Changchun Economy

Changchun achieved a GDP of RMB208.9 billion in 2007, having increased two-fold over 5 years. Primary industry output increased by 24.1 percent to RMB20.1 billion. Secondary industry output experienced an increase of 23.2 percent, reaching RMB104.9 billion, while the tertiary industry output increased 15.5 percent to RMB84.0 billion.

The city’s leading industries are foodstuffs, photo-electronic information, biology and medicine, and automotive. Changchun is the largest automobile manufacturing base in China. As cradle of the auto industry, and home to FAW, China’s biggest vehicle producer, one of Changchun’s better known nicknames is "China's Detroit".

In 2007, imports accounted for US$5.43 billion, increase of 31.5 percent; exports of US$1.51 billion rose by 38.5 percent. By the end of 2007, per capita disposable income equaled RMB28,131, an increase of 19.4 percent.

Changchun has great potential, but like many northern cities it still is trying to resolve major difficulties. It is increasingly faced with competition from nearby cities, seeing its dominance of the northeast as a regional industrial powerhouse diminish as other nearby cities continue to narrow the gap.

FDI in the city remains small - only US$1.69 billion was used in 2007 - but is steadily increasing, showing a 19.9 percent rise from the previous year. However, investors still need to be convinced. Big players of the likes of Coca-Cola, may help with this. The company set up a bottling plant in the city’s ETDZ in 2004 with an investment of US$20 million.

Changchun is situated at Northeast Asia's geometric center. South peninsula coastline, north to Russia and Eastern Europe, east to North Korea,South Korea, Russia, and west to Mongolia. Changchun is an important transportation and communication hub of Northeast China.

Changchun's main industry is the manufacturing of transportation facilities and machinery. It produces 20%, 50%, and 10% of all automobiles,passenger trains, and tractors made in China.

Changchun is the biggest automobile research and development center in China. The first Chinese truck and car was made in Changchun. FAW (First Automotive Works) Group is headquartered in Changchun. The automaker's factories and associated housing and services occupy a substantial portion of the city's southwest end. Specific brands produced in Changchun include the Red Flag luxury brand, as well as joint ventures with Audi, Volkswagen, and Toyota.

The GDP per capita was ¥21336 (ca. US$ 2580) in 2003, ranked no. 52 among 659 Chinese cities.

Changchun hosts the yearly Changchun International Automobile Fair, Changchun Film Festival, Changchun Agricultural Fair, Education Exhibition and the Sculpture Exhibition.

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