A tech product produced by HGTECH, a company based in Optics Valley of China. [Photo/WeChat account of Optics Valley of China]

The number of high-tech companies in East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China) in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, increased by 830 in the past year, accounting for 45.1 percent of Wuhan's total (1,842), according to local media reports.

By the end of last year, the number of high-tech enterprises in Optics Valley had exceeded 3,100.

In the next five years, R&D investment will account for more than 10 percent of the zone's total financial expenditures and the number of invention patents will double. Also, the total number of high-end companies in Optics Valley will reach 10,000, according to the zone's officials.

The zone will strive to develop into a national innovation-driven development demonstration area and a pilot zone for high-quality development in Central China.

According to officials, Optics Valley will continue to strengthen the development of its two pillar industries – the optoelectronic information and life and health sectors. In five years, it is expected to be home to 100 public companies.