On Oct 29, the 2024 Jiading-Kunshan-Taicang Collaborative Innovation Core Circle Rotating Meeting was held in Taicang. The event focused on collaboration in scientific and technological innovation, industry, and talent among the three areas, aiming to expand cooperation and promote further integration.

Jiading is a district in Shanghai, while Kunshan and Taicang are county-level cities in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Not only are the three places in close proximity geographically, but they also enjoy a shared cultural heritage, complementary resources, and close economic exchanges, making them natural partners. 

In response to the national strategy of implementing integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, the three areas have advanced cooperation in industry, science and technology, and people's livelihoods, creating a model for regional integration.

In 2023, the combined gross regional product of Jiading, Kunshan, and Taicang exceeded 970 billion yuan ($135.97 billion), with the total industrial output value of enterprises above designated size surpassing 1.9 trillion yuan. Meanwhile, the output value of strategic emerging industries reached nearly 990 billion yuan, and the region was home to over 6,700 high-tech enterprises.

The theme of this year's conference was "Accelerating the Development of New Quality Productive Forces According to Local Conditions and Jointly Creating a Demonstration Zone for Science and Innovation Industry". During the event, the three regions jointly issued an initiative to integrate resources, strengthen cooperation, and continuously build a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment to empower high-quality development.

The conference also featured the launch of specialized industrial parks and the release of advanced technological achievements. Alliances were established for the development of the low-altitude economy, national-level technological enterprise incubators, and technology transfer, while a cross-regional road improvement mechanism was also established, all of which are expected to allow residents in the regions to share in the benefits of integrated development. 

A road connects Jiading and Taicang. [Photo/WeChat account: tcfbgw]