The year 2024 stands as both an "extraordinary year" of sweeping change and a pivotal "turning point" for future progress.
On December 21, the 15th Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee convened its sixth plenary session alongside the Provincial Economic Work Conference, outlining the "Roadmap" for economic and social development in the coming year, reaffirming Zhejiang Province's commitment as a leading economic powerhouse.
It is clear: major provinces lead the nation, and major cities lead the province. Ningbo, crowned as the "City of Champions" for seven consecutive years and the first city in the country to exceed 100 champions, exudes confidence in shouldering this responsibility.
Power of Champions
As the Fourth Industrial Revolution deepens, new productive forces are becoming the "strategic assets" of major nations. How can Ningbo, the "City of Champions" seize the opportunities of this era? How strong is Ningbo's drive for innovation and quality?
Ningbo boasts 104 national-level manufacturing champions, serving as the "backbone" of its new productive forces.
RongSemi ranks among the world's top 100 unicorn companies, Ginlong Technologies has developed China's first photovoltaic energy storage inverter (S6), Tiansheng Sealing supplies pipeline seals for large nuclear power plants, and Yongxin Optics equipped the Chang'e satellite with a "far-seeing eye". These companies lead domestically and even internationally in disruptive and cutting-edge technologies.
Clearly, as the most vibrant "testing ground" for New Quality Productive Forces, champion enterprises in Ningbo have consistently placed innovation at the forefront, driving revolutionary technological breakthroughs and fostering deep industrial transformation and upgrades.
Statistics show that the number of R&D personnel in Ningbo's single champion enterprises accounts for 20.34% of the total number of employees on average, i.e. 1 out of every 5 employees in "champion" enterprises is a R&D personnel. Nearly three-quarters of the "champion" enterprises have R&D institutions at or above the provincial level.
In 2024, Ningbo earned two national science and technology awards and 50 provincial science and technology awards. The city's granted invention patents surpassed 10,000, and it led the province in innovation index growth as assessed in the monitoring of scientific and technological progress.
In the middle of last month, when deploying this year's key tasks, the Central Economic Work Conference made it clear that "we should lead industrial innovation with scientific and technological innovation and actively cultivate and develop new quality productive forces."
Technological innovation is not just talk-it's about action. So, where will the "new" in new quality productive forces take root in the future?
Ningbo is capitalizing on emerging opportunities by focusing on nine cutting-edge industries: advanced new materials, future intelligence, the metaverse, future energy, aerospace technology, future marine industries, quantum technology, original new pharmaceuticals, and future diagnostics.
In a competitive world filled with top players, Ningbo must harness its innovation, catch-up speed, and core strength to craft its unique "winning edge" for the future.
By placing innovation at the forefront, Ningbo strives to elevate industrial excellence. As a national high-tech base for the new materials industry, Ningbo accounts for over 40% of China's rare-earth permanent magnet production. It boasts the country's largest capacity for diffusion and reflective films as well as powder metallurgy components. Globally, Ningbo Crystal Diamond leads in high-quality CVD large-size single-crystal diamonds, and Henghe Materials ranks first in petroleum resin production capacity.
At present, Ningbo has gathered 25 national single champion enterprises, 68 national specialized, sophisticated, distinctive and innovative "little giant" enterprises and 810 high-tech enterprises in the field of new materials, ranking among the top in China.
By placing innovation at the forefront, Ningbo strives to turn ideas into reality. In March 2024, Ningbo Municipal People's Government signed a contract with Professor Xiong Rong of Zhejiang University and his team to jointly build the Ningbo Humanoid Robot Innovation Center. At the World Robot Conference 2024, the Innovation Center released NAVIAI 2, which has 41 degrees of freedom and a single arm load of 5 kg, with an operation accuracy of 0.1 mm.
Furthermore, Motion Technology's humanoid robot XIMIS, featuring a sophisticated sensory system and superior motion stability, ranks among the fastest walking humanoid robots globally, capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 km/h. From key components and brain algorithms to complete machine manufacturing, innovation platforms, system integration applications... At present, Ningbo has become one of the few cities in China with a relatively complete humanoid robot industry chain.
On the road of scientific and technological innovation, Ningbo is always able to create unexpected results.
The transformation and upgrading of traditional industries are accelerating, with Ningbo's new energy vehicle industry gaining momentum and achieving rapid advancements. High-level scientific innovation platforms such as the Ningbo Institute of Materials of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Yongjiang Laboratory are progressing steadily, spearheading cutting-edge technological research. Six government departments in Ningbo have jointly issued measures to attract top-tier talent, while the construction of the new research-oriented university, Ningbo Oriental Polytechnic University (tentative name), is speeding up, drawing high-caliber professionals to Ningbo. It is foreseeable that the "City of Champions" driven by new productivity will break into depopulated zones of future industries.
Champions Going Global
Renowned financial writer Qin Shuo once remarked, "When examining China's foreign trade and private manufacturing, Ningbo-this resilient city that remains unwavering year after year-is both a snapshot and a standard."
In the first 11 months of 2024, Ningbo's import and export volume totaled RMB1.29 trillion, marking a 10.1% year-on-year increase and surpassing the city's total foreign trade for 2023. Ningbo has consistently ranked fifth among Chinese cities in foreign trade.
In the face of a complex and ever-changing global environment, what drives Ningbo's remarkable resilience in foreign trade?
At the core of Ningbo's success is its robust manufacturing base. Dubbed the "City of Manufacturing Champions", Ningbo boasts 674 national manufacturing champions. Among 674 single champion enterprises, 23.67% have leading products with the highest global market share, and 63.32% dominate the domestic market.
For example, one in every three Android smartphones worldwide is equipped with an optical lens from Sunny Optical, based in Ningbo. Over 90% of sewing machine manufacturers globally rely on shuttle hooks from Ningbo Deying Precision Machinery. Moreover, 40% of the cutting wires used for high-precision grinding tools and components in machine tools are produced by Ningbo Bodoe.
These understated yet highly specialized "hidden champions" have cemented their positions in global supply chains through a steadfast commitment to excellence and precision.
If Ningbo's manufacturing embodies the quiet strength of a "hidden master", its foreign trade takes on the fearless spirit of the "Monkey King". The journey may be arduous, but no "demon or obstacle" is beyond its ability to overcome.
In recent years, Ningbo's foreign traders have often remarked, "This year may be tough for foreign trade, but it's still the best we'll see for years to come." While seemingly self-mocking, this statement reflects their composure and resilience in the face of market uncertainties.
The global economy, like an ocean, offers both serene views and turbulent storms-a coexistence of opportunities and hidden dangers. Unafraid of adversity, Ningbo's determined people have honed a wide array of skills, thriving amidst the world's challenges and mastering the art of global navigation.
Accustomed to "going global", Ningbo's traders seize every opportunity to expand internationally. In the past, the "old trio" of clothing, home appliances, and furniture dominated global markets. Today, the "new trio" of photovoltaic products, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicles is making waves on the international stage.
According to Ningbo Customs, the total export volume of "new trio" from January to November 2024 reached RMB 20 billion. Ningbo's trade with Belt and Road Initiative partner countries totaled RMB 571.74 billion, reflecting a 9.7% year-on-year growth. Among them, exports to ASEAN increased by 22%, exceeding the RMB 90 billion mark for the first time in history.
Venturing into the global market, Ningbo's resilient industries-like "sweet potatoes" rooted in their homeland-have extended their reach abroad, weaving a network that integrates into the global industrial chain.
Leading Ningbo's automotive and auto parts sector, Joyson Electronics has strategically established a global presence across three major automotive industrial clusters. With multiple core research centers and production facilities in key automobile-producing nations, it has built industrial clusters in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Likewise, another "champion" enterprise, MINTH Group, has constructed 16 factories in Serbia within three years, leveraging the advantages of the China-Serbia Free Trade Agreement. Meanwhile, Tuopu Group has established a subsidiary in Poland to fulfill orders from clients in Germany and neighboring countries.
Many capabilities need to be rebuilt if factories, supply chains, logistics and sales are moved overseas. Yang Lihua, Director of the Trade Cooperation Research Center at Ningbo University's China-CEEC Trade and Economic Cooperation Research Institute and a professor at its Business School, points out that Ningbo is spearheading the digital transformation of manufacturing through industrial intelligence upgrades. She emphasizes the importance of systematically developing data infrastructure and providing standardized guidance for high-tech import and export trade, aiming to accelerate the cultivation of core competitiveness.
For "champion" enterprises to achieve sustainable growth in the expansive global market, they must secure a leading position in global industrial chains and aspire to become true global champions.
Champion Hub
In the Sixth Plenary Session of the 14th Ningbo Municipal Party Committee last year, the report emphasized the construction of a dual-circulation hub bridging domestic and international markets, with a focus on advancing high-level reforms in systems and mechanisms to promote openness.
The concept of a "hub" embodies collaboration, development, openness, and shared success. To achieve "high-level" objectives, Ningbo must pursue deeper integration, broader perspectives, and more expansive opportunities for growth.
Ningbo Zhoushan Port is a critical pillar in advancing the domestic and international dual circulation strategy.
On the morning of November 22, 2024, the Meishan Port Area at Ningbo Zhoushan Port handled its 10 millionth TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of the year, officially entering the "10-million TEU era". This milestone also made Ningbo Zhoushan Port the only port in the world to operate two single-unit container terminals with an annual throughput exceeding 10 million TEUs, further advancing its goal of becoming a world-class powerhouse port.
The "double 10-million TEUs" achievement is not the final destination, nor are the "twin stars" of Chuanshan and Meishan the only focus. According to a representative of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, the port is actively coordinating the development of container terminal resources in Beilun, Liuheng, Jintang, and other areas. Committed to becoming a world-class powerhouse port, Ningbo Zhoushan Port is building an international hub port centered on container and bulk cargo transportation, consistently strengthening its "hardcore" capabilities to support national strategies.
Serving the dual circulation strategy of domestic and international markets, this "City of Champions" must focus on both internal and external growth.
On the external front, Ningbo is widening its doors to the world. Supporting the Belt and Road Initiative, the city has established sister-city relationships with 117 cities across 60 countries, continuously expanding its global network. Collaborative development between the China-CEEC Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Zone, the Zhejiang Pilot Free Trade Zone (Ningbo Area), and the modernized port district is progressing steadily. As a bridgehead in the "Golden Southern Wing" of Yangtze River Delta integration, Ningbo actively fosters integrated urban development with Zhoushan, Shaoxing, and Taizhou. By capitalizing on its regional strengths and ensuring smooth flows of resources and elements, Ningbo is building itself into a major engine of economic growth.
Internally, Ningbo is accelerating initiatives to boost domestic demand and encourage consumption through trade-in programs. With enhanced policies, expanded coverage, and increased subsidies, these initiatives have driven cumulative sales of RMB 21.72 billion.
Last year's National Day holiday highlighted the vibrancy of Ningbo's cultural and tourism sectors. Over 9.6 million visitors explored the city, a 10.2% year-on-year increase, while tourism revenue reached RMB 11.57 billion, marking a 7.08% rise compared to the previous year.
Looking to the future, Ningbo is building bridges between domestic and international markets, leveraging "dual resources" to access "dual markets".
As a pioneer in integrating domestic and foreign trade, Ningbo has prioritized this initiative in its municipal government work report for three consecutive years. The city leads the province with 179 provincial-level "trailblazing" enterprises and 17 pilot industrial bases, marking the highest numbers in Zhejiang.
Currently, 91% of large-scale industrial enterprises in Ningbo operate under integrated domestic and foreign trade models. However, nearly half of small and medium-sized enterprises have yet to explore opportunities in the domestic market.
To address this gap, Ningbo has implemented a "chain-based package" strategy. By leveraging its industrial clusters, robust international trade scale, and world-class port hub, the city is advancing integration through synergy across six key dimensions: enterprises, branding, channels, standards, platforms, and finance. Through increased support for leading companies and brand innovation, Ningbo is crafting distinctive solutions to tackle challenges faced across the nation.
The dual circulation strategy requires embracing the principles of institutional openness and dismantling existing "barriers".
Recently, at CITIC Gangtong's specialized container yard for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in Ningbo's Meishan Bonded Port Area, over 60 NEVs completed customs clearance and were loaded onto a ship bound for Australia on the same day, marking a significant improvement in efficiency. This leap in performance stems from one of the 2024 best institutional innovation practices in the Zhejiang Free Trade Zone-an integrated export supervision model for NEVs pioneered in the Ningbo Area.
According to Zhang Haibo, a professor at Ningbo University's Business School, the Ningbo Free Trade Zone plays a pivotal role as a hub for the dual circulation strategy. By benchmarking against high-standard international trade and economic rules, it continues to take the lead in piloting institutional openness reforms.
Fertile Ground for Champions
On December 22, 2024, the first Ningbo Intelligent Product Innovation Competition concluded, with a panel of experts led by Pan Yunhe, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, presiding over the event.
What kind of competition was this, and why did Ningbo choose to host it?
The competition attracted over 800 teams and enterprises from prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Oxford, the University of California, the National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, and Zhejiang University. A total of 503 intelligent product projects advanced to the finals.
While it appeared to be a global contest for cutting-edge intelligent products, its deeper purpose was to position Ningbo as a hub for collecting global "AI + products". The event served to inspire innovative pathways for the city's "single champion" and specialized, high-tech "little giant" enterprises.
Ningbo has always been at the forefront of emerging trends in enterprise support, earning it a reputation among local businesses for the motto: "Leverage policies, seize opportunities."
Back in 1999, Geely Auto chose to relocate its industrial base to Ningbo, drawn by the city's strong manufacturing foundation and its fertile environment for enterprise growth. Over the past two decades, Geely's journey through Beilun, Hangzhou Bay, Yuyao, and Ninghai has been marked by deep collaboration with Ningbo, built on "mutual trust and shared success".
"From starting in Taizhou to taking off in Ningbo, this city has been the launchpad and accelerator for Geely Auto's high-quality development," Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Chairman Li Shufu has frequently remarked, underscoring Ningbo's pivotal role in Geely's growth.
Today, Geely's presence in Ningbo is substantial, hosting the global headquarters of Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Mercedes-Benz Smart, Zeekr Intelligent Technology, and the Geely Auto Research Institute. In 2024 alone, Geely produced over 400,000 new energy vehicles in Ningbo.
As a national and global leader in automotive manufacturing, Geely's every strategic step in Ningbo has added a bold and significant stroke to the city's automotive industry landscape.
Ningbo's innovative strategies shine not only in attracting businesses but also in recruiting talent.
While many regions employ the traditional "three visits to the thatched cottage" approach to attract talents, Ningbo takes it a step further with "frequent visits", demonstrating an irresistible sincerity.
Moved by this genuine commitment, Yao Ligun brought his five core technologies to Yuyao in 2005 and founded Jiangfeng Electronics. With a determination to make core materials in the semiconductor industry embody the brilliance of "Made in China", he grew the company from scratch into a private enterprise that now ranks second globally in the target material field in just over a decade.
Today, Yao serves as a "talent ambassador", having introduced over 50 high-level professionals and more than 30 research teams to Ningbo. By leveraging a strategy of "talent attracting talent", Ningbo has fostered a vibrant ecosystem of experts in the upstream, downstream, and related industries of the semiconductor new materials sector.
The collaboration between enterprises and Ningbo is no coincidence-it stems from the perfect alignment of timing, opportunity, and effort. Ningbo consistently seizes every emerging trend, enabling more enterprises to soar on these winds of opportunity.
In the 2023 national ranking of urban business environments, Ningbo placed among the top 10 provincial and sub-provincial cities, maintaining its position in the top tier for five consecutive years. This robust business environment has cultivated fertile ground for enterprise growth and talent development alike.
Ningbo has established a cultivation pool of over 600 single champion enterprises. When a promising candidate is identified, it is promptly included in a two-tier cultivation system at both the city and county levels. These enterprises gain access to customized support packages offered by Ningbo's public service platforms, addressing their specific needs in "capital, digital transformation, talent, innovation, and branding".
The strong mutual trust and support between enterprises and the government form not only the fertile soil for nurturing champion enterprises but also the foundation for Ningbo's ambition to become a national demonstration zone for new industrialization.
As one entrepreneur insightfully noted, "Running a business is like holding an umbrella-you need a firm grip on the handle to walk steadily and go farther through the storms." Ningbo mirrors this philosophy, acting as a cornerstone of the economy, steadfastly showcasing resilience and determination to remain unwavering amid challenges, no matter the wind and rain.
Expert Comments
Experience of the Rise of the "City of Champions"
Ningbo has earned the title of "City of Champions" for seven consecutive years, leading the nation in manufacturing single champions. This success is not a product of overnight effort but the culmination of long-term dedication and strategic planning. At its core is a well-established "manufacturing + innovation + market" triad model that has enabled Ningbo to excel in global competition.
At the foundation of Ningbo's success is its formidable manufacturing strength. Home to 104 national-level manufacturing single champion enterprises, the city dominates domestic markets while achieving groundbreaking progress in disruptive and cutting-edge technologies. These advancements have fostered high-tech manufacturing clusters in areas such as rare earth permanent magnet materials, new energy vehicles, and photovoltaic energy storage, solidifying Ningbo's position as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Equally important is Ningbo's unwavering focus on innovation, which continues to drive its growth. By attracting top talent and supporting local enterprises in pursuing cutting-edge solutions, Ningbo has created an inclusive and dynamic ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering an environment where creativity thrives.
Additionally, Ningbo's agility in responding to domestic and international market dynamics has enabled it to excel in challenging environments. As a key hub in China's dual circulation strategy, Ningbo relies on the robust logistics support of Ningbo Zhoushan Port to seamlessly connect domestic and global markets. Even amid rising global trade protectionism, Ningbo continues to expand its "circle of friends", leveraging its regional advantages and ensuring the efficient flow of resources to create a vast development platform for businesses at home and abroad.
Ningbo's approach exemplifies the essence and strategies of high-quality economic development. The city has successfully balanced strengthening the competitiveness of local enterprises with expanding its presence in international markets. At the same time, it has prioritized technological innovation, talent development, openness, collaboration, and regional integration. Ningbo's rise serves as a valuable blueprint for other manufacturing cities in China, offering insights into achieving growth.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of Zhejiang Daily. The Zhejiang Daily version shall prevail.