FUZHOU: For the first time the non-energy industries in Longyan, a city rich in energy reserves, has taken up more than 50% of the city’s total GDP, Officials revealed on the 8th Cross Strait Technology and Projects Fair (6.18) held in Fuzhou on June 18th.

Longyan has reached 43 project agreements at the two days’ fair with a total worth of RMB 9.2 billion($1.35 bn), in which twelve are over 100 million RMB ($14.7 bn) and five are in cooperation with Taiwan. Hi-tech projects are especially highlighted in the fair.

Longyan is rich in natural reserves, and its economy has always relied on energy exploiting industries such as coal and cement production. There was once 132 cement factories in the city.

However, it was the environment and health of the civilians that suffered from this development. Among the nine pillar industries, seven were high consumption and low efficiency energy related industries.

Having perceived that the businesses would either eliminate or be eliminated by pollution, Longyan closed all 18 cement factory in the downtown, this effectively reduced 3,754 tons dust release and sulfur dioxide.

Meanwhile, the city was trying to identify new ways to boost its economy in three ways. Longyan businesses enhanced their core competitiveness and profit rate by introducing technical innovations. Meanwhile, the Government has established exchange platform with educational and research institutions to surmount technological difficulties. Exchange with Taiwan has also brought impetus to advancing Fujian’s agriculture, manufacturing and service industry.

Powered by technologies support from 6.18, Longyan has achieved successful industrial restructure. It has acquired 14.1% in GPD growth last year, which ranked 2nd in Fujian province.

By Hu Meidong and Wei Tian