The Taizhou delegation to this year's session of Zhejiang People's Congress has a panel discussion on Jan 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The construction of a world-class industrial cluster for advanced manufacturing in Taizhou incited lively discussion among the city's deputies during the first session of the 13th Zhejiang People's Congress on Jan 25.

Wu Changhong, chairman of Zhejiang Shuanghuan Driveline Co Ltd, enlightened his colleagues as to the sheer amount of planning and preparation that would be needed to build such a cluster, which was proposed in the provincial government's latest work report.

"Zhejiang needs to target the international community and strive to make products than can compete around the world," Wu concluded, based on his long history in the traditional manufacturing sector. He encouraged aspiring companies to set their sights on the international market and turn "Made in Zhejiang" into a term associated with only high-quality products.

The idea of companies going global resonated with Xu Xiaomin, chairman of Zhejiang Yinlun Machinery Co Ltd. Yinlun's development has relied heavily on overseas expansion. Ever since it launched a plan targeting foreign markets in 2008, the company has carried out a number of successful mergers and acquisitions.

"Global competition doesn't occur between individual companies, but rather between regional industrial clusters," said Xu. In this new era of globalization, Xu views teamwork between companies as absolutely essential.

The famed entrepreneur also provided some insights on how to build a successful cluster. It requires the combined efforts of government, companies and associations, he said.

"The use of new machines will be essential in building an industrial cluster," said Li Dingyun, an engineer from Zhejiang Yilida Ventilator Co Ltd. Li believes companies should advance through the use of more intelligent machines and building unmanned workshops to increase work efficiency.

"Companies need the support of government in promoting better machinery, developing new technologies, attracting more talent and training more professionals," he emphasized.

Li Dingyun, an engineer from Zhejiang Yilida Ventilator Co Ltd in Taizhou, offers crucial insight at a panel discussion on Jan 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]