A sweeping aerial view of Shinan district [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Shinan district – located in Qingdao city in East China's Shandong province – has big plans for 2021, the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), when the development of a raft of new projects will be accelerated.

During the current year it will further promote the expansion of its headquarters economy and digital economy – adding new  modern finance, commerce and trade business – as well as increasing the shipping and trade, culture and tourism sectors.

The emphasis will be on the industrial system – creating a highland for the modern services industry and a destination for corporate headquarters and fashion consumption, according to a report on the district's meeting about the 18th session of the National People's Congress.

In the current year, the district has targeted year-on-year GDP growth of around 8 percent, retail sales growth of 9 percent and fixed asset investment growth above 10 percent.

To meet the goals of what it calls its "project landing year", Shinan has accelerated the development of 76 projects with a total investment of 124 billion yuan ($19.15 billion).

Speeding up drive to scientific, tech innovation

In 2021, Shinan will add 10 innovation platforms above the provincial level and five technological innovation incubators, as well as complete registering technical contracts worth 3 billion yuan.

The SCO Member Technology Transfer Center – which was set up in Shinan last year by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization -- achieved a technology transfer of 80 percent, involving a total of 500 million yuan in funds, to develop overseas collaborative systems and build one overseas coordination center.

Regional headquarters economy takes off, new business forms develop

The regional headquarters of 30 enterprises moved to Shinan and the commercial real estate building economy kicked off last year. The regional headquarters center of the Haitian Group officially started operating and the headquarters center of the China Stone Industry Service Group introduced one listed company and 10 high-growth enterprises.

Shinan will develop new forms of business, such as supply chain financing and technology. It will promote the settlement of key projects, establish 60 new financial institutions and enterprises and move to pilot the use of digital currencies.

Shinan to accelerate revitalization of old urban areas in western Qingdao

Jinan Road was opened to traffic recently. The second phase of the Chichai Yard, Ningyang Road area and the first phase of Huangdao Road area protection and utilization projects were completed and opened to the public.