Lyusi Port, the closest seaport to the north of Shanghai, is leveraging its unique advantages and strategic opportunities to drive significant industrial and economic growth. Located in Qidong, Nantong, Jiangsu, the port aims this year to achieve taxable industrial sales exceeding 20 billion yuan ($2.76 billion) and attract $85 million in foreign investment.

Lyusi Port's development, focusing on port construction and port-related industries, started in 2018. Today, the zone boasts two 100,000-ton general cargo berths and two 100,000-ton container berths. Its infrastructure also includes inland waterways, railways, and expressways.

Numerous high-value projects have been initiated in the area. This year, the Lyusi Port Economic Development Zone is concentrating on advanced manufacturing and port logistics and trade. "We will strive to attract more than 10 new projects with investments exceeding 1 billion yuan each," said Wang Yubing, a Party official of the zone. "Additionally, we aim to start construction on over 10 projects worth more than 1 billion yuan each and complete more than 10 major projects to establish a high-end and specialized industrial cluster."

The development zone is also enhancing the port's capabilities by promoting the use of bonded warehouses, strengthening cooperation with Shanghai Port to improve service efficiency, and expanding trade routes to domestic destinations and international markets in South Korea, Russia, and Southeast Asian countries. The goal is to increase container throughput by over 20 percent.

In parallel, the zone is advancing its smart port initiative, incorporating digital technologies like 5G, remote control, and intelligent recognition. Efforts are also underway to upgrade supporting infrastructure, including power grids, community services, commercial complexes, and talent apartments.