A provincial work symposium themed on sci-tech innovation in Central China's Hubei province on Feb 21 focused on the profound significance of the East Lake Science City located in the East Lake High-tech Development Zone (also known as Optics Valley of China, or OVC), calling for construction of the city to be accelerated.

According to incomplete statistics, the science city now is home to nearly 50 national industrial innovation centers, 39 State-level corporate research centers, and 11 industrial technology research institutes.

This is the second year since construction of the science city was launched, and three national innovation centers in optoelectronics, digital design and manufacturing, and advanced storage have been established so far.

According to a "three-step" plan issued by the government, by 2025 the main structure of the science city will be completed, by 2035 its core functions will be ready for operation, and by 2050 it will actualize its final goal of becoming one of the world's four innovation centers.