On December 8, 2024, the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (commonly referred to as TEDA) celebrated its 40th anniversary, reflecting on four decades of transformation from a desolate salt-laden wilderness into a prominent economic development zone recognized nationally. Established in 1984 with the approval of China's State Council, TEDA has emerged as one of the most favorable investment environments in the country, demonstrating a remarkable economic aggregate and a high level of global integration.
Spanning over 403 square kilometers, TEDA hosts ten industrial parks and is home to approximately 53,400 enterprises. Over the years, TEDA has maintained a high level of openness to international investments, progressively strengthening its reputation as a reliable destination for foreign funds. Chung Shih-Chung, chairman of the TEDA Administrative Committee, emphasized that TEDA has created a top-notch business environment supporting sustainable growth and innovation.
For the past 16 consecutive years, TEDA has been recognized as China's leading economic development zone based on comprehensive performance. By the end of 2023, TEDA attracted around 6,478 foreign investment projects from 97 countries and regions, including 573 projects from 124 companies listed in the Fortune 500. The total amount of foreign investment reached approximately $69.557 billion.
Throughout its history, TEDA has played a crucial role in facilitating multinational corporations' entry into the Chinese market and its industrial supply chains. The establishment of Motorola China in 1992, the first wholly owned foreign enterprise with high-end technology, marked the beginning of a new era in wireless communications in China. This move symbolized TEDA’s commitment to fostering a conducive business environment and legal framework for investment.
From its inception, TEDA implemented flexible land-use policies, introducing seventy-year land-use rights through land lease agreements in China. As the region developed, TEDA established reference regulations for labor protection, setting precedents within the Chinese legislative framework. These innovations have garnered TEDA recognition as one of the most innovative local administrations in China, as highlighted by the magazine "Impact China."
The industrial cluster worth hundreds of billions of yuan within TEDA presents an excellent opportunity for developing technical talent and manufacturing supply chains across various sectors, including automobiles, information technology, new chemical materials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. TEDA’s strategic location at the intersection of the integration plans for Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei enhances its connectivity with the Bohai Bay area and supports seamless interaction with 162 intergovernmental services in the region.
To assist in areas such as financing, operations, management, talent recruitment, and sales channels, TEDA offers professional consultancy services from third-party experts. As TEDA celebrates its 40th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of strategic economic development and innovation, paving the way for future growth and collaboration on both local and international fronts.
This milestone signals not only the success of TEDA but also represents a bright future as it continues to attract talent and investment, driving forward sustainable development and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem in China.