The Ninth Plenary Session of the 12th Jinan Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China was held from Dec 25 to 26, reviewing the city's development over the past five years and charting a course for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) period.

The conference approved the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for the economic and social development of Jinan.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–25) period, Jinan saw steady economic growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) reaching 1.4 trillion yuan ($200.68 billion). The city made notable progress in industrial development, digital transformation, reform and opening-up, green and low-carbon development, and public well-being improvements.

In 2025, Jinan maintained steady growth. The city's GDP for the first three quarters reached 1.04 trillion yuan, up 5.4 percent year-on-year. Project-driven development was key, as Jinan pushed toward high-quality growth by fostering industries like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the low-altitude economy.

The year also saw progress in urban renewal and cultural preservation. Archaeological discoveries have traced the city's history back more than 4,200 years. Jinan also strengthened its position as a national transportation hub by strengthening transportation infrastructure and expanding its high-speed railway network.

Looking to the next five years, Jinan aims to solidify its role as a regional hub for green and high-quality development, opening-up, metropolitan circle development, as well as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and innovation. The city's development roadmap prioritizes high-quality development, innovation, reform and opening-up, regional coordination, ecological sustainability, cultural development, public well-being, and urban governance.

In 2026, Jinan will use major projects to boost consumption, industrial upgrading, coordinated regional development, and urban development.

A city view of Jinan. [Photo/VCG]