Core Insights - Fuzhou's county-level city of Fuqing has transformed from a poverty-stricken area into a thriving industrial hub, achieving a GDP of 1900.79 billion yuan in 2024, marking a growth of 6.8% [3][12] - The city's success is attributed to the influence of 1.6 million overseas Chinese, who have invested significantly in Fuqing, creating a robust network of resources and connections [4][15][20] - Fuqing has become home to leading global companies, including Fuyao Glass and Innolux, which have established a strong industrial presence [3][12][30] Economic Transformation - Fuqing's GDP surpassed 1900 billion yuan in 2024, positioning it as the 17th strongest county in China [12][14] - The city's industrial output grew by 10.3% in 2024, with significant contributions from the electronics and chemical industries [12][13] - Fuqing has developed a diverse industrial base, including electronics, chemicals, and food production, with a focus on attracting foreign investment [27][31] Role of Overseas Chinese - The overseas Chinese community has played a crucial role in Fuqing's development, with over 1,000 companies established through their investments, totaling over 10 billion USD [20][19] - Notable figures among the overseas Chinese include prominent business leaders who have returned to invest in their hometown, significantly impacting local economic growth [16][19] - The establishment of the first overseas Chinese investment zone in 1987 marked a pivotal moment in Fuqing's economic development [23][24] Industrial Clusters - Fuqing has successfully created industrial clusters, particularly in electronics and chemicals, which have attracted numerous supporting enterprises [28][30] - The electronics sector, led by companies like Innolux, has become a global leader, with production capabilities that have positioned Fuqing as a major player in the industry [28][30] - The chemical industry has also seen significant growth, with major players like WanHua Chemical establishing large-scale production facilities in the region [30][31] Strategic Development - Fuqing's development strategy focuses on leveraging its overseas Chinese connections to attract investment and foster industrial growth [22][27] - The city has implemented a model of "introducing a leading enterprise to activate an entire industry chain," which has proven effective in various sectors [25][30] - Fuqing's transformation from an agricultural base to an industrial powerhouse illustrates the importance of identifying and capitalizing on unique regional advantages [32][33]
160万华侨撑起一座城:福清,如何把“乡愁”变成GDP?