In the early winter season, Neijiang Economic Development Zone pulses with the vibrant energy of new productive forces: intelligent production lines operate at high speed, churning out locally manufactured products, construction sites buzz with activity, and government service windows function with remarkable efficiency.

This year, the zone has steadfastly advanced its "industrial strength" strategy, focusing on cultivating new productive forces. It is accelerating the development of advanced manufacturing clusters, building a modern industrial system centered on food and beverages, electronics, biopharmaceuticals, automotive components, and new materials. The goal is clear—to become a leading high-quality development zone in the Sichuan-Chongqing region, a model for western China, and a top 50 national industrial park.

**Pursuing Innovation and Green Development** Manufacturing is the backbone of Neijiang. In the wave of new productive forces, the zone is targeting intelligent, green, and integrated development to establish an advanced manufacturing-led industrial system.

On September 29, the signing ceremony for Haishida Sodium Star’s 6GWh sodium-ion battery production base took place. The project aims to create a large-scale, industrial demonstration base for sodium-ion batteries, with an expected annual output value exceeding 3 billion yuan upon full operation.

In July, Sichuan Province outlined plans to prioritize 15 emerging industries and eight future industries, including integrated circuits, new displays, biopharmaceuticals, and new energy storage. Sodium-ion batteries, with advantages such as abundant resources, low cost, high safety, and superior low-temperature performance, have emerged as an ideal choice for energy storage applications.

In recent years, Neijiang Economic Development Zone has attracted enterprises like Epuno silicon-carbon anode materials, Amite composite current collectors, and all-vanadium redox flow battery demonstration projects. The new sodium-ion battery project marks a significant leap from "materials" to "battery cells," forming a preliminary industrial chain from key materials to battery manufacturing and application scenarios.

While enhancing green manufacturing, the zone is also boosting intelligent production.

On October 30, at Sichuan Zhongxian Intelligent Technology Co., liquid crystal display modules moved seamlessly through automated production lines, completing processes such as feeding, mounting, assembly, dispensing, and welding. Daily production capacity has now surpassed 300,000 units.

This surge in productivity stems from Zhongxian’s breakthroughs in intelligent equipment management. In May, the company launched a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for inspection and maintenance, establishing an integrated "plan-execution-monitor-analysis" management framework that significantly improved efficiency.

To facilitate digital and intelligent transformation, the zone has formed expert teams to diagnose challenges, partnered with digital service providers to tailor solutions, and offered comprehensive support in policy guidance, technical assistance, and funding applications.

For instance, Ju Teng International adopted a "5G+AGV" smart logistics system, replacing manual labor with automated guided vehicles to cut costs and boost efficiency. Jin Hong Crankshaft independently developed a full lifecycle equipment management system, using barcode technology for quality traceability, elevating automation and intelligence levels.

The zone is also advancing a "5G private network + 10-gigabit optical network smart park" project, aiming for full coverage to support smart manufacturing, security, and remote maintenance, accelerating the adoption of industrial internet and cloud computing.

**Sweet Industry Cluster Thrives in Dual-City Economic Circle** The "sweet" industry, a hallmark of Neijiang, is being redefined with modern significance.

On October 29, construction was in full swing at Huiyuan Group’s (Sichuan) intelligent cold chain industrial park for fruit and vegetable processing. The 4.5-billion-yuan project includes deep-processing facilities, logistics centers, and a 250,000-ton smart cold storage, creating a rapid supply chain from "orchard to factory" for local specialties like Zizhong blood oranges and Anyue lemons.

Meanwhile, Sichuan Yangpu’s fully automated dairy and beverage production facility, with an annual capacity of 390,000 tons, is undergoing equipment testing and has already secured orders from over 10 brands.

At the Thai T.C. Pharmaceutical’s Red Bull production base, cans of energy drinks rolled off high-speed automated lines, destined for nationwide markets. Next door, Hong Kong Shengxing’s packaging plant produced aluminum cans for Red Bull, exemplifying the zone’s "next-door supply chain" model.

By attracting industry leaders like Red Bull, Huiyuan, and Shanghai Ziquan, the zone has fostered a closed-loop industrial chain from raw materials to packaging and logistics. Local sourcing rates have risen sharply, with partnerships such as Red Bull-Shengxing and Ziquan-Henghang Packaging.

Integration into the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone has expanded market opportunities. In 2025, the zone organized participation in major expos like the China International Import Expo and the National Sugar & Alcoholic Commodities Fair, broadening sales channels.

**Optimizing Business Environment for New Productive Forces** A thriving ecosystem is essential for nurturing new productive forces. Neijiang Economic Development Zone is pooling policy, talent, and capital to invigorate enterprises.

On October 20, the "Jingxinban" online service platform launched, enabling businesses and residents to complete tasks without leaving home. Its features include real-time consultation and doorstep services for permits, taxes, and social security.

In April, the zone introduced 12 measures to enhance the business climate, inspired by best practices from Hangzhou and Shenzhen. Future upgrades include a "policy matching" tool to help firms identify suitable support programs.

Streamlining approvals for construction projects, the zone slashed application materials from 93 to 69, steps from 22 to 11, and on-site visits from 18 to 4, compressing approval timelines to 37 working days.

These efforts have earned accolades, including national and provincial honors for exemplary business environments and administrative reforms.