An aerial view of the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area. [Photo/VCG]

In 1984, the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Area (YEDA) was granted approval for establishment. Over the subsequent 40 years, this national-level development zone charted a path of high-quality development through innovation.

Tayho Advanced Materials Group, situated on the west bank of the Jiahe River within YEDA, produced China's first spandex filament in the 1980s and subsequently filled the voids in the meta-aramid, para-aramid, and aramid paper industries.

Pioneering innovation, Tayho globally introduced numerous cutting-edge technologies, including fiber lithium batteries, transitioning from a follower to a leader in the industry.

Growing alongside Tayho is the science and innovation zone in YEDA. After six years of development, it has attracted 16 high-level talents, initiated 28 municipal and provincial-level science and innovation platform projects, established one technology enterprise incubation park, gathered over 700 research personnel, and incubated 20 technology enterprises. An increasing number of innovative accomplishments are emerging from the area and reaching a national and global audience.

With a focus on cultivating future economic growth drivers, YEDA has decided to concentrate on the development of two strategic emerging industries - new energy storage and specialty semiconductors.

Over 30 new energy storage enterprises have congregated in the area, spanning battery materials, cell control, and hydrogen storage, with the industry now beginning to take shape. The development of the semiconductor industry has also gained traction, forming a comprehensive technological enterprise lineup covering design, manufacturing, packaging, testing, and applications.

From a barren land to an industrial new city, YEDA epitomizes Yantai's proactive openness to the outside world and relentless innovation and progress. In the future, more incredible dreams will continue to manifest here.