Taicang has undertaken a string of initiatives in a bid to upgrade its industrial structure in recent years.

The progress achieved during this process was updated by the city's economic and informatization commission at a quarterly meeting on Dec 14. The meeting is held for important people in various circles in the city, including those in the economic, industrial, government, sport, media, scientific and educational circles.

Emerging industries and innovation has been the key driver of upgrade and transformation, according to the commission.

New material, new energy, high-end equipment manufacturing, bio-pharmacy and new generation information technology led the way in terms of industrial upgrade.

A three-year plan for breeding enterprises that was implemented in the city has encouraged innovation and boosted industrial clusters, according to the update. Taicang is currently home to eight industrial parks, 21 enterprise headquarters and 12 listed companies.

Before the Dec 14 meeting, participants were offered tours at the Taicang bases of farm machinery maker GSS, and SIP Mechanical Technology (Taicang) – a Sino-German joint venture.

The Taicang base is GSS's regional headquarters in Asia-Pacific for manufacturing, research and development, marketing and financing.

Edited by Jacob Hooson