Jinan's four pillar industries set to reach $224b

Jinan has witnessed growth in its four leading industries with their total value expected to reach 1.6 trillion yuan ($224 billion) this year, according to a local official.

Ji Peide, director of Jinan's bureau of industry and information technology, said the city's leading industries have grown largely in terms of development scale and have established their own unique advantages.

The four leading industries involve data and new-generation information technology, intelligent manufacturing and high-end equipment, high-quality steel and advanced materials, and biopharmaceuticals and the healthcare industry.

The data and new-generation information technology industry is expected to reach a scale of 660 billion yuan this year. The core industries of the digital economy are estimated to contribute to roughly 20 percent of the city's GDP.

The intelligent manufacturing and high-end equipment industry is projected to reach a scale of 500 billion yuan this year. With over 1,300 industrial enterprises, Jinan has formed a distinctive industrial chain in energy-saving and new energy vehicles, new energy equipment, high-end digital control machine tools and robotics.

The biopharmaceutical and healthcare industry is set to reach a scale of 230 billion yuan this year. Jinan has 594 industrial enterprises and 124 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. It is also recognized as the largest production base for hyaluronic acid, cephalosporins, and donkey-hide gelatin.

The high-quality steel and advanced materials industry is expected to reach a scale of 210 billion yuan this year. With over 160 industrial enterprises, Jinan has formed a complete industrial chain in high-quality steel, high-end chemical materials, advanced metal materials, and semiconductor materials.