China’s southern tech hub of Shenzhen plans to “fully compete” in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, announcing 160 billion yuan (US$22.07 billion) in “new-type infrastructure” investment for the year as it called on the city to embrace challenges like a “seabird braving the storm.”
When delivering the city’s work report on Tuesday, Shenzhen Mayor Qin Weizhong took a metaphorical turn, saying difficulties must be faced with “the courage of a seabird that thrives amid storms.”
The mayor also said the city should “prioritise action, shoulder responsibilities and fully leverage positive factors to drive high-quality development step by step.”
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His remarks came as Shenzhen – long hailed as China’s Silicon Valley – faces growing competition from other Chinese cities, notably Hangzhou in the east, where the success of its AI start-up DeepSeek and robotics firm Unitree has drawn global attention.
According to the work report, Shenzhen is setting an ambitious 5.5 per cent target for the growth of its gross domestic product in 2025, along with a 2 per cent increase in the consumer price index, a 3 per cent rise in general public budget revenue and the creation of 200,000 new jobs.
Qin said these goals reflect Shenzhen’s commitment to “shouldering the responsibilities of a major economic powerhouse”, calling them “within reach” if the necessary effort is made.
“Meeting this year’s goals will not be easy, but Shenzhen is a city that dares to strive. It has always grown through challenges.”
Among the 10 major areas of focus outlined in this year’s report, two are specifically dedicated to tech innovation.
The report said Shenzhen will “fully compete” in emerging sectors such as AI, the “low-altitude economy” and aerospace, while consolidating its established global position in electronics, automotive and new energy.
It will implement an “AI Plus” initiative to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies like algorithmic theory, AI chips and advanced autonomous driving, while expanding the development of AI-powered products for end users.
These ambitions would be supported by the 160 billion yuan of projected investment in “new-type” infrastructure – bedrock systems and services optimised for the digital age – 20 billion yuan more than last year’s allocation.
Shenzhen has also vowed to establish and refine a mechanism for identifying, tracking and supporting companies and project teams with a high potential for innovation.
It also has designs on becoming a “high-level international trade hub” by expanding exports from its competitive industries and increasing imports of key goods such as advanced equipment, critical components, bulk energy resources and high-quality agricultural products, Qin added.
The southern province of Guangdong, home to Shenzhen, has had issues sustaining its growth momentum. Though it is the country’s largest export hub, the province missed its GDP growth target for a third consecutive year in 2024, posting a 3.5 per cent year-on-year increase despite aiming for 5 per cent.
Other priorities for Shenzhen in 2025 include expanding domestic demand, stabilising external demand, deepening economic reform and promoting the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.
The city has also expressed its wishes to contribute to the Greater Bay Area’s strategic role, driving more coordinated development across Guangdong province and the country at large.
This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
