Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone holds a conference on the development of new economy on Jan 22. [Photo from WeChat account hefeigaoxinfabu]

Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone in Anhui province is set to further develop its new economy, according to an implementation plan issued at a conference on Jan 22.

Lyu Changfu, deputy director of the zone's administrative committee, explained that with the aim of taking the new economy to new heights, Hefei high-tech zone will stick to being innovative and building platforms, and deepen the reform related to the quality, efficiency and growth drivers of economic development, according to the plan. The zone is expected to become a worldwide leader in the sector of the new economy by 2021.

A research institute, also a high-end think tank with insights into new development trends of the new economy from a global perspective, was inaugurated at the conference, aiming to provide intellectual support for Anhui's innovation-driven development.

A fund for the development of the new economy, which is worth 2 billion yuan ($294.65 million), was set up at the conference as well. Focusing on six emerging industries such as information technology, public securities and biomedicine, the fund will be used to support the growth of high-tech enterprises with good development prospects.

A group of high-potential companies, including the first unicorn company in Anhui province, was recognized at the conference. It is the first time that Hefei National High-tech Industry Development Zone has given such certifications to companies, showing its determination in supporting quality enterprises.