Future development

A technician with Hoaco Automation Technology in Weifang tests the company's precision equipment.

Looking forward, the zone's government has vowed to provide better services to businesses in 2017.

"We will continue to enhance government service quality to support business development in 2017," said Song Chifeng, the zone's deputy Party chief and director of its administrative committee. "We will also provide more support to companies of all sizes, improve the innovation service system, continue to streamline administrative procedures and designate more power to lower-level governments."

Chen Jiacai, deputy Party chief of the zone's working committee, said: "In 2017, we will strive to provide premium services to companies and residents in the region."

Thanks to local government support, companies in the zone are upbeat about future development.

Shengrui, for example, has set a goal to produce 250,000 8AT units in 2017.