The Binhai New Area, a major center for China's financial reform, is also emerging as an incubator for industries that adapt military products for civilian use.

Authorities said this week that several projects in various industries will be carried out in the region, which is located 120 km southeast of Beijing.

According to a strategic cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday between the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense (CSTIND) and the Tianjin municipal government, several projects are currently being considered in the aviation, aerospace, shipbuilding, electronics, new materials and new energy sectors.