This year marks the fifth anniversary of the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) as a national strategy. Launched in November 2018 during the China International Import Expo, the initiative was spearheaded by President Xi Jinping, who emphasized the region’s pivotal role in China’s economic landscape.
Covering Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, and Anhui Province, the YRD accounts for just 4% of China’s land area but boasts an impressive economy, high openness, and strong innovation capabilities. By 2022, the region’s total economic output reached an astounding 29 trillion yuan ($2 trillion), nearly a quarter of China’s national GDP, marking an increase of approximately 10 trillion yuan since 2017.
On November 30, 2023, President Xi highlighted the continued importance of advancing the YRD’s integrated development during a symposium. He underscored the need for the region to focus on \"integration\" and \"high quality\" to maintain its growth trajectory.
Driving Technological and Industrial Innovation
Enhancing cross-regional collaboration in technological and industrial innovation remains a cornerstone of the YRD’s strategy. Key sectors such as integrated circuits, biomedicine, new energy vehicles, and artificial intelligence have experienced significant growth, driven by mature production processes and robust endogenous innovation.
In May 2021, regional industrial and information departments signed a cooperation agreement aimed at supplementing, consolidating, and reinforcing the industrial chain. This initiative focuses on developing industry chain alliances, promoting technological self-reliance, conducting joint research, and establishing innovative platforms. These efforts are designed to foster an efficient ecosystem that encourages barrier-free innovation and a culture of shared progress.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Connectivity
The YRD has also made remarkable strides in infrastructure development. The region boasts the most extensive network of high-speed railways and highways among China’s urban clusters, significantly improving connectivity and transportation within the area.
According to the \"Multi-level Rail Transit Plan for the Yangtze River Delta Region,\" by 2025, the \"Yangtze River Delta on the Railway\" project will be essentially completed, with rail transit mileage exceeding 22,000 kilometers. This will ensure that over 80% of the population resides in towns with a population of over 50,000, enhancing accessibility and supporting regional growth.
Fostering High-Level Collaborative Openness
The YRD is poised to become a strategic hub that bridges domestic and international markets. By enhancing the exchange of reform experiences and facilitating the smooth operation of China’s economic circulation, the region aims to bolster its role in global economic dynamics. The YRD is also focused on the outward expansion of its advantageous production capacity, high-quality equipment, and applicable technologies and standards, further solidifying its position as a leader in integrated development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
