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Guangzhou, the capital of China's southern Guangdong province, is taking a bold step towards the future of urban mobility by investing a staggering $1.4 billion in developing infrastructure for flying cars by 2027. This ambitious plan aims to establish Guangzhou as a pioneer in the "low-altitude economy," a nascent sector that encompasses both piloted and autonomous civilian aircraft operating at altitudes up to 3,000 meters, well below regular commercial aviation.
The investment will fund the construction of over 100 takeoff and landing points, as well as a general aviation aerodrome with a runway shorter than those found at civil airports.
This infrastructure will cater to a range of flying vehicles, including airborne taxis, as the Chinese government seeks new engines to revive sluggish economic growth.
Guangzhou's foray into the low-altitude economy is part of a broader strategy to position itself as a global transport and trade hub, leveraging its strategic location in the Pearl River Delta and its well-connected transportation network. The city boasts the third-busiest airport in China, the fourth-largest port, and an extensive railway system, making it an ideal testbed for innovative transportation solutions.
Fostering Innovation and High-Tech Industries
Beyond its investment in flying car infrastructure, Guangzhou is doubling down on its efforts to foster innovation and nurture high-tech industries. The city is home to over 11,000 national high-tech enterprises and a significant concentration of university personnel and scientific and technological workers.
In 2022, Guangzhou unveiled an ambitious development plan, allocating over $51 billion for major construction projects, with a significant portion dedicated to strengthening its role as an international transportation hub. This includes the expansion of the Nansha Port and the Baiyun Airport, further solidifying Guangzhou's position as a global logistics and transportation powerhouse.
Spearheading China's Technological Self-Reliance
Guangzhou's push for innovation and technological advancement aligns with China's broader goal of achieving self-reliance in science and technology, a key pillar of the country's modernization efforts. As the central city of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Guangzhou plays a crucial role in promoting self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology innovation across the region and the nation.
The city has witnessed significant progress in its scientific and technological prowess, climbing the global innovation ladder and ranking among the top science cities in the world. Guangzhou is home to national strategic science and technology platforms, such as the Guangzhou Laboratory and the GBA National Technology Innovation Center, enabling major breakthroughs in strategic technologies.
Attracting Foreign Investment and Fostering Collaboration
Guangzhou's commitment to high-quality development and technological advancement has not gone unnoticed by the international community. In 2023, the city registered over 6,600 new foreign-funded enterprises, a 90% year-on-year increase, reflecting its appeal as an investment destination.
Notable foreign investment projects, such as Hyundai Motor's first overseas hydrogen fuel cell project, BASF's regional headquarters in south China, and Airbus's international aviation materials distribution center, are underway in Guangzhou.
The city has rolled out measures to further improve the investment environment for foreign funds, including encouraging multinationals to establish regional headquarters and facilitating business personnel exchanges.
Moreover, Guangzhou has positioned itself as a platform for global dialogue and collaboration, hosting events like the "Understanding China - GBA Dialogue" and the Canton Fair, one of the largest trade exhibitions in the world.
These initiatives aim to foster mutual understanding, promote cooperation, and showcase China's achievements in reform and opening up.As Guangzhou continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and infrastructure, it is poised to become a trailblazer in the low-altitude economy and a hub for innovation and high-tech industries. With its strategic location, robust transportation network, and commitment to fostering a conducive environment for businesses and talent, the city is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in China's pursuit of technological self-reliance and sustainable economic growth.
