2026 World Manufacturing Convention Kicks Off in Hefei, Showcasing Intelligent Innovations
The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention opened its doors in Hefei, Anhui province on September 20, 2026. This year's event, themed "Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future," marks the eighth consecutive year Anhui has welcomed this prestigious gathering. With the United Kingdom featured as the guest country of honor, British Ambassador to China, Peter Wilson, delivered remarks that set the tone for the convention. Solange Amicha, representing the Cabinet Minister of the Presidency of Côte d'Ivoire, also shared a congratulatory message from the Ivorian president, reflecting the event's international significance.
Attracting over 1,000 attendees, which includes more than 500 overseas representatives from over 40 foreign companies, this convention occupies a sprawling 70,000 square meters. The agenda features a dynamic unmanned-systems showcase hosted at Luogang Park, and incorporates matchmaking events between China and Europe, as well as China and France, and China and the UK to foster industrial partnerships.
The previous convention significantly contributed to Anhui's economic landscape, securing 735 projects that amounted to investments of 380.2 billion yuan in 2025. In the lead-up to this year’s assembly, preparations led to the identification of 946 cooperative projects, amounting to over 400 billion yuan in investments, primarily concentrated in ten emerging industries. This ongoing collaboration includes state-owned ventures, private enterprises, and foreign-funded projects, as well as investments from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese enterprises.
Anhui’s manufacturing sector continues to thrive, with revenue from large industrial enterprises surpassing two trillion yuan. The province's manufacturing quality development index has impressively climbed from seventh to fifth in national rankings. From January to July 2026, the value added by these large enterprises experienced a 12.7 percent increase year-on-year, marking the highest growth rate witnessed in the last 58 months. Furthermore, profits for industrial sectors surged by 63.5 percent, accounting for 58.3 percent of the province's GDP growth during the same period. Among these developments, the output value from strategic emerging industries soared by 17.3 percent, contributing to 46.1 percent of the total industrial output. Notable growth was also observed in new energy vehicles, integrated circuits, and robotics, with production rising by 27.5 percent, 28.6 percent, and 32.8 percent, respectively.
In terms of modernization, around 17,000 industrial enterprises have successfully undergone intelligent and digital transformations. Presently, Anhui boasts eight certified "lighthouse factories" and has rolled out 1,907 critical technological components, innovative materials, and first-edition software products.
Looking ahead, Anhui aims to further develop sectors such as intelligent connected vehicles, integrated circuits, and robotics. The province is also set to cultivate advancements in quantum technology, biomanufacturing, and hydrogen energy. With an eye towards sustainability, Anhui plans to intensify its digital, intelligent, and green transformation efforts. The ambition includes establishing advanced manufacturing clusters that promise to generate trillions of yuan in value.
The current convention not only showcases the impressive manufacturing achievements of Anhui but also marks a pivotal moment for deeper integration into the global industrial and supply chains. It embodies a commitment to fostering innovation as a key driver for sustained growth in the manufacturing sector. The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention stands not just as a platform for collaboration and investment but also as an inspiration for future developments in the realm of intelligent manufacturing.
Attracting over 1,000 attendees, which includes more than 500 overseas representatives from over 40 foreign companies, this convention occupies a sprawling 70,000 square meters. The agenda features a dynamic unmanned-systems showcase hosted at Luogang Park, and incorporates matchmaking events between China and Europe, as well as China and France, and China and the UK to foster industrial partnerships.
The previous convention significantly contributed to Anhui's economic landscape, securing 735 projects that amounted to investments of 380.2 billion yuan in 2025. In the lead-up to this year’s assembly, preparations led to the identification of 946 cooperative projects, amounting to over 400 billion yuan in investments, primarily concentrated in ten emerging industries. This ongoing collaboration includes state-owned ventures, private enterprises, and foreign-funded projects, as well as investments from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese enterprises.
Anhui’s manufacturing sector continues to thrive, with revenue from large industrial enterprises surpassing two trillion yuan. The province's manufacturing quality development index has impressively climbed from seventh to fifth in national rankings. From January to July 2026, the value added by these large enterprises experienced a 12.7 percent increase year-on-year, marking the highest growth rate witnessed in the last 58 months. Furthermore, profits for industrial sectors surged by 63.5 percent, accounting for 58.3 percent of the province's GDP growth during the same period. Among these developments, the output value from strategic emerging industries soared by 17.3 percent, contributing to 46.1 percent of the total industrial output. Notable growth was also observed in new energy vehicles, integrated circuits, and robotics, with production rising by 27.5 percent, 28.6 percent, and 32.8 percent, respectively.
In terms of modernization, around 17,000 industrial enterprises have successfully undergone intelligent and digital transformations. Presently, Anhui boasts eight certified "lighthouse factories" and has rolled out 1,907 critical technological components, innovative materials, and first-edition software products.
Looking ahead, Anhui aims to further develop sectors such as intelligent connected vehicles, integrated circuits, and robotics. The province is also set to cultivate advancements in quantum technology, biomanufacturing, and hydrogen energy. With an eye towards sustainability, Anhui plans to intensify its digital, intelligent, and green transformation efforts. The ambition includes establishing advanced manufacturing clusters that promise to generate trillions of yuan in value.
The current convention not only showcases the impressive manufacturing achievements of Anhui but also marks a pivotal moment for deeper integration into the global industrial and supply chains. It embodies a commitment to fostering innovation as a key driver for sustained growth in the manufacturing sector. The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention stands not just as a platform for collaboration and investment but also as an inspiration for future developments in the realm of intelligent manufacturing.
Topics Heavy Industry & Manufacturing）
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