Major leaders from the Yangtze River Delta region gathered in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, from June 5 to 6 for a pivotal symposium. Under the theme \"Writing a New Chapter in the Integration of the Yangtze River Delta and Being the Pioneer of Chinese-style Modernization,\" participants discussed the region's future development directions, emphasizing a unified effort to drive progress.
Since being elevated to a national strategy, the integration of the Yangtze River Delta has deepened significantly. Enhanced regional cooperation capabilities have led to substantial economic achievements, positioning the delta as one of China's most dynamic economic hubs.
In the first quarter of 2024, the delta's economy reached 7.4 trillion yuan ($1.02 trillion), accounting for approximately 25 percent of the national total. Key economic indicators from the region have surpassed those of other areas nationwide, highlighting its robust growth.
At the symposium, leaders reaffirmed the strategic framework of \"one pole, three zones, and one highland,\" aiming to leverage each area's strengths and foster cross-province and cross-city collaboration. These strategies aim to reinforce the Yangtze River Delta’s role as a vital growth engine.
The region is committed to achieving breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation. With one of the strongest innovation capacities and the most comprehensive industrial systems in the country, the delta is a leader in integrated circuits, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, accounting for significant shares of the national totals. R&D investment intensity in the region reached 3.23 percent, surpassing the national average by nearly 0.7 percentage points.
Looking ahead, the Yangtze River Delta plans to enhance its original technological innovation capabilities, build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem, and advance the construction of a digital delta. These initiatives are set to strengthen the region’s position in cultivating new quality productive forces.
Opening up to the outside world remains a key focus, presenting both opportunities and drivers for high-quality integrated development. In 2023, the delta's import and export value totaled 15.16 trillion yuan, making up 36.3 percent of the national total. Foreign investment utilization has steadily increased, with significant growth in R&D centers and manufacturing investments.
Future efforts will concentrate on promoting institutional opening up, broadening market access, and building a dual-circulation strategic hub. These steps aim to create new advantages in international competition and cooperation.
The Yangtze River Delta is dedicated to aligning with national strategies and taking on the responsibility of pioneering Chinese-style modernization, ensuring sustained growth and innovation for the region.
Reference(s):
Playing the melody of Yangtze River Delta integration for the new era
cgtn.com
