The city of Shanghai has set its goals on developing a world-class reputation in four major areas: manufacturing, services, shopping and culture. In manufacturing, the city aims to become an international leader by 2020, with at least three companies in the world top 500 list and others with significant reputations in high-tech manufacturing. Mi Jiayi has been talking to companies to see what are doing to help the city reach this goal.

Shanghai Huali Macro-electronics is the city's leading manufacturer of integrated circuits. It recently started installation and testing of its 12-inch silicon wafer plant in suburban Kangqiao. The line will allow Huali produce 28 nanometer chips, by far the most advanced technology China has. Chips made here are mostly sold to domestic mobile phone makers and for "national security" use. Huali has invested 38.7 billion yuan in the new factory, and hopes to finish installation and start production by the end of the year, turning out 40,000 wafers every month. The company says Shanghai's brand-building plan gives it a good opportunity to make progress in both capacity and technological achievement.

CHEN YUJUN, DIRECTOR HUAHONG GROUP "Our goal is to double our production capacity from the 2015 level by 2020."

Private companies are also boosting their profiles locally. Shanghai Manloulan is an haute couture company that specializes in making Chipao. It has adopted new technologies for its speciality -- custom-made silk dresses -- which includes using 3D measuring equipment. The higher standards they are working on needs more support from the government too. One analyst says Shanghai has many advantages for these companies.

LIU LIANG, SENIOR RESEARCHER SHANGHAI SOCIAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES "Shanghai is an international city, and companies can pick up many new trends about industrial development here. This is a big advantage compared to other cities. Also we've seen that the government is improving the efficiency of its administration, and accepting and adopting international standards and practices. So that means companies have less to worry about, which lowers their business costs here."

Shanghai's three-year plan aims to ensure strategic emerging industries account for more than 20 percent of the city's gross domestic product by 2020.