A man works on a production line at a factory in Rugao, Nantong. [Photo/WeChat account: rugaofabu]

Scientific and technological innovation was a prominent topic at Rugao's "two sessions", referring to the fifth session of the 17th Rugao People's Congress and the fifth plenary session of the 14th Rugao Municipal Commission of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which commenced on Feb 22.

In recent years, Rugao has been prioritizing sci-tech innovation in economic and social development by deepening the reform of sci-tech research institutes and offering incentives for innovation. These efforts have paid off.

For example, Nantong Liwei Machinery Co developed the first 13,000-meter joint-less compound fiber cable in China, which can be used in the geological sampling of oceans.

In 2020, Rugao launched five national and provincial-level sci-tech projects and built four special industrial bases for the national Torch Program that focus on ultra-high voltage electricity transmission, software and information, and chemicals and new materials.

This year, Rugao aims to become one of the nation's most innovative county-level cities and make sci-tech innovation a key driver of high-quality development.

The local government will work to optimize the allocation of sci-tech resources, establish a new talent cultivation system, and promote a strong relationship between sci-tech research and industrial production.

The city plans to use new technology to upgrade its traditional industries and cultivate new economic drivers.