Kaiyang Economic Development Zone accelerates high-quality growth

Spring has brought renewed energy to the Kaiyang Economic Development Zone in Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province, where industrial projects are progressing, construction is accelerating, and industries are thriving.

The site of Guizhou Fukai New Materials Co is advancing steadily, with its production workshop, warehouse, office complex, wastewater treatment plant, firewater tank, and equipment facilities all topped out. The civil construction phase is expected to be completed by June 2024, after which equipment installation and commissioning will commence. The site is projected to have an annual production of 30,000 metric tons of halogen-free flame retardants and 1,000 tons of phosphorus pentoxide.

Guizhou Qingyuan Nongguan Crop Science Co, home to Guizhou's first biopesticide technology R&D project, is finalizing Phase 1 construction. All equipment has been tested and will be ready for operation once the production license is obtained.

Kaiyang Economic Development Zone, in collaboration with county departments, has optimized the full-lifecycle service mechanism for projects. The zone has created a favorable business environment by providing financial support, facilitating administrative procedures, and ensuring resource allocation. Efforts such as on-site coordination and engagement with higher authorities have been instrumental in addressing key challenges faced by major enterprises.

In 2024, the zone spearheaded the launch of 13 new projects, including potassium hydroxide production, pesticides, and PPA system improvements. Eight projects, including Zhongwei's 50,000-ton lithium iron phosphate plant, Bangsheng's 50,000-ton iron phosphate facility, and Xintianxin's phosphorus-carbon chemical technology upgrades, were also completed, injecting strong momentum into the county's industrial economy.

The total industrial output value of enterprises above the designated size in the zone has surged from 9.89 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) in 2020 to 28.68 billion yuan in 2024 — an almost threefold increase, with an annual growth rate of 30.5 percent.

The zone has transformed from a base for basic chemical production, focusing on yellow phosphorus and phosphoric acid, into a hub for high-end fine chemicals, including food-grade phosphate and new energy battery materials. This marks a new chapter in the zone's high-quality industrial development.