A major industrial district in southwest China is moving rapidly to upgrade its manufacturing base through digitalization, advanced materials and new energy vehicle production, highlighting how regional economies are aligning with the country’s push for innovation-driven growth.
Li Yong, Party secretary of Fuling District in Chongqing and a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, said the district is transforming its traditional industrial base into a smart manufacturing hub while building on existing strengths.
Speaking during China’s annual “two sessions” meetings, Li said the transition toward what policymakers call “new quality productive forces” does not mean abandoning existing industries but upgrading them through technology and innovation.
“Our confidence in moving toward the new comes from our strong industrial foundation,” Li said.
Fuling has long been a major manufacturing center, hosting the world’s largest production bases for several industrial materials, including adipic acid, spandex and food-grade PET used in packaging and textiles.
To drive the next stage of growth, the district has prioritized technological innovation and industrial upgrading. Fuling now hosts more than 300 high-tech enterprises and has established a comprehensive industrial science and technology development system designed to integrate research platforms with its key manufacturing sectors.
The district has also built specialized innovation platforms such as a synthetic chemical materials research complex led by Huafon Group and a pilot platform for advanced materials based on metal-organic frameworks.
These efforts are supporting the development of Fuling’s core industries, including materials manufacturing and food processing. Combined output from these sectors was expected to exceed 190 billion yuan ($26 billion) last year.
A major priority for the coming years is the automotive sector. Under China’s upcoming national development strategy outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), Fuling aims to build a 100-billion-yuan ($14 billion) industrial cluster focused on intelligent and connected new energy vehicles.
The district is developing a “1+2” industrial structure, centered on one major vehicle manufacturer supported by battery production and lightweight automotive components.
Local automaker Shineray Group anchors the cluster, while major battery investments from companies such as CATL and Geely are strengthening the supply chain. Another battery project from Rept Battero has also been introduced.
Last year, Shineray invested 5.2 billion yuan to build an intelligent production line for lightweight vehicle bodies and components, a project expected to generate more than 10 billion yuan in annual output.
Local authorities are supporting industrial development through targeted policies. Under a “one enterprise, one policy” system, district officials are assigned to coordinate investment resources and help companies resolve operational challenges.
Fuling is also encouraging companies to expand overseas. Shineray has already gained strong market traction in Vietnam, where its products captured more than 30 percent of a niche vehicle segment last year, surpassing long-time market leader Suzuki.
To facilitate global expansion, the district has introduced logistics and trade policies designed to lower export costs and support the establishment of overseas research and development centers.
At the same time, digital infrastructure is becoming a key driver of industrial upgrading. Fuling Industrial Park has been selected as a national pilot zone for a 10-gigabit optical network, enabling ultra-low latency industrial connectivity.
The high-speed network supports real-time quality monitoring, automated production lines and remote industrial collaboration across factories.
As a result, the district has already built more than 100 smart factories and dozens of green manufacturing facilities.
Even traditional industries are being transformed. Fuling’s famous mustard tuber industry, a long-standing local specialty, now operates with a digital management platform that tracks nationwide sales data and helps farmers and processors adjust production in real time.
Local officials say such integration of digital technology with traditional sectors demonstrates how China’s regional manufacturing bases are evolving toward more intelligent and sustainable industrial systems.