(BEIJING, October 31) -- Yizhuang, a new Economic and Technological Development Zone (ETDZ) in southern Beijing, has given priority to sustainable development.

The 15.8 square km-area, approved by the State Council to become a ETDZ in 1994, has turned to be a modern industrial park, attracting 58 out of the world top 500 enterprises, such as Nokia, Mercedes Benz, GE, Bosch, Bayer and SMC, said Zhao Xinxin, deputy head of the zone.

With more than 2,000 Chinese and foreign enterprises, the zone has put out a GDP of 576.2 billion yuan (about $77 billion) and has become a new economic growth point and a major window of the capital city to the outside world, he told a press conference at the Olympic Media Center on Wednesday.

High-tech enterprises are leading forces for the zone's development, contributing 86 percent to its GDP and there are over 300 research and development centers there now, Zhao said.

"We have attracted investments of $15.5 billion, including $12.4 billion from foreign companies," he said, adding that four major industries have taken shape: IT, biotechnologies and new pharmaceuticals, car-making and manufacturing. The service industry has also grown fast.

Yizhuang has managed to become a forerunner in efficient soil use and reduction of energy consumption. Besides, it has increased investment in infrastructure, including sewage treatment plants and transport facilities. Thirdly, it has given priority to "harmonious development" by giving due attention to social issues.

For instance, the zone employs 13,700 farmers from nearby villages and requires employers to pay migrant workers on time.