In 2025, the county-level city of Laixi in Qingdao focused on economic development and high-quality growth, achieving a GDP of 75.25 billion yuan ($11.1 billion), up 6.1 percent year-over-year. Industrial output above designated size grew by 13.5 percent. The city was also recognized as a National Civilized City and a provincial agricultural high-tech zone.

Consumer spending was increased through over 100 promotional events last year, driving more than 500 million yuan in sales of home appliances, automobiles, and digital products. Total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 4 percent. The city saw 11,000 newly registered market entities, with 11 private enterprises named as Qingdao benchmark firms.

Last year, Laixi's total R&D investment increased by 21.7 percent. It also recognized 65 new high-tech enterprises and two provincial engineering research centers. The new energy vehicle industry was designated as a key pillar industry cluster recognized by the province, and the healthy food and beverage sector was named a provincial specialty industry cluster.

Laixi also performed well in foreign trade. Local companies participated in over 100 trade fairs at home and abroad. Newly established foreign trade firms reached 40, with exports to countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN markets rising 10.3 percent and 4.2 percent, respectively.

Concerning rural development, four national specialty agricultural products and nine national geographical indication agricultural products were added. Two smart agriculture demonstration bases and 10 beautiful demonstration villages were established.

Laixi's new energy vehicle industry is listed as a key pillar industrial cluster recognized by the province. [Photo/WeChat account: qddaily]