China's National Economic and Technological Development Zones (ETDZs) were born from the country's reform and opening-up policies. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the zones, which have consistently pushed for expanding openness, deepening reforms, and driving innovation.

Economic development pioneers

If you want evidence of what miracles can come from a stretch of barren saline land, the answer lies in the Tianjin ETDZ, which has been transformed into a modern industrial area over the past four decades.

Occupying only slightly more than three percent of Tianjin city's area, the zone contributes more than 14 percent of Tianjin's gross domestic product (GDP) and nearly 33 percent of its import-export total, showcasing its vital role in the city's economic development.

In Anhui province, the ETDZ in the capital city of Hefei plays a crucial role in advancing the city's status as a national comprehensive science center. The zone hosts projects from over 90 Fortune 500 companies, and as part of the Anhui Pilot Free Trade Zone, contributes 25 percent of Hefei's imports and exports.

According to the data released by China's Ministry of Commerce in 2023, the state-level ETDZs, important opening-up and industrial development platforms, contributed 10 percent of the country's GDP with only 0.3 percent of its land area, and played a positive role in building China's modern industrial system.

Hubs for technological innovation

Innovation is the driving force behind the ETDZs' progress. These zones are at the forefront of implementing national sci-tech innovation policies, creating conditions for technological advancement.

The Wuhan ETDZ, known for its automotive industry, has also embraced transformation and innovation. The zone is now one of the densest automotive manufacturing regions in the country. From January to September this year, its output of new energy vehicles increased by 131 percent year-on-year, and its automatic driving demonstration application is leading the nation.

Meanwhile, the Guangzhou ETDZ has shifted from an industrial park to a tech innovation hub within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, driving the clustered development of three strategic emerging industries of new display technologies, biotechnology and integrated circuits.

From the first group of 14 to the current 229, the ETDZs are on a new journey of development. They are set to lead the way in developing a high-level open economy and facilitating the cultivation of new quality productive forces.