Provincial legislatures and political advisory bodies across China have convened their local “two sessions” of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference recently, outlining plans for the year ahead to promote the integration of technological and industrial innovation, expand effective demand, and develop new quality productive forces tailored to regional needs.
In 2024, Guangdong became the first province in China to surpass a total economic output of 14 trillion yuan ($1.9 trillion). Meanwhile, Jiangsu saw its high-tech industries account for more than 50 percent of the value added to large-scale industrial production for the first time, and Shandong’s digital economy now represents over 49 percent of its GDP.
As 2025 marks the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, major economic provinces have set their economic growth targets to around five percent. Guangdong’s goal is approximately five percent, Henan aims for around 5.5 percent, Shandong and Jiangsu both aim to target 5 percent or higher, and Sichuan is aiming for a growth rate of over 5.5 percent.
Specifically, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has announced plans to implement actions for the high-quality development of key manufacturing industry chains, accelerate the development of industrial parks, and foster new forms of digital productivity. By actively leveraging digital technologies, the region aims to transform and upgrade traditional industries.
In addition, Guangdong is focusing on supporting over 10,000 industrial firms in their technological upgrades and digital transformation. It also aims to help 5,500 enterprises scale up and nurture more top-tier companies. Meanwhile, Beijing has proposed a growth mechanism to boost investment, targeting the development of 20 future industries, including humanoid robotics, commercial aerospace, biomanufacturing, new materials, and future energy sectors.
