Xiangjiang New Area powers Hunan firms' global expansion

Anker Innovations, a global smart hardware brand from Xiangjiang New Area in Changsha, Hunan province, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on July 2, raising about HK$4.6 billion ($590 million).

Anker Innovations. [Photo/WeChat account: Xiangjiang new area]

Anker's rise reflects a shift in Hunan companies' global expansion. Over 15 years, it has grown from a consumer electronics maker into a global smart hardware technology company. From 2015 to 2025, its revenue grew at a compound annual rate of over 35 percent. Its products reach more than 180 countries and regions, serving over 200 million users. This marks a transition from product exports to brand, technology and capital output.

Other firms in Xiangjiang New Area are following suit. Zoomlion's emergency equipment subsidiary has developed the world's tallest 113-meter aerial platform fire truck. Farsoon Technologies provides 3D printing services globally. CIDI offers intelligent driving solutions. Wasion's smart meters enter overseas power systems. Viewtrix Technology expands intelligent production lines to Europe, Japan, South Korea and North America. Ave Science & Technology applies machine vision to clinical pathology, and Sansure Biotech's HBV RNA test kit has been approved.

Xiangjiang New Area supports these firms by connecting innovation, industry, capital and service chains. It is building a core leading zone for a global research and development center city, linking universities, research platforms and enterprises. This is not a simple catch-up with coastal opening-up models, but a redefinition of how opening-up can be pursued.