城势｜茂名迎变：一座粤西城市的振兴“密码”

Core Insights - The article highlights the economic growth and development of Maoming, a city in Guangdong, which is leveraging its unique agricultural and industrial strengths to enhance its GDP ranking and attract investment [1][2][3]. Economic Development - Maoming is projected to rank 8th in Guangdong's GDP by Q1 2025, surpassing cities like Jiangmen and Zhaoqing, as well as provincial sub-centers like Zhanjiang and Shantou [1][7]. - The city is recognized for its significant contributions from the lychee and petrochemical industries, with lychee production reaching 620,900 tons in 2023, accounting for approximately 25% of China's total and 20% globally [2][5]. - The petrochemical sector generated an industrial output value of 180.59 billion yuan in 2022, with a value-added contribution of 44.44 billion yuan [2]. Investment and Infrastructure - Maoming has been designated as a key platform for industrial transfer in Guangdong, with 45 new projects in 2023, amounting to an investment of approximately 24.6 billion yuan [2][10]. - Fixed asset investment growth in Maoming has consistently outpaced the provincial average, with a reported growth of 4.6% in Q1 2025, exceeding the provincial average by 10.8 percentage points [4][7]. Agricultural Innovation - The city is advancing its agricultural sector through digital technologies, with initiatives like the "AI+" model improving pest diagnosis accuracy to over 95% and increasing production efficiency by 30% [5][6]. - The total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery in Maoming is expected to reach 120.89 billion yuan in 2024, maintaining the highest figures in the province [6]. Population Dynamics - Maoming has seen a population increase, with the urbanization rate rising by 2.27 percentage points to 48.11% by the end of 2024, indicating a trend of population return to the city [7][11]. - The city is experiencing a resurgence of talent and investment, with many individuals returning from major cities to engage in entrepreneurial activities [7][13]. Industrial Transformation - The city is focusing on industrial transformation through initiatives like the "Five Chains" strategy, which includes the petrochemical industry, zero-carbon industry, automotive electronics, new energy storage, and titanium industry [9][10]. - Significant investments are being made in new industrial projects, with 4.3 billion yuan allocated to accelerate the establishment of key enterprises and projects [9][10]. Urbanization and Infrastructure - Maoming is advancing new urbanization efforts, particularly in healthcare and education, with a hospitalization rate of 90% and significant improvements in educational infrastructure [12][13]. - The city is enhancing its urban functions to facilitate better interaction between urban and rural populations, creating a conducive environment for business and living [13].