Xiongan goes green with gusto

Proposed modern economic hub makes progress; but change rattles some local firms

It's one year since the nation announced its plan to develop Xiongan New Area into a demonstration hub for innovative development - and local small-sized companies, which are often major polluters, are quickening up the pace of going green, in order to meet strict environmental standards.

On April 1 last year, when Liu Jianhong, president of Xueruisha Feather and Down Product Co, which makes winter-wear like down jackets, heard about the news about Xiongan New Area, he had no idea if the plan had anything to do with his company.