Dongguan to focus on advanced manufacturing industry

Dongguan, located in the heartland of the Pearl River Delta, is positioning itself as a center of advanced manufacturing in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the city's mayor has said.

"Dongguan's future development relies on the real economy, which is strongly backed by advanced manufacturing," said mayor Xiao Yafei.

Xiao made the remarks in a panel discussion during Guangdong's provincial legislative meeting on Thursday.

According to Xiao, developing the traditional manufacturing industry is crucial for the city's future economic growth.

"We will continue to implement a series of policies, mainly on smart and digital applications in traditional manufacturing, and actively participate in the establishment of a science and technology corridor between Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macao," said Xiao.

GDP in the manufacturing center is estimated to grow by 7.5 percent year-on-year to reach 830 billion yuan ($123 billion) in 2018, according to the city government's work report, released on Jan 16.

According to Xiao, Dongguan will prioritize five new emerging industries: next-generation information technology, high-end equipment and manufacturing, new materials, new energy and life science and biochemical technologies.