Cambridge, Ningbo to jointly build research institute for high-end equipment

A signing ceremony for a cooperation agreement between the University of Cambridge and Ningbo is held on Dec 14. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Ningbo, Zhejiang province, reached a cooperation agreement with the University of Cambridge, one of the world's most renowned colleges, on Dec 14. The agreement will establish a high-end equipment industry research institute in Ningbo's Beilun district.

Cambridge's first cooperation platform in the Chinese mainland, the institute will focus on improving Ningbo's manufacturing capabilities, especially in the areas of high-end and intelligent equipment manufacturing. It is expected to promote a cooperative industry-university research chain by applying Cambridge's scientific and technological resources to Ningbo's development.

Working with Cambridge's Judge Business School, the institute will arrange for research teams to participate in the production of high-end equipment in Ningbo. Premiere scientific and technological findings from Cambridge will also be applied.

Ningbo's Beilun district specializes in intelligent manufacturing. An increasingly complete industrial chain is being established, which, along with the arrival of a few significant high-tech companies, has helped form a comprehensive industry cluster in Beilun.

According to the district's plan, it will host at least 100 leading intelligent manufacturing enterprises by 2021.

Christoph Loch (left), dean of Cambridge's Judge Business School and Mao Hongfang, Party secretary of Beilun district, sign an agreement on Dec 14 to build a research institute for high-end equipment in Ningbo. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Christoph Loch delivers a speech at the signing ceremony on Dec 14. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Robot controller made in Ningbo gets international recognition

Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd makes an order of 1,000 pieces of the robot controller from Emergen Group in September, 2017. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The robot controller developed by the Ningbo company Emergen Group stood out at a national evaluation hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and won the first prize for its outstanding performance in advanced technologies.

The controller, the most important part of a robot, is always considered to be the "brain". The Emergen Group, led by a group of top scientists, spent 30 months and nearly 40 million yuan ($6.16 million) on the research and development of the little component and finally broke the monopoly of overseas companies in high-performance robot controllers.

At the evaluation, it beat products from the other nine top robot corporations in China including Siasun and Googol Technology and received 15 million yuan from the ministry.

This kind of robot controller will be widely used for intelligent manufacturing in different fields, said Gan Zhongxue, founder and chairman of Emergen.

As of today, it has been applied in some factories including Ningbo Konfoong Materials International Co Ltd for unmanned production lines. The world-renowned robot construction company Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd from Japan has placed an order of 1,000 controllers from Emergen and will purchase another 2,600 this year for its robotic products.

The controller developed by Emergen Group in Ningbo is a smart brain for a robot. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Ningbo's culture industry sees steady growth

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province recently released the Culture Development Index (CDI) of 2016, an evaluation showing the steady advancement of the city's culture industry.

The final score of Ningbo's 2016 CDI is 124.35, up by 29.53 percent year-on-year.

The index is evaluated based on six quantifiable indicators including the service, the innovation and the competitiveness of the culture sector, and two qualitative ones such as the yearly work report and people's comments.

Ningbo is determined to harness the power of culture to improve people's sense of happiness. In recent years, by organizing a series of international and domestic cultural events and promoting cultural activities to the most grassroots units, residents in the city have been increasingly enthusiastic and satisfied with the their lives.

Moreover, quite a few cultural facilities, exhibitions and bookstores such as the music harbor have settled in Ningbo. The accelerating cultural upgrades and refurbishment have made the culture industry a rising star in Ningbo's overall development.

Ningbo's performance in culture industry shows its strong presence in the entire province. The 2016 CDI of Zhejiang indicates Ningbo being on second place on the list of 11 cities.

Among the counties and districts of Ningbo, Yizhou district, Zhenhai district and Ninghai county are the top three in the growth of CDI from 2015 to 2016.

Iranian artists play traditional musical instruments at the opening ceremony of the Asia Arts Festival in Ningbo. [Photo by Huang Zongzhi/Xinhua]

Ningbo's manufacturing expands rapidly

The value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in Ningbo, Zhejiang province reached 326.67 billion yuan in 2017, a year-on-year increase of 9.6 percent, according to the city's economic and information technology committee.

Industrial enterprises above designated size are defined as State-owned and non-State-owned industrial companies with an annual revenue of over 20 million yuan ($2.9 million).

The growth rate was the best since 2012, when the city's total output, surpassing 300 billion yuan, placed Ningbo in first position in the entire province for the first time.

The manufacturing industry is vital to the development of the real economy and it is the main focus in the construction of a modernized economic pattern.

Since last year, Ningbo has exerted all its strength to push forward the realization of "Made in China 2025" by releasing a series of policies. The profits from industrial enterprises above designated size exceeded 114.88 billion yuan from January to November of 2017, an increase of 31.8 percent year-on-year.

Sectors such as automobile, equipment manufacturing, optoelectronics and internet of things were the most strong forces to the economic growth last year.

"In 2018, we will focus on the intelligent economy and strive to make advanced manufacturing stronger," said an official of the economic and information technology committee.

A worker operates a machine at the production base of SAIC Volkswagen in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo simplifies visa service for expats

Ningbo's public security bureau has streamlined the visa application process for expats, allowing them to complete the entire process in just one visit.

The new streamlined service makes use of the bureau's official WeChat account. Eligible expats can submit application forms and relevant materials through WeChat. After several days of review and processing, they will able to pick up their visa at the entry and exit administration bureau.

The simplified visa application process is another step forward for the public security bureau in its quest for administrative reform.

An official from the bureau said they will complete the document review and inform applicants within five days. Several foreign expats living or working in Ningbo have already enjoyed the convenience brought by the new process

A foreign expat in Ningbo receives his visa from a worker at the entry and exit bureau. [Photo/cztv.com]

Ningbo deepens cooperation with French city

Ningbo and the French city of Nice reach an agreement on the introduction of Nice Carnival on March 1. [Photo by Zhang Qiaonan/ Nouvelles d'Europe]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province signed an agreement on the introduction of Nice Carnival with Nice, a large city on the French Riviera on March 1.

The agreement guaranteed that Nice Carnival, one of the world's major carnival events, will be held in Ningbo this autumn. Artistic performances, colorful parades and concerts with French characteristics will be staged for the Chinese audience.

Meanwhile, March 3 has been chosen as "Ningbo Day" at the carnival by the mayor's office in Nice.

Around the event, the two cities are going to conduct extensive and in-depth exchanges and cooperation on culture and tourism.

The Mayor of Nice Christian Estrosi said Ningbo and Nice share a lot of resemblances including the affluent port resources and active roles in China's Belt and Road Initiative, laying a good foundation for the bilateral relations.

Wan Yawei, head of Ningbo's publicity department attended the signing ceremony and delivered a speech. He said though the two cities have different cultures, religious beliefs and customs, they have something in common that is worth seeking.

Wan told Zhang Qiaonan, a reporter from the local Chinese-language newspaper Nouvelles d'Europe, that the Nice Carnival will be an important platform for the expansion of China-Europe ties.

He said Ningbo will sign a framework agreement with Nice. The introduction of the carnival is considered as a positive impetus to the collaboration between China and Europe, not only in the fields of culture and tourism, but also in economy, trade and education, according to Wan.

Ningbo held a promotion conference for its tourist resources on that day. Estrosi addressed the event, saying he hopes the local residents would get a better understanding of Ningbo and China. The year of 2018 is the China-EU Tourism Year and Nice is looking forward to more exchanges with Ningbo, the mayor said.

The wedding custom "Ten-mile Red Dowry" from Ningbo joins the parade of this year's Nice Carnival on March 3, displaying the most traditional wedding culture in France. [Photo by Pan Xuguang]

The most traditional wedding culture from Ningbo is displayed in Nice, France on March 3. [Photo by Pan Xuguang]

Ningbo's automobile industry sees robust growth

Machines do the welding work on cars at Geely's manufacturing base in Beilun district, Ningbo. [Photo/Xinhua]

The automobile industry in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, the city's biggest industry, has made great strides in recent years, according to the Ningbo Municipal Economic and Information Technology Committee.

Data from the committee showed that in 2017, the top automobile manufacturers – those with an annual revenue of over 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) – produced a total of 235.59 billion yuan in output, a year-on-year increase of 21.2 percent.

This figure represents 14.8 percent of Ningbo's total industrial output and 47.6 percent of the entire province's car industry.

"Ningbo's development environment for the automobile industry has been optimized with the government's strong support and the completion of an industrial chain," said Yin Jichong, vice general manager of Ningbo Weifu Tianli Turbocharging Technology Co Ltd.

Last year, Ningbo began focusing on the manufacturing of components and parts, as well as new-energy vehicles. At the same time, it promoted the application of "internet plus" technology and robots within the car industry to improve efficiency and expand production.

"Ningbo has created an industrial cluster for car manufacturing," said an official from the city's economic and information technology committee. He explained that Ningbo will focus on the research and development of core technologies and intelligent vehicles in the following years.

Foreign experts generate $15.7 million for Ningbo firm within a decade

In the past decade, foreign experts have generated more than 100 million yuan ($15.7 million) for Ningbo Haibo Group, a high-tech R&D and mass production enterprise, said He Shaojie, president of the Group, to local media.

Propellers for electric ships, developed by Haibo's British-led R&D team, have raised the maximum efficiency of electric motors from 70 percent to 90 percent, and each of their indicators has reached world class levels.

The products have been widely used in Zhejiang province's water treatment efforts and revenue is projected to exceed 20 million yuan in 2018, according to He.

As early as 2008, Haibo noticed the enormous market for smart home products.

Guided by a former chief technology officer of Japanese telecommunications operator KDDI Corporation, Haibo's smart home products stand out from those of their competitors, and sales are increasing year by year.

In 2007, Zhejiang University, one of China's oldest, most selective and most prestigious higher education institutions, signed a cooperation agreement with Haibo.

According to the agreement, Zhejiang University students would serve as Haibo's partners when they studied for a doctorate overseas, which would increase exchanges between the group and overseas industrial experts.

Haibo tasked these student partners with persuading overseas experts to cooperate with the group, and as of today, more than 10 foreign experts have worked for Haibo.

Having seen the benefits of cooperating with foreign experts, Haibo plans to establish overseas research centers to seek needed industrial experts, and will also help these experts better understand the group's development model.

He Shaojie, president of Ningbo Haibo Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

In the past decade, foreign experts have generated more than 100 million yuan ($15.7 million) for Ningbo Haibo Group. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com]

About 800 foreign experts support Beilun's manufacturing industry

Approximately 800 foreign experts permanently stay in Ningbo to provide intellectual support to the development of the manufacturing industry of the city's Beilun district, 500 of which come from the Belt and Road countries, according to local media.

Currently, these foreign experts, involved in smart equipment manufacturing, electronic information, biological medicine and other fields, have designed 500 products, applied for 310 patents, solved 600 technical difficulties and generated 5 billion yuan ($785 million) for local enterprises.

Otto Karl Grunitz from Germany has developed the latest two-plate injection molding machines since he assumed the role of head engineer of Ningbo's Shuangma Machine Industry Co in April 2017, bridging China's technical gap in this area.

Starting from 2001, Marco Ventry from Italy has cooperated with Beilun district's Phase Motion Control Co to design and produce servo drive systems for 4m astronomical telescopes, breaking the overseas technical monopoly.

Local government has also done their best to attract top overseas talents. Strategic framework agreements on talent, science and technology have been signed between Beilun district and National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine respectively in August 2017 in hope of introducing more high-end overseas talents and advanced technologies to Beilun.

The district has issued a series of preferential policies for foreign experts, projected to build international talent apartments, and strived to pilot foreign talent visas to create a more pleasurable environment for overseas talents.

Ningbo lures overseas talents for sci-tech development

A team of the 2nd Global Contest of Innovation in Smart Manufacturing from Ningbo, Zhejiang province goes to Los Angeles, the United States to hunt for advanced talents and projects in March, 2018. [Photo/zjscwl.cn]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province is targeting overseas talents for its development in science and technologies.

The city recently promoted three innovation and startup contests abroad to select potential individuals and projects worldwide.

In the middle of March, the 2nd Global Contest of Innovation in Smart Manufacturing China Hemudu successfully organized its North America Trial in Los Angeles, the United States. Four projects selected from 35 candidates will compete with others at the finals in May in Yuyao, a county-level city in Ningbo.

There was also a contest on life sciences at the University of Tokyo to hunt for talented professionals there.

The 5th Global New Material Startups Contest got started on March 30 and will go to Berlin in Germany and Lyons in France for global projects and talents.

High-level talents from home and abroad are always considered an important driving force for the industrial upgrading. Since the beginning of 2018, Ningbo has comprehensively upgraded its programs and platforms for talents and endeavored to create a friendly environment for innovation and startups by promoting the matchmaking between talents and industries, and introducing more professional powers.

In addition, Ningbo has set up incubators for startups in overseas cities such as Tokyo in Japan, Munich in Germany and Haifa in Israel.

Ningbo and Nottingham seek more cooperation in cultural creativity

A booth called "Creative Nottingham" displays cultural cases from British companies during the 2018 China (Ningbo) Cultural Industrial Fair from April 13 to 16 in Ningbo, Zhejiang province. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningbo's rapidly growing cultural and creative industries have been attracting more and more exchanges and cooperation with companies from its British sister city, Nottingham.

This year, during the 2018 China (Ningbo) Cultural Industrial Fair (NBCIF) from April 13 to 16, a delegation of cultural and creative companies from Nottingham demonstrated their expertise and successes in film, TV, and other cultural sectors to Chinese people.

These companies are not just from Nottingham, but also from areas around the city, according to Robert Dixon, head of Business Growth and International Strategy, Nottingham City Council.

"15 representatives from a number of different businesses involved in film production, video games and art services attended the fair," Dixon explained.

The UK was the first country in the world to put forward the idea of developing creative industries and also the first to implement public policies facilitating their development. Today, creative fields make up the second largest sector in the UK, the largest being financial services.

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has been rapidly developing its cultural and creative industries in recent years. In 2017, the total value added of the city's creative sector reached 71.67 billion yuan ($11.41 billion), accounting for 7.27 percent of its total GDP, said Lin Daji, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, at the Ningbo-Nottingham Cultural and Creative Industries Forum on April 13.

In his speech, Lin called on all parties to work together to expedite the cultural development of Ningbo and Nottingham.

"Nottingham and the UK are strong in design and creativity, while China has different cultural strengths," said the official, who is quite optimistic about the two cities' cultural ties.

In terms of what he thinks have the most potential for cooperation in the future, Dixon said technology, digital design and mobile phones are worth exploring.

Darren Barker, a member of the British delegation, is the founder of Barker Langham, a London-based cultural consulting firm specializing in the conceiving, strategic planning and development of cultural heritage projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

This marks the first time Barker has come to China, and he chose Ningbo as the entrance point into the Chinese market.

"Ningbo's cultural and creative industries are emerging and I hope to have conversations with people here and see whether people would like to work with us," said Barker. In his view, there's a connection between the UK and Ningbo, and he believes he's starting in the right place.

Lin Daji, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Ningbo Municipal Committee, delivers a speech at the Ningbo-Nottingham Cultural and Creative Industries Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on April 13. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningbo and Nottingham became sister cities in 2005. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, founded a year earlier, is a joint venture between China and the UK and also serves as a bridge between Ningbo and Nottingham.

Robert Dixon, head of Business Growth and International Strategy, Nottingham City Council, is interviewed at the Ningbo-Nottingham Cultural and Creative Industries Forum in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on April 13. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The two cities have conducted exchanges and cooperation activities in a wide range of fields over the past decade, including education, trade, investment and culture. In 2011, nine museums in both cities jointly set up an international alliance and in 2017 and 2018, art troupes from Ningbo performed in front of Nottingham audiences during the Chinese New Year.

Dixon believes that the person-to-person relationship is the most important for sustainable and comprehensive relations, "We come to Ningbo and meet businesses, organizations and the government here, while the Ningbo government sends people to serve on the Nottingham City Council for a period of time, which I think is a powerful way of demonstrating the link between the two cities. The personal links are probably what make the most sense."

Ningbo releases plan for construction of 16+1 cooperation demonstration zone

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province recently released a plan for the construction of a demonstration zone for economic and trade cooperation within the 16+1 cooperation framework.

The 16+1 cooperation system, aimed at strengthening ties between China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) in areas such as trade and investment, is one of the most significant cross-regional cooperation systems in the world.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed the establishment of a demonstration zone for economic and trade cooperation in Ningbo during his address at the 7th China and Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Budapest, Hungary on Nov 27, 2017. It will be the first demonstration zone for 16+1 cooperation and marks a new beginning for Ningbo-CEEC ties.

The newly released plan is a guiding document that takes into account the central government's instructions and Ningbo's current situation. It lays out a "3362" framework, representing three first choices, three platforms, six demonstration projects and 20 key tasks.

According to the plan, Ningbo is striving to be the most attractive destination in China for CEE countries in terms of trade, investment and cultural exchanges. In the next three years, the city will also put stress on the development of three exchange platforms – China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo, China-CEEC Inspection and Quarantine Pilot Zone of Trade Facilitation, and the Sofia China Cultural Center in Bulgaria.

In addition, the plan states the importance of developing six demonstration projects concerning trade facilitation, investment cooperation, institutional collaboration, connectivity, public services and cultural exchanges.

The 20 key tasks proposed in the plan include strengthening cooperation in cross-border e-commerce, creating a distribution system for CEEC goods, establishing an introduction and cultivation system for large importers, and exploring more cooperation in emerging fields.

In 2017, the total value of Ningbo's imports from the 16 CEE countries was 2.54 billion yuan ($402.3 million), up 78.4 percent year-on-year. The value of exports exceeded 17.25 billion yuan, an increase of 21.6 percent over the same period last year.

The plan also sets some numeric goals for the next three years. By 2020, the value of imports and exports between Ningbo and CEE countries is expected to hit $4.5 billion, accounting for 5 percent of China's total import/export value. In terms of people-to-people exchanges, there will be over 500 exchange students and 10,000 tourists moving between the countries.

People from many different countries and regions come to Ningbo for the 3rd China-CEEC Investment and Trade Expo in June of 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Ningbo gets national support to develop airport economy

The Civil Aviation Administration of China and National Development and Reform Commission, has given its approval to Ningbo, in East China's Zhejiang province to build a national airport economic demonstration zone, zjol.com.cn reported.

With a planned area of 82.5 square kilometers, the new zone is the 11th State-level economic area centering on the development of the airport industry.

According to the construction plan, the Ningbo Airport Economic Demonstration Zone will focus on the allocation and service ability for global resources, the cultivation of new development engines, construction of a modern airport economic system and the upgrading of economic quality, efficiency and driving forces.

Ningbo Lishe International Airport is one of the busiest airports in China in terms of cargo transportation. Last year, the cargo throughput exceeded 120 thousand metric tons at the airport, laying a solid foundation for the development of an airport economy.

An aerial view of Ningbo Lishe International Airport [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Ningbo to build innovation and entrepreneurship center for CEE youth

Jiangbei district in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, has announced plans to build an innovation and entrepreneurship center for young people from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The center will provide a platform for promising entrepreneurs and businesses from the region.

The 16+1 cooperation system, aimed at strengthening ties between China and the 16 CEE countries, is one of the most significant cross-regional cooperation systems in the world and Jiangbei's new project will be an important piece of its economic and trade demonstration zone under the 16+1 cooperation framework.

Applications have been received from more than 90 companies dealing in technology, trade and culture. Half of those applications are from citizens of countries already involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Ten companies have signed cooperation agreements with Jiangbei and are expected to be stationed in the center by June this year.

To better serve startups, the center is committed to providing professional tax, finance, law, translation and consulting training for its hosted companies, inviting technical experts, investors, consultants and successful entrepreneurs to guide the next generation's work in Ningbo.

"The CEE region is a vital link connecting Europe and Asia, and is an emerging market along BRI routes," an official from Jiangbei Commerce Department said.

The department hopes that the center will further promote the development of Ningbo's foreign trade and cross-border e-commerce, and increase its international business standing.

Advisory panel to aid growth of Ningbo's financial sector

Government leaders of Ningbo hold discussions with financial experts on the development of the city's finance sector on May 22. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province announced the establishment of an advisory committee of financial experts on May 22 to provide high-level intellectual support for the city's financial reform and development.

The members of the committee, including Liu Mingkang, former chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, are Chinese professionals with extensive finance-related knowledge and working experience. They are expected to draw upon their talent and know-how to offer suggestions and advice for Ningbo's finance industry.

Zheng Shanjie, Party secretary of Ningbo, stressed the importance of finance in the pursuit of quality social development, and he hoped the committee could help the city strengthen its financial sector, optimize financial services, boost financial reform and innovation, and prevent financial risks.

"We will strongly support the committee's work and earnestly deliberate your suggestions when making decisions," Zheng said at the ceremony of the committee's establishment.

Liu, on behalf of the financial experts, said the committee members will give suggestions based on their own research findings.

Qiu Dongyao, mayor of Ningbo, confers letters of appointment to members of the advisory committee on May 22. [Photo/nbtv.cn]

European projects promote themselves in Ningbo

Representatives from European enterprises promote their high-tech projects in Zhenhai district, Ningbo, May 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Representatives from a group of innovative projects from Europe teamed up to seek cooperation opportunities in Zhenhai district, Ningbo, May 25.

Through general roadshows and in-depth discussions, these European projects from the fields of intelligent manufacturing, the internet of things and new materials gained a better understanding of Ningbo's favorable climate for innovation and entrepreneurship. Some established cooperative ties with Ningbo companies.

The Ningbo TusPark and the HighTechXL Accelerator from the Netherlands reached a strategic cooperation agreement that day. According to the agreement, the Dutch company will set up an innovation center in Ningbo TusPark and cooperate with Ningbo to improve incubation services for high-tech projects.

"An increasing number of Dutch companies are aware of the great Chinese market and huge space for Sino-Dutch cooperation," said Luuk Eliens, director of HighTech XL Accelerator China.

The district of Zhenhai, known for its prosperous industrial development, is now working hard to attract overseas professionals to start businesses here, according to an official from the district government.

An innovation center is jointly established by the Ningbo TusPark and HighTechXL Accelerator in Ningbo, May 25. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

114 expats get 'green cards' in Ningbo

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has seen a total of 114 expats obtaining permanent residence permits in China to date (by June 22), according to official data from the Ningbo Municipal Public Security Bureau.

China's State Immigration Administration, officially set up in April, has granted around 1,881 "green cards" to eligible expats over the past two months, almost the same as the total number in 2017.

The permanent residence policy, a move implemented by the government to draw more global talents, is a seen as a significant step in China's attempts to further reform and open up, with this year marking 40 years since its implementation.

In recent years, the Ningbo Municipal Public Security Bureau has taken active measures to streamline the application procedures for permanent residence permits to provide more convenience for expats, in the hope of building the city into a magnet for overseas professionals.

Officials from Ningbo Municipal Public Security Bureau communicate with one of the foreign expats. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Sea-railway combined transport pulls inland and coastal cities closer

The 100th cargo train from Chongqing arrives at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Aug 9. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The number of cargo trains traveling between Chongqing, Southwest China, and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port reached 100 Aug 9, with 10,000 TEUs successfully transported.

The railway route, launched on Jan 23 this year, has led to 50 types of products from Chongqing being exported to 46 countries and regions via Ningbo-Zhoushan Port. It is considered an important part of sea-railway transport by connecting the inland city and the coastal city of Ningbo. With the advantages of short times, low cost and nonstop service, the route has enjoyed great popularity in the trade sector.

Meanwhile, the trains also transport goods from Ningbo and its neighboring areas to Chongqing, and further to European countries through the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe railway line.

Amazon to set up cross-border e-commerce park in Ningbo

Amazon launches its third cross-border e-commerce park in China in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Aug 17. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, announced plans to set up a cross-border e-commerce park in Ningbo, Zhejiang province as part of its Global Selling program on Aug 17.

This is a result of the strategic partnership between Ningbo's comprehensive zone for cross-border e-commerce and Amazon after the two signed a memorandum of understanding in 2017. Thus, Ningbo becomes the third Chinese city to accommodate this kind of park, following its provincial counterpart Hangzhou and Xiamen, Fujian province.

Ningbo, having maintained a robust growth momentum in recent years, is regarded as a key city in the sector of China's cross-border e-commerce business. The new park will provide one-stop services in fields such as logistics and finance for Ningbo's export business sector and help local manufacturers sell their products and build their brands worldwide.

Li Guanding, vice mayor of the city, extended his hope that the strengths of Amazon can be fully blended with Ningbo's business resources in order for the two partners to work together in advancing the city's cross-border e-commerce.

Cindy Tai, vice president of Amazon China, said the Global Selling program will give full play to the industrial advantages in Ningbo and provide tailored services for local companies.

Amazon also announced that the 2018 seller summit for the Global Selling program will be held in Ningbo in December with the purpose of helping the city and its neighboring areas seize the opportunities available in global trade and improve their competitiveness in the world of cross-border e-commerce.

Ningbo joins hands with Malaysia to develop auto parts industry

Ningbo's major auto parts companies sign agreements with Malaysia Tanjung Malim Automotive Components Mega Hub on Aug 17. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A Malaysian delegation led by Ahmad Faizal bin Azumu, head of the government of Perak state and Goh Tian-chuan, executive chairman of Globaltec Formation Bhd Group, visited Ningbo, Zhejiang province on Aug 17 to seek exchanges and cooperation in the auto parts sector.

During the visit, the city's leading automotive component players signed agreements with Malaysia Tanjung Malim Automotive Components Mega Hub to strengthen the ties with the Southeastern Asian country in the auto parts industry.

The governments of Ningbo and its Yinzhou district made a strategic plan for local companies going global in 2017. Malaysia was devised as the first stop for the city's expansion into countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ningbo to build world-class robots hub

Ningbo government signs an agreement with Robotdalen, Zhongrui Funing Robotics (Shenyang) Co Ltd and China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation on Aug 27 to develop a world-class robots hub. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Ningbo in East China's Zhejiang province has announced plans to build a world-class robots hub in collaboration with Robotdalen, a robots valley based in Västerås, Sweden.

Robotdalen, co-founded by the Swedish government, four renowned companies including Atlas Copco and two local universities in 2003, is considered the "heart" of Europe's robotics industry.

The Ningbo government signed an agreement with Robotdalen, Zhongrui Funing Robotics (Shenyang) Co Ltd and China Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation on Aug 27. The four parties will establish a joint-stock company for the investment, construction and operation of the robots hub in Ningbo.

According to the agreement, the most advanced robotics technologies, research and development teams, and the operation mode of Robotdalen will be introduced to the Ningbo hub. Eight platforms for R&D, incubation, industrialization, services, finance, high-caliber professionals, education and display will be built to form a complete industrial chain centering on innovation and interconnection.

Zheng Zhajie, Party chief of Ningbo, explained that the city is an important base for China's advanced manufacturing sector and its robots industry is developing fast. He hopes the construction of the robots hub could be more efficient based on Ningbo's solid industrial foundation and with wholehearted support from all parties.

Liu Qian, chairwoman of Zhongrui Funing, the only authorized Chinese partner of Robotdalen, said they will help Ningbo develop its smart economy by serving as a bridge between the city and overseas quality projects.

Zheng Zhajie, Party chief of Ningbo, has a meeting with representatives from relevant companies and institutes on the development of the robotics industry. [Photo/cnnb.com.cn]

Uni of Nottingham Ningbo makes provincial key lab list

Christopher Gerada, leader of the More-Electric-Aircraft (MEA) Technology Lab at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com] 

The More-Electric-Aircraft (MEA) Technology Lab at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China was recently selected as one of the 2019 Zhejiang Provincial Key Labs, a clear indication of the school's scientific research credentials. 

The lab is led by Christopher Gerada, one of the youngest lecturers at the Royal Academy of Engineering and a leading figure in the field of electric drive systems. Multiple well-known international companies such as General Electric and Emerson have invited him to work for them as a consultant. 

The University of Nottingham has long been famous for its research in the MEA electric drive system, and is the R&D center in the field in Europe and the world at large. 

Supported by the university's disciplinary advantages and international resources, Gerada and his team have made remarkable progress in the aeronautic field. 

They have been selected as one of the top innovative teams in Zhejiang province, and have obtained five projects under the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

In addition, they have nurtured a group of outstanding researchers for the society, with the Nottingham (Yuyao) Electrification Research Institute established in Yuyao, Ningbo, in late 2017, for developing high-performance electric drive systems. 

Gerada and his team, as well as the research institute, will be devoted to incubating companies and putting technological achievements into production, to drive the electrification progress of the city's and the nation's aviation industry.

In the future, the lab will continue its R&D in high-performance electric motors and other related key technologies, to share its technology achievements, solutions and development advice with the energy and transportation industries.

Ningbo rolls out plans for software industry development

The municipal government of Ningbo holds a press conference on Oct 10 to announce the measures for building the city into a first-class software city in China. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com] 

Ningbo will step up efforts to develop its software industry and build itself into a first-class software city in China, according to a press conference released by the municipal government on Oct 10. 

The move is in response to the urgent problems the city currently faces in its software sector, such as its small scale, lack of backbone companies and insufficient core innovative capacity, which impedes the city's economic transformation and upgrading.

With the opening of the Ningbo Software Park on Sept 27, the municipal government formally released a series of measures for building the city into a first-class software city in China.

According to the measures, the city will focus on developing software industrial clusters, especially the Ningbo Software Park, promoting synergy between software companies and encouraging their innovation, and recruiting more software talents, to drive the integrated development between the software industry and the urban economy. 

The government will also strengthen fiscal support for the city's software development, such as a five-year special fund of 200 million yuan ($28.87 million) per year from 2019, incentives of up to 15 million yuan for outstanding software companies at home and abroad to settle in Ningbo, and various allowances for software professionals to work in the city.

In addition, preferential policies for software companies will be available in finance, land and taxation. 

Through all these efforts, the city strives to make the software sector one of its pillar industries and a core driving force for its digital economy by 2020, with a wish that software-generated revenue will top 100 billion yuan by 2020, and revenue generated out of software and the industrial internet will exceed 500 billion yuan by 2025.

The Ningbo Software Park in the city's national high-tech zone opens on Sept 27. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

British bespoke tailoring group opens China center in Ningbo

The opening ceremony of the Bespoke Tailors Alliance (China) Center is held in Ningbo on Oct 20. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Bespoke Tailors Alliance (BTA), a group of elite bespoke tailors from Britain promoting excellence in the industry, opened its China center in Ningbo on Oct 20. 

The Bespoke Tailors Alliance (China) Center signifies the deepening of Sino-UK cooperation in the field of bespoke tailoring, before which George Brummell and Henry Bailey, members of BTA, had already cooperated with multiple Chinese clothes brands for several years.

Wu Zhengsheng, operating officer of the center, said they would release a certification system to select a group of outstanding bespoke tailoring companies, and organize regular discussions, training courses, and overseas study tours in this regard, to promote bespoke tailoring craftsmanship and boost the industry in China.

"Many bespoke tailoring companies from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Ningbo have already joined us, and we will keep expanding our business to other cities and regions," said Wu, "We aim to build a sound, mature and sustainable bespoke tailoring eco-system across the country."

The center also inked an agreement with George Brummell for setting up a brand operation agency in Asia, and launched a program with related colleges for cultivating professional tailors at the opening ceremony.

Visitors watch the craftsmanship of a professional bespoke tailor in front of the booth of George Brummell at the 22nd Ningbo International Fashion Festival on Oct 18. [Photo/ gtob.ningbo.gov.cn]

Visitors watch the craftsmanship of a professional bespoke tailor in front of the booth of George Brummell at the 22nd Ningbo International Fashion Festival on Oct 18. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Sino-Ukraine new material research institute to settle in Ningbo

The signing ceremony of a Sino-Ukraine technology research institute on the new material industry is held in Zhenhai district, Ningbo, on Oct 31. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

A Sino-Ukraine technology research institute focusing on the new material industry will settle in Zhenhai district, Ningbo, according to an agreement inked among the Zhenhai authorities, Ningbo University of Technology and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) on Oct 31.

The move marked a big breakthrough in the cooperation between Ningbo and Ukraine after an agreement signed between the city government and NASU in 2016 for strengthening cooperation in talent attraction and technology development.

The institute will be located at the Zhongguan Road Entrepreneurship and Innovation Street in the district, and is expected to include one production-training integration center and seven applied engineering research centers upon construction, which is expected to be finished within three to five years. 

Meanwhile, five to six Ukrainian academicians and ten innovation teams led by high-profile professionals will be introduced to help cultivate 50 innovative start-ups in the new material sector.

It is hoped that the institute will be a pilot zone in the district for new material R&D and application by 2030, as well as a hub for high-profile professionals and technology innovation. 

Yurii Sementsov, a senior researcher from NASU, signed an agreement at the meeting that day to work full-time in Zhenhai, being the first foreign academician settling in the district. 

"The industrial base of Zhenhai fits our research quite well, and I'm looking forward to embarking on our journey of innovation in the district," said Sementsov. 

Zhenhai district, though taking up only 2.5 percent of the city's land area, boasts advantageous platforms for innovation and strong service support for companies settled there.

Representatives of the Zhenhai authorities, Ningbo University of Technology and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU) sign the agreement to jointly build the institute in Zhenhai district, Ningbo. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Ningbo launches credit platform for cross-border e-commerce regulation

The launch ceremony of the Cross-border E-commerce Credit Information Publicity Platform is held at Ningbo Imported Commodity Center on Nov 1. [Photo/ zj.zjol.com]

Ningbo Free Trade Zone (FTZ) launched a credit information publicity platform on Nov 1 to strengthen its regulation of cross-border e-commerce businesses, which is the first of its kind ever seen in China.

Based on the market player database of Ningbo FTZ, the Cross-border E-commerce Credit Information Publicity Platform collects data about the operations of cross-border e-commerce companies, the everyday regulations of the authorities, and reports of discredit and complaints, to analyze the credit standing of cross-border e-commerce companies and exercise appropriate regulation.

"The launch of the platform marks a big breakthrough in Ningbo FTZ's efforts of establishing a network market regulation and service demonstration zone," said Xia Qun, deputy director of the administrative committee of Ningbo FTZ, at the launch ceremony.

"By applying big data analysis, the platform will help generate an accurate evaluation of Ningbo FTZ's business climate and enhance its risk management capacity," Xia added.

As one of China's first pilot zones of cross-border e-commerce businesses, Ningbo FTZ has witnessed rapid growth in this field in recent years, ranking first in China in cross-border imports. 

Ningbo FTZ boasts 568 cross-border e-commerce pilot companies as of Oct 25, 2018, with the amount of cross-border commodity transactions topping $2.85 billion, and the number of consumers exceeding 43.32 million around the world.

The Cross-border E-commerce Credit Information Publicity Platform is demonstrated at the launch ceremony. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Representatives of local authorities together launch the platform. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

40 years on: Economic achievements of Ningbo

Company representatives from 17 countries visit Ningbo

A delegation of company representatives from 17 countries visits Ningbo on Nov 4. [Photo/ nbtv.cn]

A group of company representatives led by the International Trade Center (ITC) of the United Nations visited Ningbo on Nov 4, before making their way to the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened on Nov 5 in Shanghai. 

The representatives came from 17 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. 

"Most of them have had trade contacts with Chinese companies, with exports to China ranging from farm produce, food, daily consumer goods, and tourist and educational services," said an official from ICT.

"They want to do cross-border trade by using the internet platform, and Ningbo is their first choice to partner with, judging from the port throughput, cross-border e-commerce capacity and supporting facilities, as well as the manufacturing strength of the city," added the official.

The group showed particular interest in the smart logistics warehouse of Tmall Global, an online shopping platform of Alibaba for selling overseas goods to domestic consumers, at the Ningbo Hangzhou Bay New Zone.

"They are mainly interested in how the cross-border goods are delivered and how the products from their countries can be directly sold to China," said Wang Xueliang, an executive of the warehouse. 

Cainiao Network, a Chinese logistics company launched by Alibaba Group, has 100,000-square-meter cross-border warehouse at the Ningbo Hangzhou Bay New Zone, making the zone the largest Tmall Global direct-sales base in China.

Representatives praised the advantageous import and export facilities and conditions of Ningbo after the visit, extending their wish to cooperate with Tmall Global and Ningbo Import Commodity Center in the future. 

As the only place selected by ITC for a visit during CIIE, Ningbo is willing to provide reference and assistance for small and medium companies from other countries, said an official from Ningbo Municipal Commission of Commerce. 

ITC established in 1964 is an organization co-managed by the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. It is devoted to supporting the trade of developing nations and in-transition economies, and helping small and medium companies go global.

Company representatives take photos of the Ningbo Zhoushan Port on Nov 4. [Photo/ nbtv.cn]

Company representatives take photos of commodities at the Ningbo Import Commodity Center on Nov 4. [Photo/ nbtv.cn]