A conference to deepen technological innovation and industrial cooperation between Tianhe and Nansha districts in Guangzhou took place on Jan 16.

The event served as a response to the overall plan to promote comprehensive cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao by further deepening the opening-up of Nansha, which was released in June 2022 by the State Council. Known as the Nansha plan, it also emphasizes promoting the connectivity of technological innovation elements and complementary industrial development between Nansha and Tianhe.

Xie Wei, deputy secretary of the Guangzhou Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone, delivers a speech at the conference. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

Tianhe, the core area fueling Guangzhou's technological innovation, has a strong software industry, with renowned enterprises like NetEase, Kugou, and Guangzhou Quwan Network Technology starting there.

In 2021, the added value of the core digital economy industries in Tianhe reached 110.57 billion yuan, an increase of 7.9 percent and accounting for 18.4 percent of the district's GDP. In 2022, it was home to five enterprises included on the list of China's top 100 enterprises for comprehensive internet strength, making up 55.6 percent of Guangzhou's total.

Nansha has been focusing on the development of its manufacturing industrial chain. It is home to over 40 automotive parts enterprises like GAC Toyota, with its automobile manufacturing industry boasting an output value of nearly 200 billion yuan ($29.54 billion). It also boasts the nation's first commercial aerospace industrial base, while also attracting renowned household appliance manufacturers like Midea.

Nansha realized an industrial output value of 380.57 billion yuan last year, a year-on-year increase of 8.4 percent. It also ranked 26th on the list of China's top 100 industrial districts for 2022.

"We hope that this conference will give full play to the technological innovation and industrial advantages of both sides, as well as promote the connectivity of advantageous industries in both districts. This will enhance the competitiveness of industrial chains and supply chains, while also advancing the implementation of the Nansha plan," said Xie Wei, deputy secretary of the Guangzhou Nansha Economic and Technological Development Zone.

The International Guangzhou Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Tianhe Base signs a cooperation agreement with the Guangzhou Industrial Intelligence Research Institute. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

In addition, the International Guangzhou Science and Technology Achievement Transformation Tianhe Base signed strategic cooperation agreements with the Guangzhou Industrial Intelligence Research Institute and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology's Fok Ying Tung Research Institute, which are both based in Nansha, to boost the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.