Plans to vigorously develop integrated circuit, electronic component, and other industries in the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone gained considerable traction Dec 20 with the opening of two investment funds and other developments.

The support for attracting global integrated circuit high-quality innovation resources was announced at the 16th Conference on Promotion of China IC Industry ("China Chip" 2021) at the Zhuhai International Exhibition & Convention Center in Shizimen. Mayor Huang Zhihao said Zhuhai will integrate park land, industrial funds, bonus policies, and State-owned equity participation to attract clusters in the industrial chain and introduce chip companies with core competitiveness.

Initiation ceremony for two investment funds at "China Chip" 2021 Conference [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

Guangdong-Macao Semiconductor Fund was launched with a first-phase scale of 10 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) to bring major IC industrial projects to the zone, promote industrial diversification, and develop an international scientific innovation center in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Located at the same address on East Huandao Road, Guangdong Wuyuefeng Integrated Circuit Equity Investment Fund also was officially started with initial capital of 5 billion yuan ($785 million) to fund the creation of professional parks and establishment of integrated circuit production and education demonstration bases.

Along those lines, a plaque was unveiled for Guangdong-Macao IC Design Industrial Park in Hengqin. Another was shown for a "China Chip" IC Industry-Education Integration Base in the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (Tangjiawan).

Among 100 "China Chip" excellent awards nationwide for innovations, market performance, industrial applications, and technical standards were several from Zhuhai. Local companies cited at the conference for excellent products and support services are: Zhuhai Orbita Aerospace Science & Technology, Innosecco (Zhuhai) Technology, Zhuhai Allwinner Technology, Zhuhai Zero Boundary Integrated Circuit, and Zhuhai First Micro Semiconductor.

The two-day conference was themed "China's Chips on the Chain, Achievements Made in China." Ni Guangnan of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Liu Ming of the Chinese Academy of Sciences delivered speeches at the opening ceremony. The investment environment in Zhuhai and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin were also promoted. 

The event was hosted by China Electronic Information Industry Development (CCID), Zhuhai Municipal People's Government, and the Executive Committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.