Formerly known as Baohe Industrial Zone, Baohe Economic Development Zone was established in May 2002, and approved by the provincial government as a provincial-level development zone in February 2006. The approved construction area is 6.18 square kilometers. In February 2015, with the approval of the provincial government, it was renamed and the overall planned area was expanded to 17.05 sq km.
The zone is endowed with unique regional advantages. It takes only two hours to drive to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, and four hours to Beijing, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen and Xi'an.
As a clustering development base for two strategic emerging industries: new energy vehicles and the cultural and creative sector, the zone has brought together more than 20 listed companies, including Jianghuai Automobile, Ankai Bus, Changqing Machinery, Yanzhifang and Taier Heavy Industry. Its comprehensive ability leads the way in the province's industrial development.
In 2018, regional GDP achieved 105 billion yuan ($15.53 billion). The added value of industries above designated size totaled 10 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 5 percent. It achieved fiscal revenue of 8.8 billion yuan, of which local fiscal revenue was 5.2 billion yuan, an increase of 21.7 percent year-on-year.