International auto city takes off in Changchun

Changchun international automobile city -- located in the Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone in Changchun, capital of Northeast China's Jilin province -- is under construction amid high-speed development, according to local reports.

The international auto city is Changchun's blueprint for seeking high-quality and innovative growth. According to the plan, it will cover 471 square kilometers and will be based on major Chinese auto manufacturer the FAW Group, which is a leading corporate resident in the city.

It will focus on building a world-class auto and auto parts research and development, production and aftermarket service base -- as well as creating an automobile industry development demonstration zone.

The Changchun Automobile Economic and Technological Development Zone boasts five automobile manufacturers -- including FAW-Hongqi, FAW-Jiefang, FAW-Volkswagen, FAW-Toyota, and FAW sedans -- making it the core area for the auto sector in the city.

Officials said the zone is an ideal place for building the international auto city because of its strong vehicle research, manufacturing and testing capabilities, solid auto parts manufacturing base and complete aftermarket services system.

To date, a total of 165 projects with an investment of more than 50 million yuan ($7 million) each have been on schedule to start construction in the zone.

Officials said they include 151 projects with an investment of more than 100 million yuan each and 50 projects with funding of more than 1 billion yuan each.

They added the zone has been offering every possible support for the return to work and production of its resident companies, as well as for the construction of new projects.