High-speed, sustainable development model

Shunyi, a new district in the north of Beijing, feels that its good environment makes it natural for both living and doing business. Photos Provided to China Daily

The Tianzhu bonded area is China's first and only airport bonded area today.

This traditional farming base of Beijing has been pushing the agricultural industry to higher levels with a 'green' and circular production model.

Shunyi's proximity to city's airport makes it an ideal international exchange center

One of three new districts in Beijing, Shunyi has been designated an airport economic zone and modern manufacturing base, and has been introducing various industries in recent years to help its economy.

The government plans to improve its industrial structure through improved manufacturing, a larger service sector, and more effective modern agriculture, according to local officials.

The local government has a high-speed, but sustainable development model, with key industries that include: telecommunications, auto manufacturing, food and beverages, modern logistics, air transportation, and conventions and exhibitions.

The district reported a gross domestic product (GDP) of 81.3 billion yuan ($12.5 billion) for 2010, and an average annual growth rate of 26 percent, under the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010).

It is worth noting that the service industry's contribution to local GDP - from logistics, finance, and tourism - was up nearly 60 percent over the last five years.

Because of its proximity to Beijing International Airport, Shunyi is regarded as an international exchange center.

Airport zone

The airport economic zone is the first of its kind in the country and one of six major industrial zones in Beijing. It has contributed 70 percent of the district's total revenues.

More than 20 of the world's top 500 enterprises have been attracted to the airport zone, along with 80 other prominent multinationals.

Understandably, it contains China's first airport bonded area - the Tianzhu Comprehensive Bonded Area.

This is one of the most open zones in China, with the greatest number of preferential policies, most complete functions, and most simplified business registration and approval procedures.

The bonded area began operation on December 20 last year, but more than 100 companies are already doing businesses in the area. They have brought in about 10 billion yuan in investment, and the import and export volume has exceeded 10 billion yuan.

A logistics base, to the north of the airport, has more than 70 logistics companies from around the world, including the Netherlands' TNT, Germany's DHL, and Hong Kong's Asian Tigers Group.

Shunyi also has a convention and exhibition industry park, to the west of the airport economic zone, which is home to Beijing's New International Exhibition Center. It is expected to cover a 200,000-square-meter area after the completion of its second stage.

By the end of last year, the facility had played host to nearly 50 large exhibitions and conferences.

The park not only handles conventions and exhibitions, but the creativity industry as well. More than 150 such enterprises have started operations there.

The local government is looking at an aviation industry park for Shunyi, for equipment manufacturing, technology development, and services to make it a national aviation technology hub.

Automobiles

The auto industry is another engine of economic development in the district, and brings in more than 100 billion yuan in revenues annually.

The Beijing Hyundai Motor Co and BAIC Motor Group, two of Beijing's key automobile manufacturers, are both in Shunyi, where a third Hyundai factory is being planned.

The district government says it will have many other auto-related projects in future, including design and R&D centers, motor electronics, and auto shows.

The local government sees an improved auto manufacturing chain and plans to build an auto industry base with global influence.

The district is expected to have a production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles annually by the end of 2015.

In addition to these industries, some emerging sectors such as new materials, new energy, and IT are in Shunyi's industrial sights.

And the agricultural sector, a traditional industry, has not been left out. It is being pushed to a higher level with a 'green', circular production model. The district's agriculture is expected to increase its share of the Beijing farm produce market.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page5)