Yangkou Port in Nantong. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Zhang Tong, mayor of Nantong, Jiangsu province, recently explained the city's current circumstances at a news conference held by the province's information office on July 30.

The city has in recent years seen a stronger economy, higher living standards, and a more beautiful natural environment, the mayor said.

In 2023, Nantong's economic aggregate amounted to 1.18 trillion yuan ($165.09 billion), with an annual increase rate of 5.3 percent over the past four years. The per capita disposable income of the city's residents expanded by 8.3 percent on average over the past decade. Both the average concentration of PM 2.5 and the ratio of days with good air quality in the city are among the best in Jiangsu.

Zhang also noted that Nantong is making full use of the national strategy of Yangtze River Delta integration to foster new quality productive forces.

By 2025, the city is expected to house over 3,000 scientific and innovation projects and more than 5,000 high-tech enterprises. The city will also spend about five years doubling the scale of its six major industrial clusters to become a renowned modern industrial city.

In addition, the city aims to become the pilot area for the high-quality development of Jiangsu's marine industry with its focus on coastal ports and cities and science- and innovation-driven development.

She concluded that Nantong will continue expanding its economy, optimizing its industrial structure and increasing its innovation vitality to contribute to the province's overall development.