Nigeria Times

By Yan Yu

Young people are both major beneficiaries and vital drivers of cooperation among member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). In recent years, leveraging the broad platform provided by the SCO, youth from member countries have actively engaged in cooperation, delivering fruitful outcomes in cultural exchanges, innovation and entrepreneurship, the digital economy, and distance education.

During the Global Mayors Dialogue — SCO Summit Cities in north China’s Tianjin municipality in early July, Zoon Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani researcher, shared the benefits she has gained through her involvement with the SCO.

Having participated in multiple events, including the SCO Youth Development Forum and the SCO Kunming International Marathon, she noted that the organization creates opportunities for young people to connect and understand each other, expressing hope that more young people from member states will seize the opportunities the region offers.

Thanks to various cooperation platforms, youth exchanges among SCO member countries have been steadily deepening, facilitating mutual understanding and injecting fresh momentum into SCO cooperation.

Sohail Khan, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, noted that young people represent the organization’s future, and that people-to-people exchanges, especially among the younger generation, play a unique role in advancing cooperation among SCO member countries.

An increasing number of students from SCO member states are pursuing studies in China, expanding their horizons while becoming ambassadors of friendship and cooperation, Khan said.

The “SCO Youth, Encounter Qingdao” youth study tour was recently held in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong province. The event brought together 100 international students from 30 countries, including Pakistan and Tajikistan. The participants explored China’s intangible cultural heritage, visited leading technology companies, and learned about the city’s development. They not only strengthened their understanding of China but also forged friendships through the immersive and interactive experiences.

In recent years, initiatives such as youth exchange camps, development forums, study programs, and innovation and entrepreneurship competitions have flourished under the SCO framework, sowing seeds of friendship and inspiring a growing number of young people to take part in SCO affairs.

Deng Hao, former secretary-general of the China Center for SCO Studies, pointed out that youth cooperation among SCO member states has made notable progress in four key areas.

Cooperation mechanisms have been built. Since its launch in 2009, the SCO Youth Council has served as a major platform for exchanges among youth organizations, holding annual meetings and regularly rolling out new cooperation projects.

Cooperation frameworks have been improved. In 2021, SCO member states adopted the Agreement on Cooperation in Youth Affairs, providing institutional and policy support to strengthen collaboration.

Influential and promising cooperation projects have been created. Eight sessions of the SCO Youth Camp have been held, drawing more than 1,200 outstanding young participants. The SCO International Youth Business Incubator project has advanced exchange among young entrepreneurs, selection and incubation of start-up projects, and training programs. The SCO Member States Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, which has been held four times, has boosted technology exchanges and the commercialization of innovations among SCO member countries.

New projects and new forms of cooperation have constantly emerged. The 2024 SCO Youth Development Forum unveiled the list of SCO Youth Exchange and Cooperation Projects for 2024-2025, featuring 18 projects in the fields of education, culture, sports, talent development, and others.

As a founding member, China has consistently placed great importance on and actively supported youth exchanges among member states. From the Joint Address of the heads of SCO for the Youth adopted at the SCO Qingdao summit in 2018, to the establishment of the China-SCO Youth Exchange Center, and the invitation of a large number of young people from SCO member countries to China for various events, China has always been committed to providing diverse platforms to strengthen youth exchanges among SCO member states.

The 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO is scheduled to take place in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. The grand event is eagerly anticipated by young people from SCO member states.

Batir Tursunov, deputy secretary-general of the SCO, has called for intensified efforts to organize youth activities in science and technology, education, sports, culture, tourism, and environmental protection, enabling young people to fully realize their potential.

By Yang Yi, People’s Daily

A recent report jointly released by Singapore’s banking group DBS and market data and insights firm Cube projects that e-commerce sales in Southeast Asia will more than double from $184 billion in 2024 to $410 billion by 2030, representing a 14 percent compound annual growth rate over the period.

As the region’s e-commerce sector expands at a rapid pace, Chinese companies are joining forces with local businesses to deliver more convenient online shopping experiences. Their contributions range from upgrading technology platforms and innovating logistics systems to cultivating local talent, significantly enhancing the quality and competitiveness of Southeast Asia’s e-commerce industry.

On Lazada, a top e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, a store specializing in bamboo-woven products and rattan furniture enjoys a 95 percent positive rating. Particularly popular among Thai customers, the shop receives praise in Thai, English and other languages for its prompt delivery, secure packaging, and high product quality.

The store is operated by Yu Le, a native of southwest China’s Yunnan province. A Thai-language major in university, Yu relocated to Thailand after graduation to start her business.

“I’ve been running this company for over four years. We have 26 employees managing live-streaming, customer service, packaging, and warehouse operations,” Yu explained. The warehouse, located in Samut Sakhon province, more than an hour from downtown Bangkok, enables next-day delivery for customers in the capital.

With nearly 700 million people, a significant proportion of them young, and internet penetration exceeding 70 percent in most countries, Southeast Asia is one of the most promising e-commerce markets worldwide. Lazada and Shopee are the region’s leading e-commerce platforms, while Tokopedia and TikTok are rapidly gaining influence.

In 2016, a Chinese company acquired Lazada, undertaking a comprehensive technological upgrade, injecting capital and introducing new talent to strengthen the platform.

In October last year, Lazada unveiled an AI-powered recommendation system that analyzes users’ past purchases to offer smart recommendations and virtual product trials, along with an AI shopping assistant for personalized guidance.

“The online shopping habits of Thai consumers have changed dramatically in recent years, with e-commerce taking an ever-larger share of spending,” said Yu, adding that the market still holds enormous growth potential.

At 7 a.m. in Klang, Selangor state, Malaysia, the warehouse of JINGDONG Logistics, the logistics arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD. com, is already bustling with activity.

“These building block toys are heading to a shopping mall in Penang today and will go straight onto the shelves,” said William Oey, country manager of JD Logistics in Malaysia.

“We supply both businesses and individual customers across Southeast Asia, with orders placed before 2 p.m. typically shipped the same day,” said Oey.

Oey, an Indonesian who lived in China for more than a decade, said the company aims to replicate China’s speed and efficiency in Southeast Asia. “In China, consumers often receive their orders the next day. We want to offer the same experience here.”

To boost efficiency and accuracy, JD Logistics has introduced automated warehousing for packaging and sorting. At the facility, incoming goods are placed on a smart weighing station equipped with barcode scanning and volumetric measurement systems, which instantly record the item’s weight, dimensions, and volume, streamlining operations. Last year, the company’s business volume in Southeast Asia more than doubled.

As an increasing number of young Southeast Asians enter the e-commerce industry, Chinese companies and universities are investing in local talent development, injecting robust momentum into the sector’s sustainable growth.

In 2022, the College of Arts, Media and Technology at Thailand’s Chiang Mai University, together with its Confucius Institute, launched a joint master’s program on China-Thailand cross-border e-commerce. The program received support from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund, projects under a program called “Digital Entrepreneurship Support,” and the Thailand 4.0 development strategy.

“The program has helped train digital professionals and is paving the way for the development of more startups and e-commerce platforms,” said Danaitun Pongpatcharatorntep, deputy dean of the college.

Zunyi Normal University in southwest China’s Guizhou province has also established a cross-border e-commerce training center in cooperation with industry partners. The facility is equipped with eight live-streaming studios targeting markets such as Vietnam and Thailand.

Through the China-Laos e-commerce talent development program, Laotian student Wang Yunlan, known by her Chinese name, has become a live-streaming host at the center after more than a year of training.

“I often host live-streaming sessions here in my spare time. It not only increases my income but also deepens my understanding of cross-border e-commerce. My skills have improved a lot, giving me a strong foundation for future career opportunities and entrepreneurship,” she said.

By Sun Haitian, People’s Daily

“Before coming here, I assumed Sanya was only about sunshine and beaches,” remarked Russian tourist Andrei. After spending a few days by the sea, his family headed to downtown Sanya, south China’s Hainan province, for some shopping. Inside a mall, a poster advertising duty-free shopping for offshore passengers caught his eye.

“Offshore duty-free shopping applies mainly to domestic travelers departing the Hainan Island but remaining within China,” explained Andrei’s tour guide. “As an international traveler exiting China, you’re entitled to another benefit – the departure tax refund.”

“Another benefit?” Andrei became even more interested. While shopping, he picked out a pearl necklace for his wife and finally bought himself the mobile phone he had long wanted.

At checkout, the cashier reminded him, “Since your purchase exceeds 200 yuan ($27.82), you can apply for a departure tax refund.” The refund threshold had been lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan. After issuing a tax refund application form, Andrei was directed to the mall’s “instant tax refund” counter.

A staff member processed his passport and form, placing a temporary hold on his credit card: “For refunds under 20,000 yuan, you may choose immediate cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay transfer.”

“Instantly?” Andrei was surprised. 

Moments after he selected a refund method, a notification popped up on his phone confirming the refund had been deposited.

“The process was faster than ordering coffee,” he commented, delighted. With the refunded money in hand, he immediately bought several boxes of Hainan coconut candy.

“Remarkable! It felt like an additional discount,” he observed.

Andrei’s shopping experience reflects a new trend in inbound tourism in Hainan. Citizens from 85 countries can now enter Hainan visa-free, and more foreign visitors are venturing beyond traditional resort areas into the city’s lively streets, exploring a wider variety of shopping and leisure options.

“Streamlined tax refund services have strong appeal for tourists,” said Wu Xiaolin, an official with the Sanya Tourism Board. “Independent travelers now make up about 50 percent of Sanya’s inbound visitors. They tend to be younger, stay longer, and seek unique, in-depth cultural and lifestyle experiences. Initiatives like ‘instant tax refunds’ and mobile payment facilitation are helping to remove barriers to spending.”

A few days later at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Andrei visited a customs verification counter for the final confirmation step. Customs officers entered his passport number into the system; his traveler details and purchase records appeared instantly on a screen. The entire verification and stamping process took less than two minutes.

“We’re enhancing clearance efficiency through multilingual support and digital systems, improving overseas visitors’ experiences,” said an official with the customs department in Haikou, capital of Hainan province.

“From lowered refund threshold, to the instant processing and automated verification at the airport, every step has been thoughtful and efficient,” Andrei said, reflecting on the convenience of his trip.

Behind these positive experiences lies Hainan’s ongoing effort to improve international connectivity and inbound facilitation policies. In the first half of this year, over 208,000 travelers entered Hainan visa-free through Sanya Phoenix International Airport, accounting for 88.54 percent of all inbound visitors at that airport. Across the province, the number of inbound overnight visitors reached 652,900, up 31.7 percent year on year.

Outside the airport terminal, Sanya’s glittering night skyline spread. “The charm of a place often lies in the details,” Andrei told his wife. “Next time, we’re staying in Hainan for a few more days.”

By He Yi, People’s Daily

In South Africa’s Northern Cape Province, communities are adapting China’s eco-village model to transform local resources into sustainable cultural and tourism offerings. 

Uzbekistan’s Nukus region has implemented a Sino-Uzbek pilot project combining solar power with smart irrigation for cotton farming, restoring saline-alkali soil while increasing agricultural productivity.

Peru’s Chancay Port has established a wildlife conservation center conducting regular marine and wetland ecosystem protection.

As countries and regions are recognizing and adopting China’s experience in advancing ecological progress, the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets” are offering Chinese solutions for global environmental sustainability.

Industrialization has generated unprecedented wealth throughout human civilization, yet simultaneously caused significant ecological damage. The enduring challenge lies in reconciling development with environmental protection. 

China’s guiding concept demonstrates the interdependence of economic growth and ecological conservation. It emphasizes that economic development must not come at the cost of depleting resources and degrading the environment, and that environmental protection need not preclude economic progress. 

Attila Grandpierre, research president of the Budapest Center for Long-Term Sustainability, believes the concept transcends narrow utilitarianism and short-termism, drawing from the ecological wisdom of China’s fine traditional culture to reflect deep concern for the idea that humans and nature form a community of life – imbued with profound philosophical meaning.

Protecting the environment is protecting productivity, and improving the environment is boosting productivity. Achieving a green transition in economic and social development is not only essential for building an ecological civilization but also injects strong momentum into economic growth. In recent years, China’s green industries such as new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, and wind power have provided a steady driving force for high-quality development.

While promoting its own comprehensive green transformation, China has also actively advanced international green cooperation, working with over 100 countries and regions on green energy projects, supporting the free flow of high-quality green technologies and products, supplying over 80 percent of the world’s photovoltaic modules and 70 percent of wind power equipment, and helping reduce the average levelized cost of wind and solar power projects worldwide by more than 60 percent and 80 percent respectively. 

Erik Solheim, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, believes China’s innovative practices and global demonstration effects in green development and environmental protection provide vital impetus for the world’s green transition.

As the largest developing nation, China has proven rapid development and environmental protection are compatible. Its anti-pollution campaigns have yielded visibly bluer skies, greener landscapes, and cleaner waters – translating ecological progress into tangible life quality improvements.

Aymara Gerdel, director of the Venezuelan Center of Studies on China, noted that China’s climate policies prioritize human welfare while advancing equitable, efficient green development – a carbon-reduction model with global significance.

By Liao Ruiling

On a quiet weekday afternoon in a Beijing coffee shop, customers savor their drinks, largely unaware of the extraordinary journey behind each bean.

Shop owner Zhang Xue sources most of her coffee beans from Rwanda, where high altitudes and sharp day-night temperature differences create ideal conditions for cultivation. The region’s unique climate and soil produce beans with a distinctive fruity and floral fragrance.

“Imported coffee beans once served a niche market,” Zhang notes. “Curiosity was high, but prices were steep. Now, with deepening China-Africa cooperation and tariff reforms, Rwandan beans have become accessible to everyday coffee lovers.” 

This change extends far beyond coffee. Across Chinese supermarkets, South African wines, Senegalese tuna, Kenyan avocados, and Beninese pineapples are now increasingly common, demonstrating the remarkable results of China’s tariff adjustments for African products.

In recent years, China has steadily expanded market access for African countries. Effective from Dec. 1, 2024, China has granted zero-tariff treatment to all least developed countries (LDCs) with which it has diplomatic relations, including 33 African nations on 100 percent of their products. 

Recently, China announced the extension of zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for all 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. Industry observers believe this move will foster deeper industrial collaboration, creating greater added value for both sides.

“The zero-tariff policy significantly reduces market entry barriers for African products, paving the way for higher export volumes and more diversified product categories,” said Wang Jinjie, deputy secretary-general of the Peking University Center for African Studies.

Last year, China-Africa trade reached $295.6 billion, setting a record high for the fourth consecutive year, and marking the 16th consecutive year China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner.

Since the launch of the zero-tariff policy through March this year, China’s imports from African LDCs rose 15.2 percent year on year, reaching $21.42 billion. In the first quarter of this year, Chinese imports of African coffee surged by 70.4 percent, while cocoa bean imports rose by 56.8 percent.

Unlike reciprocal free-trade models requiring complex negotiations, China’s approach offers unilateral, equal market access to all African partners. “Combined with streamlined customs procedures,” Wang adds, “this institutional innovation aligns with Africa’s aspirations for fair global trade participation.”

African nations differ widely in geography, resource endowments, and economic structures. Kenya, for example, is a major flower exporter, Tanzania is known for its cashews and sisal, and South Africa, one of Africa’s most economically developed countries, maintains a relatively complete industrial system with relatively mature industries such as mining and agriculture.

According to Zhang Chuanhong, a professor at the College of Humanities and Development Studies at China Agricultural University, whether resource-rich, agriculture-based, or industrially underdeveloped, African countries can leverage the zero-tariff policy to boost exports, develop their industrial and value chains, and accelerate local economic growth.

China further supports Africa through industrial capacity building. Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of commerce, noted that Chinese enterprises are investing in and building economic and trade parks across Africa, promoting industrial collaboration, and contributing to local tax revenues, employment, and export earnings.

In Egypt, the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone built by Chinese companies has formed clusters in textiles, glass, building materials, and home appliances, serving as a model for African industrialization.

In Tanzania, the East Africa Commercial and Logistics Center built by Chinese enterprises has attracted over 430 small and medium-sized enterprises. Once fully operational, it is expected to create more than 20,000 local jobs.

In Zambia, the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone developed by Chinese companies is building a complete copper industry chain, from copper mining to smelting and processing, helping Africa raise the added value of mineral products.

China will continue to take African partners’ specific conditions and needs into account, pursuing a flexible and pragmatic approach in negotiations on areas such as trade facilitation, inclusive growth, resilient supply chains, and industrial modernization, said an official with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

China aims to enter into agreements that comply with World Trade Organization rules and serve the interests of both sides as early as possible, ultimately achieving zero tariffs on 100 percent of tariff lines, the official added. Leveraging the advantages of its vast market and the progress of Chinese modernization, China aims to create more opportunities for African countries and support their participation in global trade on more equal terms.

By Li Junjie, People’s Daily

In a workshop in Wuhu, east China’s Anhui province, rows of industrial robots stood in neat formation, their mechanical arms poised mid-air, awaiting final inspection before rolling off the production line.

Nearby, workers moved with practiced rhythm – lifting, pairing, assembling – and with each passing hour, another robot was completed and ready for delivery.

This is the manufacturing and delivery center of EFORT Intelligent Robot Co., Ltd., a leading player in China’s rapidly expanding robotics industry. In the first half of this year, the country, already the world’s largest producer of robots, recorded a 35.6 percent year-on-year increase in industrial robot output.

“We now produce about 2,000 robots each month,” said Zhang Fei, head of production management at EFORT. “That was our total annual sales five years ago.” 

“Last year, we sold 16,000 robots. In the first half of this year alone, sales reached around 10,000 units, with full-year figures expected to surpass 20,000,” added Shang Xuran, EFORT’s welding product director.

Diversifying applications, capturing new markets

EFORT’s sales have increased eightfold in just four years, with growth projected to exceed 25 percent this year. Zhang Wei, EFORT’s deputy general manager, attributes this momentum to diversification.

“In the past, most of our products went to photovoltaic companies. In recent years, we’ve expanded into robots for the automotive and home appliance industries,” explained Zhang Wei, EFORT’s deputy general manager. 

He noted that China’s trade-in policies have boosted demand for new energy vehicles, electronics, and household appliances, prompting manufacturers to expand production capacity and improve efficiency. This has created new opportunities for EFORT, while the Chinese government’s push for intelligent manufacturing transformation has kept downstream demand high, enlarging the company’s market.

Domestic innovation gains ground

Qianchao Intelligent Manufacturing (Wuhu) Co., Ltd., a producer of constant velocity drive shafts for automobiles, is among EFORT’s long-term clients. In its workshops, handling robots shuttle back and forth between production lines and storage areas with precise coordination. “Of our 63 handling robots, 58 were supplied by EFORT,” said Tang Liansheng, head of equipment at Qianchao.

Qianchao previously relied on imported handling robots, but high costs prompted it to test a Chinese domestically produced alternative from EFORT, whose factory is located just 16 kilometers away.

“Tests showed that the stability and reliability of domestic robots were on par with imported models, while costing more than 40 percent less. And given our proximity, any technical issues can be resolved quickly,” Tang said. When building a new workshop, the company decisively placed a full order with EFORT.

“Improving performance and developing homegrown alternatives were only possible through joint innovation across the supply chain,” said Zhang Lin, EFORT’s platform product director. 

One longstanding technical bottleneck in China’s high-performance industrial robot production was the design of gear train-driven joints. Working with an upstream supplier, EFORT spent 14 months overcoming this challenge. The resulting technology is now widely used on the production lines of Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturers such as BYD and Seres.

From domestic success to global reach

China ‘s industrial robot exports reached second place globally last year, with first-half 2025 shipments surging 61.5% year-on-year. EFORT has been a key contributor, adapting advanced technologies into competitive products for overseas markets.

On one EFORT production line, six painting robots worked in concert with two door-opening robots to simulate painting the interiors and exteriors of car bodies.

“This paint application test line, commissioned last year, integrates over 30 years of Italian robotics expertise,” explained Zhang Wei.” After acquiring CMA Robotics, we spent two years fully absorbing their technology before developing our next-generation painting robots.” 

The new models have been deployed in China’s rail transit, passenger vehicle, and auto parts industries, and are also used by international clients, including Italian automakers Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

“In June alone, we delivered more than 100 painting robots to clients,” Zhang Wei said. Just 30 kilometers away, construction is underway on a “robot superfactory” with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Once operational, the facility will deploy intelligent robots to assemble other robots, bringing the concept of “robots building robots” closer to reality.

By Wu Yuehui, People’s Daily

A series of research findings by Chinese scientists on the samples collected by the Chang’e-6 mission from the moon’s far side have unveiled the volcanic activity, ancient magnetic field, water content and geochemical characteristics of the moon mantle, shedding the first light on the evolutionary history of its dark side.

For the first time, researchers found evidence of volcanic activity on the moon’s far side approximately 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago, indicating such activity had persisted for at least 1.4 billion years.

Since Chang’e-6 brought lunar far-side samples back to Earth in June 2024, Chinese research teams have made multiple groundbreaking discoveries within just one year. Four of these findings were published in Nature, reflecting a research pace that significantly surpasses comparable international missions.

The driving force behind this rapid progress lies in China’s unique organized scientific research model, a structured approach that differs from the traditional “free exploration” method. Tailored to respond to the evolving frontiers of science and technology, this model is designed to address major scientific questions and technical bottlenecks.

By enabling systematic planning, cross-institutional collaboration, and innovative mechanisms, the organized scientific research model breaks down disciplinary boundaries and mitigates fragmented efforts. It integrates high-quality resources, reduces redundancy, and enhances efficiency, making it particularly effective in addressing urgent scientific tasks and advancing core technologies.

During the early planning stages of the Chang’e-6 mission, researchers identified the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin on the moon’s far side as the landing site to investigate the long-standing enigma of the asymmetry between the near and far sides. This targeted approach ensured that research efforts remained concentrated and efficient.

During sample analysis, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) led coordinated efforts with dozens of institutions, including Nanjing University and the China Academy of Space Technology, to foster in-depth interdisciplinary collaboration. Scientists and engineers from diverse fields worked side by side, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the generation of innovative solutions.

One notable example involved a batch of basaltic fragments, which were analyzed by multidisciplinary teams specializing in geochemistry, geology, and geophysics. These teams jointly examined the samples’ age, water content, origin, and magnetic properties, demonstrating the collaborative efforts of organized scientific research.

Complementing this organized model was a spirit of scientific exploration. The far side of the moon – long beyond the reach of previous sampling missions – remained a true scientific frontier.

Wu Fuyuan, an academician of CAS and a leading researcher with the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, noted that the far side was completely uncharted territory, with no certainty about what might be retrieved.

“This reverence for the unknown and the fear of missing something important permeated the entire research process,” Wu said. Despite numerous uncertainties and formidable challenges, researchers pressed forward with resolve, achieving major breakthroughs that marked a leap from “zero to one.”

As a new wave of scientific and technological revolution accelerates, scientific challenges are becoming increasingly complex. The limitations of single-discipline research and isolated efforts have become evident. Solving today’s complex scientific issues and major technological challenges requires a broader embrace of organized, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research, guided by frontier trends in science and technology.

The Chang’e-6 mission stands as a testament to the effectiveness of China’s organized scientific research model. Its success provides valuable experience for tackling even greater scientific and technological challenges ahead.

By Li Zhongwen, Liu Junguo, People’s Daily

One out of every three Android smartphones worldwide is equipped with optical lenses made in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang province. More than 90 percent of global sewing machine manufacturers rely on rotary hooks produced in the city. Ningbo also supplies 40 percent of the cutting wire used globally by high-precision machine tools for producing precision molds and components.

Through a dedicated focus on specialized precision manufacturing, Ningbo-based companies have secured a strong foothold in the global industrial chain. In recent years, the city has been accelerating its efforts to build a world-class hub for advanced manufacturing, steadily enhancing its industrial capabilities.

Fostering champions of specialized manufacturing

Ningbo has cultivated a robust ecosystem of manufacturing champions, with a strong emphasis on nurturing highly specialized sectors.

“Orders are already booked through 2027,” said Zhu Mengxing, co-founder of Ningbo Zhongke Xianglong Lightweight Technology Co., Ltd. According to Zhu, the company’s operating revenue doubled year on year in the first half of this year, with full-year growth projected to reach 220 percent.

As a pioneer in lightweight solutions for the commercial aerospace industry, the company manufactures major components for aircraft engines and civilian aerospace systems. It has achieved a 42 percent weight reduction in critical aerospace structures, significantly boosting performance and efficiency.

In 2024, the company undertook 27 commercial aerospace projects, securing a leading share of China’s commercial aerospace market.

Ningbo has established a tiered support system for enterprises at every stage of development, including potential startups, key enterprises, “little giant” enterprises (specialized SMEs with strong innovation capacity) and individual manufacturing champions. This system encourages synergy among companies of all sizes, promoting comprehensive upgrades across technologies, products, and supply chains. The city is currently home to 104 nationally recognized individual manufacturing champion enterprises.

Emerging industries on the rise

Ningbo’s emerging industries have maintained strong momentum. In the first half of 2025, the added value of high-tech manufacturing, the digital economy-related manufacturing, and equipment manufacturing rose by 13.1 percent, 7.7 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively.

A key driver behind this growth is the city’s emphasis on collaborative innovation across industrial chain and clusters, which has significantly enhanced overall production capacity.

In the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, new energy vehicles (NEVs) are being prepared for global shipment. According to Ningbo Customs, the port exported 107,000 NEVs in the first half of this year, up 275 percent year on year.

The export boom is supported by one of China’s most concentrated automotive ecosystems, featuring approximately 5,000 auto parts suppliers within a 50-kilometer radius of the city.

Since Chinese automaker BYD established its east China production base in Ningbo, local parts sourcing has jumped from 35 percent to 68 percent in just six months, enabling same-day delivery of critical components.

Currently, Ningbo is home to more than 8,800 high-tech enterprises, with the added value of high-tech industries accounting for more than 60 percent of the total value-added industrial output of enterprises above the designated size. The city has independently or jointly built several national-level advanced manufacturing clusters and specialized SME industrial clusters.

Enhancing digital and green transformation

Ningbo is strategically integrating digitalization and sustainable practices to drive new economic growth.

On an intelligent production line for air fryers, a robotic arm powered by renewable energy installs a precision smart control module. From injection molding to stamping and coating, the entire process takes just 30 seconds before the appliance is ready for packaging and export.

At Zhejiang Biyi Electric Appliance Co., Ltd. in Yuyao, a county-level city under Ningbo’s administration, a 5-megawatt rooftop solar panel system glistens in the sun.

“Thanks to solar energy and our new high-efficiency compressed air system, we’re saving over 1.7 million yuan (about $236,719) a year,” said Pan Zaiming, chairman of the company’s board of supervisors.

As a major advanced manufacturing hub in China, Ningbo is charting new paths for industrial transformation by integrating digitalization with sustainable practices.

For instance, a local textile company has developed a flexible, intelligent workshop capable of identifying carbon-intensive and polluting processes, while a local new materials firm is applying digital solutions to eco-friendly product design.

In 2024, Ningbo implemented over 2,700 digital transformation projects for industrial enterprises above the designated size, achieving full coverage. The city added 11 national-level 5G smart factories and six provincial-level pilot “future factories

By Song Haoxin, People’s Daily

In Guihua township of Pengzhou, southwest China’s Sichuan province, the air hums with the sound of drones. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types and sizes are a constant presence in the skies – hovering, gliding, and maneuvering. This township is home to the Chinese national civil UAV testing base – known as “Sky Eye.”

Located in the northwestern corner of the Chengdu Plain, Pengzhou spans elevations from 489 meters to 4,814 meters above sea level. This vast elevation range creates a unique topographical environment, offering an expansive and versatile testing environment for advancing the low-altitude economy. 

Currently, “Sky Eye” features 10 functional areas, including those for test flights, countermeasure validation, and communications, along with 19 distinct test scenarios. The facility has attracted 145 enterprises and research institutions, ranking it first among China’s 20 national UAV testing bases in terms of the number of facilities and testing scenarios.

Notably, “Sky Eye” pioneered a nationwide reform in airspace management, shifting from pre-approvals to a streamlined notification system. Previously, UAV test flights required applications seven working days in advance. Now, only a 30-minute advance filing is necessary. This substantial reduction in processing time has significantly accelerated project implementation. Since this reform, the base has recorded more than 200 flights per day on average, with airspace utilization efficiency increasing by over fivefold.

Leveraging the cluster of drone-related enterprises, Pengzhou is also actively enhancing its capabilities in low-altitude security, aiming to build an integrated management platform that facilitates surveillance, target identification, and countermeasure operations across low-altitude airspace.

Among the resident enterprises at “Sky Eye” is Shenzhen Naijie Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. When company head Chen Wei first visited Pengzhou, the base was still in its early stages. However, he was immediately attracted by its diverse topography, flexible airspace, and high frequency of test flights. Within just one week, he completed site registration and testing preparations.

Through continuous innovation and technological advancements, the company developed a multispectral electro-optical tracking system. By integrating multispectral imaging with intelligent recognition, the system can continuously monitor small, slow-moving, and low-altitude targets such as drones within a 3-to-5 kilometer radius – ideal for urban security and major event protection. “In these mountain valleys, we do not just test products; we realize our dreams,” Chen noted.

In recent years, Pengzhou has evolved from testing services to full industrial integration,  establishing local manufacturing and R&D facilities. The city launched China’s first “4S store” for drones, providing services on drone sales, maintenance, parts and information. This facility enables enterprises to purchase a full range of drones and counter-surveillance products, order customized solutions for specific applications, and conduct immediate on-site testing – all within a single location.

Recognizing talent as foundational, Pengzhou established the first batch of drone training schools in southwest China. These institutions offer certification programs, skills training, and public education. In collaboration with institutions such as the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China, the city has built practical training platforms that have already trained over 3,000 skilled professionals nationwide.

Drones are now being deployed across an expanding range of sectors in Pengzhou, including logistics, emergency response, infrastructure inspection, public services, and law enforcement.

In December 2024, villagers in Yaojia village, Pengzhou’s Bailu township received their first “airborne delivery.” An automated drone completed a delivery that previously required 40 minutes by road in just eight minutes. This “sky courier” system has enhanced mail delivery efficiency in mountainous areas by more than 80 percent. So far, Pengzhou has established 50 low-altitude logistics stations in its mountainous regions, with over 6,000 drone delivery flights completed since January 2024.

In emergency rescue scenarios, drones are proving especially valuable. In February, a landslide struck Luping neighborhood in Guihua township. A drone, operating on a preset patrol route, promptly detected the incident. Equipped with thermal imaging and gas sensors, it accurately located trapped individuals. In geological disaster early warning and forest fire prevention, the city’s integrated “air-ground-space” emergency response system has improved hazard detection efficiency by 80 percent.

“There remains significant untapped potential for drone applications. We will continue to deepen our ‘drone-plus’ strategy, expand application scenarios, and vigorously develop the low-altitude economy,” said an official from Pengzhou’s low-altitude economy office.