The regional GDP of the Wuhan East Lake High-tech Development Zone (Optics Valley of China, or OVC) reached 336 billion yuan ($48.29 billion) in 2025, leading Wuhan for the seventh consecutive year and accounting for 5.4 percent of Hubei province's total.

OVC boasts strong industrial growth momentum. The optoelectronic information industry has surpassed 650 billion yuan, cementing its leading position. Meanwhile, the integrated circuit sector has exceeded 100 billion yuan for the first time, while the life and health industry is also thriving, with over 400 Class I new drugs currently under development, representing 90 percent of the province's total.

In addition, innovation capacity has significantly strengthened. OVC has established a strategic technology matrix comprising one national laboratory, 13 national key laboratories, five Hubei laboratories, seven large scientific facilities, and 66 national-level innovation platforms.

The business ecosystem is rapidly expanding as well. The total number of enterprises in the zone exceeds 167,000, with 5,821 high-tech companies. Eight companies have been listed among Forbes China's Top 50 AI Technology Enterprises, making OVC the "fourth hub" of Chinese AI innovation.

Furthermore, urban and industrial integrated development is accelerating, with the permanent population growing by 30 percent. The metro network now spans 84 kilometers, with municipal roads exceeding 1,000 km. A total of 65 schools and seven top-tier hospitals have been established.

Looking ahead, OVC aims to establish itself as the "World Optics Valley" by 2035, becoming a globally influential innovation hub, a landmark of the global optoelectronic information industry, and a globally renowned tech beacon.