An innovation-driven development themed discussion tour kicked off in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on September 18. Over 130 academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering took part in the event.
On September 19, two academicians and several other experts made suggestions on the development of Zigong. Their recommendations centered around upgrades to the industrial city and fostering new industrial growth poles in Zigong.
"Emerging industries, such as nuclear energy, could be developed in Zigong," said Luo Qi, academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering and deputy chief engineer of the China National Nuclear Corporation. "As a sunrise industry, the nuclear electric power generation industry could have a demonstration effect and would play a leading role if it could be developed early enough," he added.
"Zigong could induce large corporations to set up branches in the city and develop associated industries together with Chengdu and Chongqing," said Hou Chaohuan, academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and researcher at the Institute of Acoustics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. "Communication and exchanges between the government and universities should be enhanced to attract more projects," he added.
Renowned for its salt production, lanterns, dinosaur fossils, and delicious food, Zigong has convenient transportation, a broad range of industrial space and a strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, according to conference speakers.
