Chili growing and processing has emerged as a pillar industry to boost local economic development in Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Last year, Guizhou had a total of 363,333 hectares of planted chilis, which is about one-sixth of the total in China and one-tenth that of the world.

The province is now home to over 300 chili companies that produce more than 70 types of products. Last year, Guizhou's chili transaction value reached 70.9 billion yuan ($10.9 billion), and chili products were sold to over 100 countries and regions despite the COVID-19 impact.

Xinpu New Area, located in Zunyi city, Guizhou province, is one of the most influential chili growing hubs in Guizhou. The area has incubated 15 chili companies to date.

"Xinpu New Area has a very good business environment, which is an important reason that drew us to run a business here. Another reason is that the weather and soil conditions in Guizhou are ideal for chilis to grow, and chilis harvested in the province have better qualities than in other places," said Yue Qinsong, general manager of Zunyi Dezhuang Food Industry Co, located in Xinpu New Area.

Zunyi Dezhuang Food Industry started operations last year. It has received investment worth 120 million yuan for its first-phase project, which takes up 2.5 hectares of land and expects an annual output of 5,000 metric tons.

"The local government has also rolled out a series of supportive measures to encourage the further development of our company," Yue said.

The company also plans a second-phase project that takes up 4.3 hectares of land with a total investment of 300 million yuan.

It forecasts an output of 200 million yuan in 2021, and 800 million yuan in 2025.