24 projects signed to boost Changsha airport economic zone

Twenty-four airport projects covering air service, cross-border e-commerce, bonded trade, bonded logistics, financial services and new energy were signed into effect in the Changsha Airport Economic Demonstration Zone on June 15.

The signing ceremony was held alongside an investment promotion meeting in the Changsha Aerotropolis Citizen Experience Center.

The projects will further enhance the connecting effect of the airport industry, and provide a strong impetus for the development of Changsha's open economy and the transformation of Changsha into a beacon of open economy in inland China.

Changsha has been taking full advantage of the Changsha Huanghua International Airport and preparing to develop the Changsha Airport Economic Demonstration Zone.

Six major preferential policies involving finance and taxation, land use, talented personnel, technology, investment and services were announced by Changsha authorities at the ceremony, with the aim of promoting sustainable growth in the area.

Blue Book 2018: Development of Airport Economic Zones (AEZs) in China was released at the meeting by Wang Xuedong, executive chairman of the Aerotropolis Development Committee of the China Research Society of Urban Development and director of the International Aerotropolis Research Center of Fudan University.

Wang pointed out that the Changsha Airport Economic Demonstration Zone has made some remarkable achievements since being approved by the State Council in May 2017.

The zone has created an aerial exit for the inland province of Hunan, and has also become an example of how to open up to the world through the development of the airport industry, Wang said, adding that the economic zone will work with other airports to promote the opening up of China on all fronts. Zeng Chaoqun, Party secretary of Changsha county and secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Changsha Airport Economic Demonstration Zone, explained that a number of logistics companies, including SF, YTO, and DHL, have already started operating in the region.

So far, about 200 companies have registered in the Huanghua Comprehensive Bonded Area near the airport, which is expected to achieve an annual trade value of $3 billion yuan this year, Zeng said.

Next, Changsha county will strive to develop the AEZ into a cluster of high-end airport economic industries and a comprehensive transportation hub of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, with a focus on air transport, air services, foreign trade processing, exports and imports, and high-end technological research and development.