A municipal-level gardening industry alliance for Nantong companies was established in Rugao on Sept 12.

The first batch of members consists of nearly 40 gardening companies. Wang Zhigang, chairman of Rugao World of Plantings, was elected as director of the alliance.

Nantong is planning to spend 20 million yuan ($2.9 million) to set up seven industry alliances related to fruits, vegetables and more this year.

The gardening industry alliance's establishment in Rugao is based on the city's solid industrial foundation and its fame as the "home of bonsai" in China. The annual output of Rugao's flowers and trees industry was valued at 18.5 billion yuan in 2019.

Bonsais produced in Rugao have not only decorated the Zhongnanhai leadership compound and the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, but also been sent as national gifts to Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Despite its renown, the gardening industry still faces problems such as the lack of distinguished brands and technological support. To address these issues, the industry alliance will integrate resources and empower local businesses with talents, technology and information.

Officials said the alliance will serve as a bridge between the government and companies, and will strive to expand the city's gardening industrial chain so as to generate new momentum for rural revitalization.