Innovation helps transform Dongguan's economy

Increase in exports of products developed locally through innovation has helped upgrade the trade and industrial structure of Dongguan, a Pearl River Delta city in Guaongdong province, a senior local official said.

The city is known for its strong manufacturing and trade. "General trade, which is marked by export of products made locally, will become a major force and drive the city's foreign trade development," said Yuan Baocheng, mayor of Dongguan.

General trade refers to trading in goods by domestic companies with licenses to import and export. It is expected to surpass trade involving goods or commodities processed in Dongguan within five years, according to Yuan.