Industrial parks across China maintain steady operation in July: official data

The industrial parks across China maintained steady operation and production in July this year, with the foundation for high-quality development continued to be consolidated, according to official data. According to the latest data from the State Information Center, the production heat index of the industrial parks increased by 1.0 percent year on year in July. In particular, technological innovation enterprises performed well, with the production heat index in the semiconductor, new materials and digital intelligence fields increasing by 11.6, 8.9 and 4.8 percent year on year, respectively.

Based on big data and high-frequency monitoring, the index is introduced to measure the prosperity and recovery trend of production activities of enterprises in the industrial parks across the country.

The number of patent grants related to strategic emerging industries increased by 10.7 percent year on year in July, of which the number of patent grants related to artificial intelligence increased by 60 percent year on year, with the growth rate increasing by 21.7 percentage points compared to that in June.

"Traditional industries are stabilizing their foundations through digital and intelligent transformation, while the 'new new three' represented by artificial intelligence and innovative drugs are bursting with innovative vitality. The driving role of new momentum in industrial transformation and upgrading continues to stand out," said Chen Xi, a researcher at the macroeconomic research institute under the National Development and Reform Commission.

Thanks to the country's fast-expanding innovation drive, China's export mix has evolved from the old "trio" of apparel, furniture and home appliances, to the recent trio of electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels, to the latest trio of robotics, AI-related products and innovative drugs. This trend highlights a shift from labor-intensive manufacturing to innovation-led growth.

The data also showed that investment structure continued to optimize in July. Capital investment in advanced manufacturing increased by 73.1 percent year on year, 42.5 percentage points higher than that in June, and the number of bids for projects related to new infrastructure such as computing power, data, and networks also maintained year-on-year growth.

"Since the beginning of this year, including in July, new growth drivers have made an increasingly significant contribution to the economy. Production and investment related to artificial intelligence have continued to show good growth momentum. Looking ahead, the growth rate of fiscal expenditure is expected to continue to rebound," said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist at Yuekai Securities.

Industrial parks across China maintain steady operation in July: official data

The China Pavilion made a strong debut at the ongoing MIP Africa 2026, a major film and television industry event on the continent, presenting a rich tapestry of Chinese storytelling to deepen cultural ties and industry collaboration.

Sponsored by China's State Council Information Office and National Radio and Television Administration, the China Pavilion featured an expanded lineup this year.

Sixteen leading Chinese audiovisual organizations -- spanning broadcasting, film and television production, animation, and cultural media -- set up booths at the event opening on Wednesday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.

Exhibitors presented more than 50 Chinese audiovisual titles across genres, including TV dramas, documentaries, variety shows, and animation, alongside advanced technologies. The showcase highlighted China's latest achievements in the screen industry while fostering closer partnerships between Chinese and African media institutions.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, the organizer of MIP Africa, praised the ongoing collaboration. She said that the event is dedicated to connecting African stories, talent, and enterprises with the global entertainment industry. Noting China serves as a vital partner in that mission, she expressed enthusiasm for building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership to bring more exceptional content to global audiences.

Running through Friday under the theme "Africa. Untold. Unstoppable," MIP Africa 2026 drew registrations from more than 100 international media companies and over 1,500 participants, featuring strong participation from across the continent, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.

China showcases diverse audiovisual works at MIP Africa 2026