The Overall Launch of Zhejiang University National Hi-Tech Zone
December 3, 2001

Another cornerstone was laid in Zhejiang University on its way to the transformation and incubation of its hi-tech research achievements. Today, the construction of over 113-hectare Zhejiang University National Hi-tech Zone starts at the foot of the Lao-he Hill.

Among the major provincial and municipal government officials that attended the foundation ceremony were Governor Chai Songyue, Secretary of the Municipal CPC Committee Wong Guoping and Vice Governor Lu Songting. The National Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Ministry of Education also sent their warm congratulations.

Governor Chai attended the meeting of the Hi-tech Zone Construction Leading Panel and delivered a speech before the foundation ceremony. He emphasized the significance of science and education in the course of national development, as well as the essential role of high-technology in strengthening economic competitiveness. ZJU High-tech Zone is an important component of the National high-tech Project and the Provincial High-tech Industrial Zone. As the core of the " Paradise Silicon Valley ", it will make immeasurable contribution to the provincial and national development in both technology and economy. The high-tech Zone will adopt a market-oriented approach and start operation in a limited area. That is, besides governmental input and preferential policies, social capital and venture investment are required to establish various enterprises. Such an approach is right in that it will operate in accordance with the rules of a market economy. The provincial and municipal governments will be highly supportive in such cases as land requisition, organization and coordination, and try their best to provide all the high-tech enterprises with preferential policies and satisfactory services so as to create an ideal environment in the zone. On the other hand, the high-tech zone should make full use of the advanced human and technological resources of Zhejiang University, attract social capital and venture investment both at home and abroad, develop infrastructure, and speed up the commercialization of high-tech fruits. This High-tech Zone will vie for the top of the country, and will contribute a lot to local and national overall development.

The construction of the ZJU High-tech Zone has been under preparation since the end of 1999, and started in early 2001. In May 2001, it passed the comprehensive assessment conducted by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education, and was officially named the " Zhejiang University National High-tech Zone ", along with other 21 national High-tech Zones. According to the preliminary layout, the high-tech zone covers an area of 300,000 square meters with a total investment of over RMB100 million. So far, there are 88 enterprises registered in the zone, with the total capital of over RMB 450 million.