The Third Session of the Ninth People's Congress of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone opens in Wuhan, Hubei province, Dec 27. [Photo/WeChat account of WHDZ]
The Third Session of the Ninth People's Congress of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone (WHDZ) opened in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province on Dec 27.
Over the course of three days, deputies are set to debate the zone's development and provide advice on its future.
Peng Hao, director of the administrative committee of WHDZ, delivered the zone's government work report in 2018.
He revealed that the zone has continued to record rapid but steady economic growth.
Compared to 2017, it is estimated that the zone is on track to report growth of 8.2 percent for its gross regional product, a 7.5 percent increase in industrial added value of enterprises above designated size –– with annual main business income exceeding 20 million yuan ($2.91 million), and a 12 percent increase in the value of fixed assets investment.
In 2018, the zone manufactured and sold 10.7 million vehicles, and saw an increase of 11.2 percent in its modern service sector.
The zone's management remains committed to attracting the best skilled workers and promoting reform and innovation.
And by the end of this year, the zone is forecast to have attracted 75 new projects worth over 100 million yuan each, with actual investment of 74 billion yuan, an increase of 18 percent compared with 2017.
A total of 96 companies in the zone registered to be classified as high-tech in 2018, and 34 foreign companies have invested in the zone, an increase of 87.5 percent compared with last year.
WHDZ is currently focusing on upgrading its industries, and advancing the development of high-end and emerging sectors, such as robotics and aviation.
During the meeting, the deputies discussed the zone's goals for economic growth in 2019.
As expected, over the next year, WHDZ will see an increase of around 7.5 percent in gross regional product, a 12 percent increase in fixed assets investment, and a 9 percent rise in total retail sales of consumer goods.
Throughout 2019, the zone's management will continue to work hard to attract investment, recruit skilled professionals, protect the environment, and develop its social security system.
Peng Hao, director of the administrative committee of Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, addresses the meeting on Dec 27. [Photo/WeChat account of WHDZ]
Attendees pictured at the meeting in Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone, Dec 27. [Photo/WeChat account of WHDZ]
