.

(China Daily 09/20/2010 page24)