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E-mail China.org.cn, April 8, 2024
Cnr.cn:
I noticed that at this year's Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference, it was proposed to accelerate the mutual promotion of industry and technology and vigorously develop new quality productive forces. This topic has attracted a lot of attention. As an economically powerful province, what considerations and plans do you have in this regard? Thank you.
Wang Weizhong:
Thank you for your question; I'll answer this one. As you mentioned, for the past two years, we have held the Guangdong Provincial High-quality Development Conference on the first working day after the Chinese New Year. Guangdong is a major province in terms of economy, manufacturing, and scientific and technological innovation. The added value of Guangdong's manufacturing industry accounts for one-eighth of the country's total. Last year, Guangdong province invested 460 billion yuan in research and development, accounting for 3.39% of its GDP. When it comes to developing new quality productive forces, Guangdong province is not only well-positioned, capable and confident, but also recognizes its responsibility to do so. We will develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, promote industrial innovation through scientific and technological advancements, and integrate innovation into enterprises, industries and overall development.
For Guangdong province, the development of new quality productive forces relies on innovation and industry.
First, we need to adhere to a high level of self-reliance and strength in science and technology, accelerate the construction of a whole-process innovation chain, use disruptive and cutting-edge technologies to cultivate new industries, new models, and new driving forces, and build an industrial science and technology innovation center with global influence. Over the years, we have consistently invested more than one-third of provincial-level scientific and technological innovation funds in basic research. We have launched more than 10 batches of research and development programs in key areas, striving to overcome technological bottlenecks and develop more original and disruptive achievements. For example, in addressing weaknesses in high-end equipment and medical devices, we have promoted cooperation between enterprises, universities, and research institutes, overcoming difficulties in areas such as ECMO, high-end MRI equipment, and high-end surgical robots. To tackle the "chip shortage" problem, we have implemented the Powerful Guangdong-Made Chips initiative. This effort is attracting major projects in areas such as analog chips, sensors, and photomasks, aiming to build China's third hub of integrated circuits. In response to the "last mile" challenge in transforming and applying scientific and technological achievements, we have established several concept verification centers and pilot platforms, primarily serving small- and medium-sized enterprises. This will boost the application and promotion of more new technologies and products in Guangdong province, striving to build a modern, new Guangdong that advances, strengthens, and succeeds through innovation.
Second, we must transform and upgrade traditional industries, cultivate and strengthen emerging industries, arrange the development of industries for the future in advance, and build a modern industrial system that is more internationally competitive. Traditional industries should never be neglected. We encourage enterprises to speed up equipment updates and process upgrades, allowing trillion-level traditional industries such as textiles and clothing, food and beverages, and home appliances and furnishings to leverage their advantages and unleash new vitality. At the same time, we are vigorously developing emerging industries such as integrated circuits, new energy storage, new energy vehicles, offshore wind power, bio-manufacturing, and commercial aerospace. We are advancing the layout for future industries such as quantum technology, the life sciences, and artificial intelligence. We are opening up new areas and new paths for development, continuously shaping the development of new driving forces and new advantages. For example, in the field of low-altitude economy, Guangdong province has been at the forefront of research and innovation. Currently, Guangdong's consumer drones account for over 90% of the national market and more than 70% of the global market, with leading companies such as DJI, EHang and Xiaopeng. In addition, Shenzhen has released the country's first local regulations for the low-altitude economy. In February this year, the world's first cross-sea and cross-city electric "air taxi" made its first flight in Guangdong province. The journey from Shenzhen to Zhuhai takes only about 20 minutes by air, compared to approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes by car. It is expected to officially start manned flights by 2026, which will nurture a new trillion-yuan-level industry cluster in Guangdong province.
Leveraging well-developed industrial facilities, a strong supply of innovation, and rich application scenarios, now is the right time for Guangdong province to develop new quality productive forces with promising prospects. Talent is considered our most valuable resource. To attract this talent, we aim to build a "nest" that attracts "phoenixes." We are committed to drawing in talent, creating platforms for them, and gathering gifted individuals from around the world. We warmly welcome people to come to Guangdong to innovate, start their businesses, and realize their dreams. Thank you.
Chen Wenjun:
Thank you, Mr. Wang, and all the speakers. Thank you for coming, and with that, today's press conference is concluded. Goodbye.
Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Wang Qian, Cui Can, Ma Yujia, Yan Bin, Wang Wei, Qin Qi, Wang Yanfang, Wang Mengru, Yang Xi, Liu Qiang, Wang Ziteng, Yuan Fang, Zhang Tingting, Zhang Junmian, Yan Xiaoqing, Zhou Jing, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
