Located in the southern part of northeast China, Liaoning Province has 148,000 square kilometers of territory. In 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, Liaoning has run the gamut of a national economic region. As a major industrial base in the country, Liaoning has various industries. Its development has shifted from heavy industry to one of technology-driven innovation. But making this change was not easy.

For decades, Liaoning was a key national industrial engine. Then came China's reform and opening-up in the late 1970s. The province struggled to keep up with rapidly-growing hi-tech manufacturing regions, and enhance its innovation capacity.

Chen Qiufa, chief of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, said, “We have increased investment in science and technology, which has contributed 55.5 percent to the whole economic growth. We have invented advanced equipment in national industries, defense and scientific endeavors, such as the first aircraft carrier made by China.” 

Liaoning continues to attract more foreign capital. Its foreign trade reached nearly 755 billion yuan (about 110 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018. And with the establishment of a Pilot Free Trade Zone, it has attracted more than 30,000 registered enterprises.

Chen said Liaoning has three international transport railways that connect with Europe through Manzhouli, Mongolia and the Bering Strait, making a comprehensive plan for building the Belt and Road pilot zone in the province. They have also issued measures to support foreign investors to set up research and development centers. 

Liaoning has become a vital part of China’s strategy to build an open and new economic environment. Chen pledged to continue furthering institutional reform and create a competitive business environment for foreign direct investment.