Since the 1978 initiation of China’s policy of reform and opening-up, Dongguan pursued rural industrialization, urbanization and modernization, and actively developed an export-oriented economy. A modern manufacturing sector with the IT industry as the pillar among many high-tech industries gradually grew and upgraded. This has enabled Dongguan to become a modern city, famous for manufacturing and an important import and export base. In 2013, Dongguan’s GDP reached RMB 549 billion (an increase of 9.8% year on year), above the national and provincial averages; total fiscal revenue derived in Dongguan reached up to RMB 97.416 billion.

Over the past three decades, Dongguan has become one of China’s most dynamic cities in economic development, with an average annual growth rate of nearly 18%. Powering this growth is Dongguan’s strength in manufacturing with the IT, electric, garment, shoe, toy and furniture industries as economy mainstays in Dongguan’s export-oriented economic system. Dongguan has won honorary titles such as The World’s Computer City, World’s Toy City, World’s Shoe City and The South China Fashion City. Foreign investments have come from more than forty countries and regions around the world. As a result, up to 11,000 foreign enterprises have set up in Dongguan and the amount of foreign capital utilized totaled 75.5 billion USD. So far, 49 of the world’s top 500 enterprises have launched 86 projects in Dongguan, leading to the formation of pillar industries like electronic information, electrical apparatus & equipment, textiles, garments, shoes & hats, food and drinks, paper-making and paper products. Emerging industries such as LED photoelectric, new panel display, solar photovoltaic, have been cultivated. Dongguan has now become a famous manufacturing base worldwide and a major export base in China.