Zhangjiang: Home to booming integrated circuit industry

Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Pudong New District, Shanghai aims to become a national center for the integrated circuit (IC) design industry, local media reported on April 8.

According to statistics from the economic and information technology commission of Shanghai, the output of Zhangjiang's IC design industry was valued at more than 40 billion yuan ($5.68 billion) in 2019, accounting for 70 percent of the city's total.

A comprehensive and internationally-competitive IC design industrial cluster has been taking shape, local officials said.

Six of the world's top 10 chip design companies have already set up regional headquarters or research and development centers in Zhangjiang, and three of China's top 10 chip design companies are headquartered in Zhangjiang, while another three have branches operating in the area.

A municipal-level IC design industrial park covering an area of three square kilometers is also currently under construction in the area. It already houses more than 180 companies involved in key fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G technology, smart driving, and internet of things.

In addition, Zhangjiang is home to 19 advanced silicon wafer production lines and a number of leading companies engaged in sealing and testing, including ASE and Amkor.

More than 50,000 people are currently involved in the IC industry in Zhangjiang, and the park has partnered with universities and research institutes to cultivate more skilled workers.

According to He Dajun, general manager of Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, the output value of the entire IC industrial chain in Pudong is expected to reach 400 billion yuan by 2025, accounting for 80 percent of Shanghai's total IC output.