Zhang Shifang (first, right), deputy to the 13th National People's Congress, says that Ningbo aspires to become a national pilot area for the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Zhang Shifang, deputy to the 13th National People's Congress, said that Ningbo aspires to become a national pilot area for the high-quality development of the manufacturing sector.

The manufacturing sector has long been a pillar industry in Ningbo, and the city is particularly suited to become a national pilot zone given its strong industrial foundation, market vitality, technological innovation, and reforms, said Zhang, also head of the Ningbo municipal bureau of economy and information technology.

Ningbo has been designated a national independent innovation demonstration zone and a national scientific and technological achievements transfer and transformation demonstration zone.

Zhang suggested establishing a national manufacturing innovation center in Ningbo, calling for more national support and guidance to help boost the development of the city's advanced manufacturing industrial clusters.

According to Zhang, Ningbo will continue to prioritize the development of 12 industrial clusters including green petrochemicals, automobiles, high-end equipment, new materials, electronic information, software and emerging services. 

Statistics show that the city's 12 industrial clusters achieved an industrial added value of 317.07 billion yuan ($45.95 billion) in 2019, up 7.3 percent year-on-year. 

Meanwhile, more efforts will be made to cultivate enterprises with market shares topping their niche markets and "Little Giant" enterprises. 

"Little Giants" refer to industry leaders recognized by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology as having excellent innovation capabilities, large market shares, core technologies, high-quality products, and high profitability.

The city will also optimize its business climate by streamlining administrative procedures and cutting taxes and fees for enterprises, Zhang revealed.