Hechi in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is to push for the sustainable development of its whole cocoon and silk industry, according to Wei Zhaohui, the executive vice mayor of Hechi, a member of the standing committee of the CPC Hechi Municipal Committee and a deputy to the National People's Congress.

Hechi is the main production area for cocoon and silk in China. The city had an overall mulberry field area of 931,400 mu (62,093 hectares) in 2020 and an annual cocoon and silk production of 139,800 metric tons, with a production value of more than 6 billion yuan ($923 million).

The city has been recognized as the "new city of silk in China" by the China Silk Association.

Hechi has been pushing forward the integrated development of its primary, secondary and tertiary silk industries and making innovations in developing new business models which integrate silk, cultural innovations, tourism and education.

Superior silkworm and mulberry species will be promoted in the city to achieve larger-scale mulberry plantations and industrialized silkworm breeding.

The city will speed up the deep processing of the cocoon silk industry from East China and lay out plans for garment production, making breakthroughs in terms of industrial chains.

The rich ethnic culture and tourism resources in Hechi will be fully utilized in the establishment of a silk industry ecosystem in the city.

A 5 square kilometer "silk town" will be set up in Yizhou New Area, with various functions spanning innovation, design, exhibition, financial services, vocational education and a study base.

Efforts will also be made in scientific development so that more support will be offered to Hechi's silk industry. A scientific research and development center gathering key companies, relevant higher education institutions and scientific research institutions will be set up in Yizhou to draw together industrial talents, push forward the transformation and application of research outcomes, and strengthen talent attraction and cultivation.

Wei expressed her hope that Hechi will gain more support and guidance from the country in terms of developing its industrial layout, growing its deep processing industry and in the sustainable development of the whole industrial chain.