A total of 20 project deals were signed at an investment promotion conference for agricultural and rural development held in Rugao, Nantong on Sept 22.

The projects involve the processing, storage, and preservation of agricultural products, cold chain logistics, and rural tourism. It will receive a total of 1.76 billion yuan ($254.44 million) in investment.

In recent years, Rugao has been taking advantage of its agricultural resources and is pursuing the supply-side structural reform of the agricultural industry while focusing on high-quality production and environmental protection, said He Yijun, mayor of Rugao, at the signing ceremony.

The city has won a number of municipal, provincial, and national honors for its advanced agricultural development.

He said that the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region has brought about many opportunities for Rugao. The city is accelerating construction on a transportation network consisting involving a deep-water port, two cross-river channels, three high-speed railways, and four expressways.

The city's close connections with Shanghai and the southern part of Jiangsu province have proved beneficial to its development and provided many business opportunities for investors.

At the ceremony, He encouraged entrepreneurs to start businesses in Rugao. He also promised that the local government will implement preferential policies and improve services for investors.