Huqiu district (Suzhou New District) has managed to complete its goals for the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).
The district's regional GDP grew at an annual average rate of 6.5 percent during this period. The total industrial value of new-generation information technology reached 100 billion yuan ($15.44 billion), and the value of strategic emerging industries also accounted for over 60 percent of industries above a designated size (meaning industrial companies with an annual revenue of over 20 million yuan).
The district is now home to 20 companies listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, 972 high-tech companies, and over 600 Japanese companies. It has also attracted 1,698 industry-leading professionals.
In addition, public transportation has been greatly improved with the Middle Ring Expressway and the third phase of Taihu Avenue opening to traffic, tram lines 1 and 2 being put into operation, and metro lines 1, 3, and 5 being interconnected.
People's living standards were also raised, and the per capita disposable income of local residents grew faster than the regional GDP. All schools in the compulsory education system achieved collective management, and the number of general medical practitioners for every 10,000 local residents reached 3.5.
The Silk Show Town, which is known for its rich embroidery culture, ranked among the top 50 characteristic towns in China.
