Hefei, capital of Central China's Anhui Province, is dedicating itself to science. The city is actively seeking new technological industries and striving for efficient use of energy and raw materials, low pollution and high added value yields.

Authorized by the central government on Nov. 12, 2004, the reform of the city will be guided by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the local government for the next five to 15 years.

'Our object is to build Hefei into a city boasting beautiful environment, advanced information sharing, a strong cultural atmosphere and scientific creation capability that could attract scientific talent from around the world,' said Guo Wanqing, mayor of Hefei.

The disconnection between scientific and technological research fruits and their industrialization has been a weakness for the development of China's economy, said Guo.

'It is a great move for the Chinese government to promote its innovation ability by building a city gathering scientific and technological research centers and high and new technological industries, just like the Silicon Valley of the US,' said Cheng Biding, an expert in regional development.

'As a test, the successful reform of Hefei will be a good example for China to develop its regional innovation system,' said Chen Zhili, State Councilor in charge of the country's science and technology affairs.

The first group of 25 projects were selected in 2004. With an estimated investment of 13.85 billion yuan (US$1.67 billion), those projects cover a variety of fields including scientific research, industrialization, education, commerce and infrastructure construction.

From 2004 on, the Anhui Provincial government will appropriate 50 million yuan (US$6 million) and the Hefei Municipal government will invest 100 million yuan (US$12.1 million) each year in the construction of the 'Science City.'

Four projects are currently underway. With a cost of more 300 million yuan (US$36.2 million), the four projects involve fields such as cyclical economy, new material and new and high technology.

Some large overseas projects such as the sixth global technological center of Microsoft have decided to be move to the city.

As a middle-sized city of a permanent population of two million, Hefei boasts the largest group of scientific and technological talent in Central China.

With 200 thousand scientific and technological personnel gathering, Hefei boasts more than 200 scientific research institutions, 24 academicians and more than 50 colleges including the famous University of Science and Technology of China.

'In addition to a beautiful environment and advanced traffic network, Hefei boasts the best conditions to become a world-famous science city,' said Guo.

2005/03/04
Source: Xinhuanet