Shaanxi Province

Shaanxi is a major producer of fossil fuels. In 2009, it produced 296 million tons of coal, 27 million ton of crude oil, and 18,950 million cubic meters of natural gas, all ranking third in China. The reserves of these resources are large and yet to be fully explored. The capital, Xian, has a high-tech industrial zone that is supported by several of the best universities and research institutions in western China; the focus is on software development, aerospace technology, new materials and aircraft technology, all of which are among China's new priority industries in the new 12th Five-Year Plan. Shaanxi also provides nearly 50% of the R&D and equipment manufacturing for China's ambitious commercial aircraft project. Shaanxi's 2009 GDP was RMB818.7 billion ($112 billion), with GDP per capita of RMB21,729 ($3,179), ranking 14th in China.

Transforming Shaanxi's high tech advantages into actual production will be the main challenge for the future. Some areas, such as space technology where Shaanxi leads the country, may take longer to commercialize. The Western Triangle is a new economic zone built around three cities, Chongqing, Chengdu and Xian; the recent addition of Xian to the Western Triangle will be a key driver of growth. But, overall, the province needs to find a way to maximize its advantages in high-tech industries.