Zhenjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone

The Zhenjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone (Zhenjiang ETDZ, Chinese: 镇江经济技术开发区) is a national-level development zone situated in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China. Located in the eastern part of the city's “one core, two wings” urban framework, the area encompasses 222 square kilometers and has a permanent population of around 264,000 inhabitants. History The development zone originated in May 1992, when it was first formed in Dingmao. In October 1993, the Dagang Economic Development Zone was established. The two zones were consolidated in June 1998, resulting in the establishment of the Zhenjiang Economic and Technological Development Zone. In April 2010, it was formally elevated to a national-level economic and technology development zone. Transit Located at the intersection of the Yangtze River and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the area enjoys a natural geographic advantage. It features 17 kilometers of deep-water shoreline and functions as a premier national port, linking with 288 ports in 71 nations globally. Zhenjiang ETDZ boasts excellent connectivity via terrestrial and aerial transport. It is traversed by three principal expressways (Shanghai–Nanjing, Yangzhou–Liyang, Jiangyin–Yixing) and three high-speed trains (Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity, Lianyungang–Zhenjiang). The Wufengshan Yangtze River Bridge connects the northern and southern banks of the Yangtze River. The area is located within a 30-minute drive of three important airports, including Nanjing Lukou International Airport. Industrial Framework The zone emphasizes four primary industries: New Materials: As one of China's premier 30 national chemical parks, it accommodates prominent firms like Chi Mei Corporation and BASF, with taxable industrial sales constituting over 40% of the total. New Energy: Supported by firms such as Farasis Energy and CECEP, the field includes power batteries and photovoltaics. The region has created a national demonstration site for distributed photovoltaics. The zone, which houses Jiangsu Province's inaugural national-level aerospace industrial base, provides 10% of the components and 50% of the composite structural parts for the C919 airplane. The region has established industrial chains in high-end pharmaceuticals and medical devices, with companies like GenScript and Jiangsu Jibeier. Economic and Social Advancement In 2024, the region reported a GDP of RMB 90.696 billion. The import and export volume constituted 38% of the city's total, while the actual utilization of foreign capital represented 39% of Zhenjiang's total. The region excels in technical innovation, featuring over 250 high-tech companies, 44 intelligent manufacturing demonstration workshops, and 326 registered technology-driven SMEs in 2024. Public services are highly developed, comprising 50 primary and secondary schools, 83 medical institutions, and a doubling of per capita disposable income over the preceding decade, which reached RMB 57,000 in 2023. In 2024, the zone was recognized in both the Top 100 National Development Zones for High-Quality Growth and the Top 100 Advanced Manufacturing Zones. It is established as an innovation-centric industrial center in the Yangtze River Delta, utilizing a port-based economy, digital and intelligent transformation, and open connectivity as catalysts for growth, aiming to become a "golden hub" along the Yangtze River. References