A high-speed train passes through the Nantongxi Railway Station in Nantong. The Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway started operating on July 1, 2020, cutting travel time between Shanghai and Nantong from 3.5 hours to just one hour. [Photo/CFP]

A panel discussion on "promoting the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region" was held during the fifth plenary session of the 12th Nantong Municipal Commission of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference on Jan 19.

CPPCC members urged Nantong to meet the new requirements of the integrated development of the YRD, strengthen its ties with Shanghai and the southern part of Jiangsu province, and promote high-quality development.

CPPCC member Liu Hong proposed that a transportation network connecting the coastal area with the waterfront area along the Yangtze River be built as soon as possible.

The network will connect major transportation hubs such as Nantongxi Railway Station and the new airport and give a full play to these hubs in developing Nantong's coastal and riverside areas.

Another member, Zhang Xujian, suggested that more preferential policies are needed to attract high-end professionals from Shanghai and surrounding cities, who are expected to be a major force behind Nantong's growth.

Other proposals included promoting the integrated development of ports and industry in the Tongzhou Bay demonstration area, accelerating the construction of new research and development institutions, and upgrading Nantong's home textile industry and offshore wind power industry.