Shanghai aiming big at spearheading technology breakthroughs
City is compiling an ambitious blueprint to ramp up its integrated circuit industry, bolster its advanced manufacturing prowess, and attract the best talent
Shanghai officials have vowed to focus on further developing the city’s chip and other advanced manufacturing industries, promising a series of tailor-made policies aimed at attracting the best talent.
In a briefing on Monday, Chen Mingbo, head of the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Information Technology, said the Shanghai government is now accelerating the compilation of a blueprint on developing its integrated circuit (IC) sector, adding the city is well-placed in the highly capital-intensive sectors, in an attempt to narrow the gap with advanced nations.
Chen’s comments come as Shenzhen-based technology giant ZTE, a leader in smartphone and telecoms equipment, said it has applied to the US Commerce Department to suspend a seven-year ban on it doing business with US technology exporters.
The Chinese company said in a statement late on Sunday it had “formally submitted” a request to the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security for a “stay of the Denial Order.”
It said it sent the bureau “supplemental information” following the ban. It gave no details in its brief statement. ZTE was hit with the ban in a case involving alleged exports of telecom gear to Iran and North Korea. The company has said that the ban threatens its existence, by cutting off access to US suppliers of key components, such as microchips.
In addition to its talent policy, the city government will also better align technology companies with the financial sector, Chen said, and work with neighbouring provinces in the Yangtze River Delta to build up its strength in the IC sector.