A stunning view of Shanghai's Jiading district. [Photo provided to english.jiading.gov.cn]
Jiading district in Shanghai has shown impressive economic growth for 2025, with its GDP expected to rise by about 3.5 percent year-on-year, according to its government work report delivered during the seventh session of the seventh Jiading District People's Congress on Jan 13.
The district has been strengthening its new economic drivers, with research and development spending reaching 6.2 percent of its GDP. Its three key industries, including automotive, integrated circuits, and biomedicine, have thrived, generating a combined output of 336.58 billion yuan ($48.3 billion).
Tourism and entertainment also saw significant boosts. The 2025 Shanghai Auto Culture Festival alone contributed 6.01 billion yuan to tourism. The cultural and entertainment sectors' revenue grew by 43.1 percent year-on-year.
Jiading's foreign trade reached new heights, with import and export volumes growing by 5.6 percent year-on-year to 183.61 billion yuan. The Jiading Comprehensive Bonded Zone achieved a record 12.3 billion yuan in bonded trade.
The district welcomed 93 new business ventures from foreign-invested companies and recognized three new municipal-level foreign-funded R&D centers.
In the medical device sector, international collaborations have begun, with projects like JD Health and Shanghai Pharma International Innovation Center moving forward.
As a national pilot city for manufacturing technology transformation, Jiading leads in smart manufacturing and digital transformation, with 100 companies involved. The district also added 14 new green factories and four green supply chain management enterprises.
At the eighth China International Import Expo, Jiading set up the Jiading Enterprise Exhibition Area for the first time and Jiading's trading group secured $380 million in procurement agreements.
The opening of the Hongqiao Overseas Trade Center (North Hongqiao) and the establishment of projects like the Porsche China R&D Center also highlighted Jiading's growing appeal.