Special area lures firms, talent with open policies

Environment key to attracting best across range of industries

The Lingang Special Area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, launched on Aug 20, is accelerating its drive to generate further opening-up and economic growth.

With an initial area of 119.5 square kilometers, the area is expected to grow into a special economic zone with strong global influence and competitiveness by 2035.

"The establishment of the Lingang Special Area is an extension of the Shanghai free trade zone. It is not a simple expansion of space and policy translation, but rather a promotion for all-around opening-up at a higher level, with more space and with a greater effort," said Ying Yong, mayor of Shanghai, at the 31st International Business Leaders' Advisory Council held in October.

Ying stressed that open policies and systems are key to development.

Over the past two months after the new area's establishment, a series of favorable policies have been released to boost talent attraction, financial support and industry innovation.

The latest are 56 favorable measures, which were announced by the Lingang administrative committee on Oct 18. The policies, officials said, will bolster the full life-cycle development of emerging industries and build an open industrial system that will be competitive globally.

Among them are 10 supportive policies for four industries including integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, aerospace and biomedicine. Meanwhile, 16 specific guidelines were introduced to foster breakthroughs in core technologies and products, boost innovation capabilities and nurture an innovative industrial environment.

According to Lingang's administrative committee, the newly released policies will focus on the development of the entire industrial chain.

Meanwhile, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises which are on the industrial front line, will also be given more support to help grow their innovation capabilities.

Wang Chunlei, head of the comprehensive management department of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and Offshore, a subsidiary of Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, located at the intelligent manufacturing zone of Lingang Special Area, said the measures will support further growth and high-quality development for enterprises.

"Lingang Special Area is a vital cog in Shanghai to promote reform and opening-up and achieve innovative development. It is an important strategic space for Shanghai's future development, and we believe it will certainly bring new opportunities," he said.

On Aug 30, shortly after the launch of Lingang Special Area, the Shanghai government announced 50 measures for Lingang, covering efficient regional administration, professionals, finance, land use, industrial development, housing, transportation and infrastructure.

"Talent policies by Lingang Special Area provide solid support for enterprises to attract professionals and maintain stable human resources, which are important for high-quality development," Wang said.

SWS has been involved in the construction of China's first cruise vessel, which began on Oct 18 with a goal of making China a key player in the cruise industry. The 135,500-metric-ton Vista-class vessel is expected to showcase China's cutting-edge prowess in shipbuilding technologies.

Wang Hui, general manager of Shanghai Sitrus Technology, said the area's healthy business environment and rational development plans attracted him and his wife to return to Shanghai to start their business.

With more than 20 years of experience in the field of semiconductor and integrated circuits, Wang is mainly responsible for the company's technology research and development. His wife Pan Suyun is in charge of clients affairs.

"We have made a lot of preparation in technology and talent, and we will continue to work around independent innovation and R&D to create China's own chip technology," Wang said.

"The development of Lingang is very fast, and we see the rapid change every day. Although it's just started, the future of Lingang is worth supporting," Wang said.