The Qingdao West Coast New Area is upgrading its traditional manufacturing industries and cultivating emerging innovative ones.

"We will quicken the pace of developing modern industries in line with Qingdao's efforts in supply-side reform and forming new growth engines," said Zhao Yingmin, director of the development and reform bureau of the area.

The new area aims to use innovative technologies to strengthen its competitiveness in manufacturing, helping the real economy to grow in quality and brand influence, said Sui Junchang, an official of the Qingdao West Coast New Area.

In a milestone for the area, local home appliance developer Aucma released the country's first driverless truck in January, complete with independent intellectual property.

The vehicle is equipped with a dual vision system and artificial intelligence driving system, and can drive autonomously.

Aucma was previously known as a leading maker of refrigerators and freezers. It began to develop advanced equipment in recent years, such as ultra-low temperature cooling systems and driverless cars, as part of its efforts to upgrade its traditional manufacturing operations.

The Qingdao branch of SAIC-GM-Wuling, a Chinese automaker, invested 1 billion yuan ($158 million) last year to innovate its production of passenger and new energy vehicles, shifting from its previous focus on commercial vehicles.

The company said it plans to produce 200,000 SUVs per year by 2019.

Many projects have been built or planned in the new area. Doublestar is building the world's first intelligent factory for commercial tires. Haier is building its industrial internet platform, COSMOPlat, at its base in the new area. There are also projects covering the production of liquefied natural gas equipment and self-elevating offshore engineering platforms.

New industries are springing up, including movie production and exhibitions, helping the new area to diversify its economy.

Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis, where Pacific Rim 2 and The Great Wall were shot, has been built in the new area with a total investment of 50 billion yuan.

Construction on a world expo city was completed last month. Its exhibition center, conference center, logistics center, hotels, shops and residential apartments are able to serve more than 50 exhibitions every year.

(China Daily 03/08/2018 page12)