Summary of Key Points
Anhui's transformation from an "ordinary province in the central region" into an economic powerhouse is largely due to its own efforts, as well as the targeted support from its larger neighbors—Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Since joining the Yangtze River Delta in 2012, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai have continuously provided assistance to Anhui, particularly in the northern regions of Anhui, through joint development of industrial parks, sharing of best practices, and fostering integration into the metropolitan areas. This strategic focus on "developing towards the east and integrating into the Yangtze River Delta" is considered more crucial to Anhui's rise than merely guessing right on industry trends, as demonstrated by Hefei's success in certain sectors.
I. Pairing Assistance: From Sporadic Cooperation to Systematic Support over 12 Years
Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai's support for Anhui is not a temporary initiative but part of a long-term plan:
- Starting Point: In 2012, when Anhui first joined the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou took the lead by establishing the "Sino-Singapore Suzhou-Chuzhou High-Tech Zone" in Chuzhou, marking the beginning of cross-provincial cooperation.
- Upgrading: In 2021, eight developed cities from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai (including Suzhou, Wuxi, and Jiading in Shanghai) paired up one-on-one with eight cities in northern Anhui, intensifying the support.
- Results: Over the past five years, these paired cities have jointly developed several industrial parks, attracting 451 projects with a total investment of over 110 billion yuan. This has transformed northern Anhui from a region with little industry and poor location into a hot spot for investment.
II. Industrial Parks: A Key Tool for Attracting Enterprises
Industrial parks bearing the names of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai serve as a valuable asset for attracting businesses in Anhui:
- Overcoming Lack of Credibility: Previously, northern Anhui's cities lacked fame, making it difficult to attract enterprises. However, the presence of these parks, with their associated reputations, has increased their credibility.
- Example of the Suzhou-Chuzhou High-Tech Zone: This zone has attracted more than 300 industrial projects, 80% of which come from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. In 2023, it attracted nearly half of all foreign investment in Chuzhou. Chuzhou's GDP ranking has risen from 185th in the country in 2012 to 75th last year, making it one of the fastest-growing cities.
- More Than Just Money: Industrial parks not only provide physical facilities but also transfer the industrial cluster models from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, helping Anhui develop its own industrial chains.
III. Talent and Ideas: Intangible Assets More Valuable than Money
The support from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai includes not only projects but also intangible resources such as talent and knowledge:
- Talent Flow: In the first half of this year, six high-level scientific and technological teams from Jiangsu and Zhejiang joined teams in Bengbu.
- Cultural Exchange and Integration: Initially, there were differences in approaches. Suzhou emphasized the integration of industry, residential areas, and green spaces within the parks, while Chuzhou prioritized industrial land use. However, Suzhou's approach proved more sustainable, resulting in a park that is both productive and livable.
- Exchange of Officials: Over the past five years, 86 officials from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai have been sent to northern Anhui, and 136 from Anhui have gone to those regions for training. These officials have brought back advanced skills and management practices.
IV. Integration into Metropolitan Areas
Anhui's integration into the surrounding metropolitan areas has been a significant factor in its development:
- Nanjing Metropolitan Area: Cities in eastern Anhui, such as Wuhu and Ma'anshan, have joined the Nanjing metropolitan area, benefiting from shared resources.
- Xuzhou Metropolitan Area: Northern Anhui's cities, such as Suzhou and Huaibei, have leveraged Xuzhou's industrial strengths for development.
- Hangzhou Metropolitan Area: Southern Anhui's cities, such as Huangshan and Xuancheng, have participated as observers, benefiting from Hangzhou's tourism and digital economy initiatives.
- Xuancheng's Success: Xuancheng has become part of three major metropolitan areas (Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou), gaining access to a wealth of resources.
V. The Strategy Is More Important Than Guessing on Industries
The article highlights that the key to Anhui's success is its strategy of "developing towards the east and integrating into the Yangtze River Delta." Hefei's success in certain industries (such as new energy and semiconductors) is a tactical achievement, but the overall strategy is more crucial. The right direction ensures that efforts are effective. If Anhui had chosen to develop towards the west or south, it would not have received such substantial support from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai.
In summary, Anhui's rise is the result of choosing the right development path (integrating into the Yangtze River Delta), receiving support from its neighbors, and making concerted efforts. This experience serves as a reminder to other provinces that identifying the right direction is more important than simply working hard.