Production at Zenith Steel Group (Nantong) Co is in full swing at night. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The value-added industrial output in Jiangsu province's Nantong city surged 8.6 percent year-on-year in the first 11 months of last year, ranking it first in the province.

The city is ramping up construction of an advanced manufacturing base with international competitiveness, positioning itself as an important driver for the province's high-quality development.

Nantong continues to vitalize traditional industries, expanding emerging industries, and cultivating future industries, with its focus on six industrial clusters collectively valued at 100 billion yuan ($14.03 billion).

In the Jan-Nov period of 2023, these six industrial clusters – shipbuilding, high-end textiles, new materials, new-generation information technology, high-end equipment, and new energy – generated 982.51 billion yuan, reflecting a 10.5 percent year-on-year increase.

New projects bolstered the momentum of development in the city last year as 45 projects with a combined investment of 112.9 billion yuan were listed as major provincial endeavors and 515 projects received a total investment of 101.14 billion yuan.

Nantong authorities believe that innovation is the future, regarding scientific innovation as the primary driver of high-quality economic development. To date, the city has built 10 provincial-level laboratories and 15 provincial-level public technology service platforms.

In a commitment to enhancing administrative services for local businesses, the city has upgraded the dedicated comprehensive platform "Hui Qi Tong," incorporating multiple functions from relevant government departments.