Inside Xiong’an: China’s AI powered city seeks global business

In Short:
– The exploration highlights Hebei Province’s international business opportunities across various industries and cultural aspects.
– The region features a smart city in Xiong’an and is a major hub for luggage production, seeking foreign investment.

Hebei Province is showcasing its growing technology, manufacturing and logistics capabilities as it looks to strengthen international business ties and attract foreign investment.

For The Big Picture, host Mark Llewellyn and his team explore the province’s economic transformation, beginning with Xiong’an New Area, a smart city developed over the past decade on what was previously farmland.

Xiong’an uses artificial intelligence to manage areas including traffic, waste, security and public transport. Its “15 minute life cycle” model is designed to ensure schools, hospitals, parks and shops are accessible within a short walk.

Llewellyn speaks with Zhang Yingjie, Deputy Director of the Industry, Information Technology, Science and Data Bureau of Xiong’an New Area, about the region’s development and its ambitions to attract international businesses, including from Australia.

Hebei is also leveraging its manufacturing strength through specialised industrial hubs.

The province produces an estimated 800 million suitcases and backpacks each year, while Anping has become a global centre for wire mesh manufacturing.

The region’s products have been used in major infrastructure projects, including Beijing’s Olympic “Bird’s Nest” stadium and stadiums in Qatar. The province is also developing advanced products such as high strength stainless steel mesh, with demand emerging in Australia.

Logistics is another major part of Hebei’s economic strategy.

A large inland dry port uses AI to manage around 35 million tonnes of cargo annually, while a Free Trade Zone provides streamlined customs procedures and access to wider Chinese markets.

The visit highlights Hebei’s ambition to combine its industrial base with technology and international trade, positioning the province as a potential partner for businesses looking to expand their presence in China.