An industrial park in Dingxiang Economic and Technological Development Zone [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

Last year, Dingxiang county in North China's Shanxi province was selected as one of the first 10 key professional towns at provincial level for its flange industry.

Over the past six decades, Dingxiang has optimized the industrial foundation, innovation capabilities and industrial system of its forging industry. 

The rapid development of the industry has grown in parallel with Dingxiang's efficient and convenient business environment. The county has made every effort to optimize its business environment, provide considerate services for enterprises, and strengthen the guarantee of land, capital, talent, and data. 

Last year, The Dingxiang Economic and Technological Development Zone attracted seven investment projects with a total investment of 2.77 billion yuan ($405.58 million), and finished construction on 20 key projects with an investment of 6.23 billion yuan. 

The construction of the Dingxiang Forging Industry Intelligent Manufacturing Innovation Service Base is in full swing. It is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

"The base will be the 'heart' of Dingxiang Flange Professional Town," said Wu Qiang, deputy head of Dingxiang county. 

Dingxiang will continue to improve product services, public testing services and standard system platforms within the base. It will also promote the integrated development of its modern service and advanced manufacturing industries. 

Dingxiang is also planning to build an online flange trading platform, formulate and publish a flange price index, and establish an offline flange trading market. 

The county will promote the comprehensive utilization of industrial waste heat, introduce advanced technologies, and effectively promote the optimization and adjustment of the county's energy structure. 

In addition, it will promote the clustering and large-scale development of sectors, including new energy, energy conservation, environmental protection, and special metal materials.