Xinghua, a county-level city in Jiangsu province, made great strides in industrial upgrading during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), adhering to its development strategy featuring robust industrial momentum. Despite facing a complex and challenging global environment, the city has delivered a resilient performance.
The city's industrial output of companies above designated size — those with annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan ($2.88 million) — is projected to exceed 119.6 billion yuan, doubling from the total recorded at the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20).
The industrial added value of companies above designated size is expected to reach 20.8 billion yuan, growing at an average annual rate of 12.9 percent. Industrial sales are forecast to hit 122.5 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9 percent. The number of companies above designated size is set to increase by nearly 600.
Xinghua has prioritized intelligent transformation, digitalization, and internet connectivity as key drivers for upgrading its industrial value chain. The city has established itself as a benchmark for intelligent manufacturing within the province and across the country, exemplified by Xingda Group, which boasts the city's first excellent-level intelligent factory.
Xingda Group's automatic production line. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_5349c6007021]
The city has also focused on nurturing specialized, refined, differentiated, and innovative "little giant" enterprises. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Xinghua had cultivated 22 national-level "little giants" and 191 provincial-level specialized and innovative SMEs.
In terms of green development, Xinghua has also achieved remarkable results. The Xinghua Economic Development Zone and Xinghua High-Tech Zone have both been recognized as national-level green industrial parks. The city has established eight national-level and 42 provincial-level green factories, significantly reducing energy consumption and waste emissions.
Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), Xinghua aims to build a more resilient modern industrial system, focusing on high-end, intelligent, and green development. It will continue to foster innovation, enhance its digital ecosystem, and promote sustainable practices to contribute to China's modernization drive.