Lingang comes through virus outbreak with new contracts

Although the nationwide fight against the novel coronavirus is far from over, enterprises have reached agreements of 12 new industrial projects this year with the Lingang authority  in the special area of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone with a total investment of more than 20 billion yuan (US$2.9 billion).

The projects involved innovative breakthroughs of long-standing bottlenecks, including battery management system of new energy vehicles, materials, the third-generation semiconductor and 5G applications. 

According to the Lingang authority, construction of the buildings involved in these projects will be carried out within the year.

The Shanghai government has authorized the Lingang Special Area Administrative Committee 517 administrative powers, including those in the fields of investment, talent, trade and finance, scientific and technological innovation, urban planning and natural resources, construction and transportation, ecology and sanitation, culture and tourism.

In particular, the Lingang authority is entitled to introduce talent from out of town and grant permanent residence for overseas returnees and their families.

Despite the novel coronavirus pneumonia outbreak, also known as COVID-19, more than 600 companies in Lingang have resumed business. By the end of last week, over 30,000 people had gone back to work there, with precautionary measures ensuring safety.

In Tesla’s factory work resumed on February 10. More than 1,000 employees wear face masks and have their temperature checked as they arrive for work.Three kilometers away, one of Tesla’s parts suppliers resumed production on the same day.