The industrial development of Tongzhou district – in Nantong city in East China's Jiangsu province – has reportedly maintained strong momentum in the year to date, with reported growth topping 40 percent in its three leading industries of new-generation information technology, automobiles and parts and intelligent equipment.

The latest figures show that 26 industrial enterprises above a designated size – those with annual revenue of 20 million yuan ($3.1 million) or more – have moved there so far this year. To top it off, 25 projects were signed in the period with individual contract values exceeding 1 billion yuan or $100 million.

Moreover, progress is being made as expected towards the goal of creating an "industrial hinterland" with regional influence.

"We are here at the north wing of the Yangtze River Delta with the most dynamic development, the most investment potential and the environment most suitable for startup businesses and living," said Jiang Linhua, head of the investment promotion bureau at the Nantong National High-tech Industrial Development Zone.

He told an interview on Aug 7 that Tongzhou's GPD reached 146.25 billion yuan last year and he also emphasized the district's high standing, ranking 22nd among China's top 100 districts in terms of comprehensive strength.

Meanwhile, the 13th CPC district congress held on July 28 set the target that Tongzhou's output value for its three leading industries in the following five years should grow to account for more than 60 percent of the district's total industrial output – and that the high-tech industry should account for more than 50 percent of output.