HONG KONG -- Convergence of manufacturing and information technology will trigger a profound restructuring of industrial manufacturing and lead to a new production mode, industrial patterns, business model and economic growth.

So says "Made in China 2025," a plan released last May as part of a comprehensive national strategy to upgrade China's manufacturing sector. The plan defines 10 key areas where breakthroughs will be made, including new advanced information technology, automated machine tools and robotics, aerospace and aeronautical equipment, marine equipment and high-tech vessels, advanced railway equipment, energy saving and new energy vehicles, power equipment, agricultural machinery, new materials and biological medicine and state-of-the-art medical devices

"Made in China 2025" is also a focus of the annual International Printed Circuit & APEX South China Fair (2015 HKPCA & IPC Show), which takes place Dec. 2-4 in Shenzhen.

The "Made in China 2025" strategy is themed to propel innovation in manufacturing, and focuses on improving quality and efficiency, noted HKPCA in a press release, through integration of IT and industrialization, as well as intelligent manufacturing.

In keeping with that theme, this year's trade show includes a new, dedicated area for "Smart Automation," which merges numerous suppliers engaged in automation to showcase innovative technology and industrial automation equipment. This year's event also adds pavilions for and Rigid-Flex and Green Development (industrial environmental protection and energy saving).

The HKPCA Show is among the world's largest show for printed circuit boards and electronics assembly, with more than 500 exhibitors and 2,202 booths. Last year's show pulled in nearly 40,000 attendees.