Shizhong District of Leshan, Sichuan Forges Ahead in Emerging Industries with AI, New Energy Storage and Manufacturing Upgrades
According to official updates from local authorities in Sichuan Province, Shizhong District of Leshan City has been strategically advancing cutting-edge sectors including artificial intelligence (AI) robotics and new energy storage in recent years, while optimising business environment and accelerating transformation of traditional manufacturing to foster robust growth of strategic emerging industries.
Positioned as a key industrial hub in southern Sichuan, Shizhong District has formulated targeted policies to attract investment in high-tech sectors, with a particular focus on AI robotics and new energy storage technologies—fields identified as core drivers of future industrial competitiveness. The district has established specialised industrial parks and innovation platforms to support research, development and commercialisation of advanced technologies, facilitating collaboration between enterprises, research institutions and technical teams.
To accelerate AI robotics deployment, the district has supported a number of local enterprises in developing intelligent manufacturing systems, automated production lines and service robots. These technologies have been progressively applied across manufacturing, logistics and urban services sectors, significantly enhancing production efficiency and service quality. Several robotics projects have been recognised as provincial-level demonstration initiatives, serving as models for digital transformation in neighbouring regions.
In the new energy storage sector, Shizhong District has actively promoted the development and application of advanced energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage systems. The district has attracted key enterprises in the new energy chain to establish production bases and R&D centres, forming a preliminary industrial cluster covering core components, system integration and application services. These developments align with national strategies for energy transformation and carbon neutrality, strengthening the region's capacity in clean energy utilisation.
Parallel to advancing emerging industries, Shizhong District has intensified efforts to upgrade traditional manufacturing sectors such as machinery, chemical and building materials. Through digital transformation, intelligent retrofitting and green production upgrades, traditional enterprises have improved product quality, reduced energy consumption and enhanced market competitiveness. Many traditional manufacturers have successfully integrated digital technologies into core production processes, transitioning from labour-intensive to technology-intensive operations.
A cornerstone of the district's industrial strategy has been continuous optimisation of the business environment. Administrative procedures have been streamlined, approval processes shortened and service mechanisms improved to reduce institutional costs for enterprises. The district has established dedicated service teams to provide comprehensive support for project investment, construction and operation, while strengthening infrastructure development including transportation, energy supply and digital networks.
These coordinated efforts have yielded tangible results. Shizhong District has witnessed steady growth in high-tech industry output value, with emerging sectors accounting for an increasing proportion of the regional economy. The district's industrial structure has been continuously optimised, with a more balanced development between traditional and emerging industries.
By prioritising technological innovation, industrial upgrading and environment optimisation, Shizhong District is consolidating its position as an important emerging industry base in Sichuan. The district's integrated approach to fostering cutting-edge sectors while revitalising traditional industries provides valuable experience for regional industrial transformation and high-quality development.
