Improved animal husbandry

Its annual production scale of 200,000 commercial hogs, and abattoir capacity for 500,000 swine, 3 million poultry and 5,000 metric tons of deep-processing meat products are expected to "greatly promote the increase in production and supply of live pigs and the high-quality development of animal husbandry", according to local authorities.

Huatong group's facility in the Bihu area of Lishui's Liandu district has more than 70 employees processing up to 300 pigs a day in line with global environmental management standards.

Wu Fei, the head of the livestock and poultry industry chain intelligent project department in Liandu, said the investment from Yiwu matches industry knowledge with Lishui's natural advantages and resources.

"We identified the area's strengths and suitability through in-depth research beginning in 2018, partnering with local stakeholders through land-use arrangements, skills transfer and jobs to help lift its economy together," he said.

The Huatong project is a leading example of Shanhai cooperation in Lishui's pillar agricultural industries, with its results and experience able to expand to other areas, said Wang Haitao, head of the local livestock and health section of the agricultural-rural animal husbandry and veterinary development center.

"From feeding to breeding and fresh meat to processed products, we're able to put in place a complete production chain here to supply markets and fully realize the potential of the industry," he said.

The project provides advanced industrial expertise such as logistics links that are able to fully cater to specific and changing consumer needs, such as meats with different fat content, said Jiang Lin, who heads the integrated management section of Lishui's main industrial park.

"We've also introduced all the necessary hygiene, sanitation and disease prevention protocols and practices, which are all up to the latest industry standards," Jiang said.

Li Shun, section chief of economic development under the industrial park's management committee, said, "From equipment manufacturing to food processing, we're continuing to open up and attract growth industries that build on our strengths."

"Looking ahead to sectors like high-tech, all these will have a very positive impact on our economy and bring real benefits to our communities," Li said.