Chenzhou FTZ and Hi-Tech Zone reports 2025 growth through industrial transformation

The Chenzhou Area of China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone and Chenzhou High-Tech Industrial Development Zone convened its annual economic work conference on Jan 22, releasing robust 2025 results amid challenging external conditions.

The zone's total industrial output value rose 36.8 percent year-on-year, with foreign trade volume up 23.3 percent. The rare and precious metal new materials cluster earned an "excellent" rating as a provincial advanced manufacturing cluster. Hunan Silver saw its output exceed 10 billion yuan ($1.49 billion), marking the zone's first provincial sci-tech innovation consortium in the non-ferrous metal sector.

A sweeping upgrade of the local traditional nonferrous metal industry underpins the strong performance. The zone rolled out a three-year campaign to steer the sector toward high-end, intelligent and green development.

Hunan Shizhuyuan Nonferrous Metals deployed smart mining technologies to improve safety and efficiency and was recognized as a national-level manufacturing champion. The zone also signed a cooperation agreement with the Zhongkai High-Tech Zone in Huizhou and added 12 jewelry industry projects to expand its industrial ecosystem.

Alongside industrial upgrading, the zone has advanced livelihood initiatives and ecological protection. It has renovated aging residential communities and pushed forward resettlement programs for 1,445 households.

Golden plane trees highlight the park's pleasant ecological scenery. [Photo/WeChat account: zmhn0924]

It also obtained the national green industrial park designation, with enterprises like Chenzhou Diamond Tungsten Products investing in emission cuts and resource recycling. Ecological restoration projects have treated 12 tailings ponds and revegetated about 48 hectares of former mining sites.