China's east, especially the coastal areas, contributed over half of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), making it the backbone of China's economic growth. 

However, there is also an acceleration in economic growth in the more inland western regions of China. In the past decade, revenues from equipment manufacturing in central and western China grew by over 40 percent. And these regions are offering new momentum to the country's high-quality transition. 

For instance, while the Chengdu city of Sichuan Province in southwest China is known for its spicy cuisine and pandas, emerging industries are also booming here. 

XGIMI, a company that makes new generations of intelligent projection and laser TVs, was started in Chengdu in 2013. Over a decade on, products from XGIMI now reach more than 100 countries and regions, serving more than 5 million users worldwide. 

The company's secret to success lies in technological innovation. It is not just about how cool and sleek the products look, but also the algorithms and optical hardware the company has mastered. 

XGIMI just gained a new patent on September 17, 2024, that allows more efficient wireless transfer of data. While the details of this new patent are challenging for common folk to understand, the possible application is straightforward. People are now connected with 5G and other wireless technologies – with devices. The new protocol can help improve the experience of faster and more efficient data transfer, preserving the image quality and improving the user experience of modern projectors. It is just a new addition to the over 1,000 patents the firm already has.

Chinese President Xi Jinping made two official visits to Sichuan, in 2018 and 2022, and during his more recent visit in 2022, he visited XGIMI's manufacturing facility. That shows the extent of support from the country's leadership to innovative companies that are also privately owned and catering to the world. It also exhibits the country's focus on the western parts of China when it comes to emerging fields.

President Xi once said Sichuan's economic competitiveness should be enhanced by innovation and stimulated by deepening reforms to continue on the path towards high-quality development.  This summer's Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC also stressed how innovation and reform play key roles in China's development.