Contributing nearly 20 percent of Jinan's GDP, Lixia has unveiled an ambitious 2025 investment strategy to cement its position as Shandong's economic powerhouse. The district aims to attract over 50 major projects (each exceeding 100 million yuan, about $13.8 million), five Global Fortune 500 enterprises, and eight provincial or state-owned headquarters, targeting a total external investment of 10 billion yuan.

During a Feb 18 inspection tour, Liu Qiang, Party secretary of Jinan, stressed the importance of prioritizing high-value investments and fostering cluster development in advanced sectors such as AI, biotech, and fintech. Despite spatial limitations, Lixia is leveraging its financial strength and industrial hubs—including partnerships with Huawei and Inspur—to drive ''chain-cluster'' growth through tailored policies and dedicated services for key projects.

At a high-profile investment conference on Feb 28, Lixia introduced initiatives like the Collaborative Enterprise campaign and the Project Escort system, offering end-to-end support for investors. The district also plans to forge capital-driven alliances with universities and overseas networks to expand its global reach.

''Success requires relentless effort'', officials emphasized, underscoring Lixia's determination to evolve into an internationalized core urban area by integrating precision targeting, industries driven by ecosystems, and institutional innovation. With a sharp focus on quality over quantity, 2025 will be a pivotal year in transforming Lixia's ambition into a world-class economic blueprint.