Jakarta, INTI - The Chinese government reported that the number of national high-tech industrial development zones has reached 179, following the upgrade of the Xiong’an High-Tech Zone in Hebei Province in February 2026.
Strong Contribution to the National Economy
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology stated that these zones have become key pillars of economic growth and national innovation.
In 2025, their total output reached 20.4 trillion yuan (approximately USD 2.97 trillion), contributing 14.5% to the country’s gross domestic product.
Ministry official Yao Jun explained during a press conference that investment in research and development (R&D) has also increased significantly.
“Companies within these zones spent around 1.2 trillion yuan on internal research and development in 2025,” he said.
Innovation Hubs and Global Talent Centers
China’s national high-tech industrial zones have evolved into major hubs for innovation and entrepreneurial talent development.
More than 26 million people are employed across these zones, with around 40% holding at least a bachelor’s degree.
The ministry noted that the number of R&D personnel per 10,000 employees in these zones is approximately 12 times higher than the national average.
In addition, these zones have established strategic partnerships with more than 30 countries and regions, and have developed five cooperation zones for small and medium-sized enterprises.
International collaboration continues to expand, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, new energy, advanced materials, and biomedicine, aimed at strengthening global industrial and supply chains.
Conclusion
China’s expansion of national high-tech industrial zones to 179 regions highlights its strong commitment to innovation-driven growth and industrial upgrading. With massive contributions to GDP, rising R&D investment, and a highly skilled workforce, these zones have become critical engines of economic development. Strengthened global partnerships in emerging sectors such as AI, new energy, and biomedicine further reinforce China’s position in shaping future global industrial and supply chain ecosystems.
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