Haimen district in Nantong, Jiangsu province made remarkable economic and social achievements in 2023, as outlined in the local government's report released on Jan 10.

Key highlights from the report include a robust 6 percent year-on-year growth in the district's GDP, which reached 169 billion yuan ($23.62 billion), alongside a substantial 33.6 percent increase in general public budget revenue amounting to 7.5 billion yuan.

The industrial economy exhibited consistent progress, with strategic emerging industries contributing 28 percent to the total output value, marking a 6.5 percent year-on-year growth.

Additionally, the modern service industry showcased improved quality, achieving total retail sales of social consumer goods valued at 52.5 billion yuan, while the agricultural sector demonstrated stability in production and improvement in efficiency, and recorded the establishment of 33,000 mu (2,200 hectares) of high-standard farmland.

Haimen excelled in attracting industry-leading enterprises in new-generation information technology, new energy industries, and innovation platforms, securing 45 domestic investment projects with each exceeding 500 million yuan, as well as 12 foreign investment projects each exceeding $30 million.

Authorities made significant strides in enhancing people's wellbeing, creating 10,000 new urban jobs, establishing 1,732 new businesses, and integrating 6,000 college graduates into the workforce.

The per capita disposable income of urban residents reached 64,600 yuan, reflecting a 5 percent increase, while rural residents' per capita disposable income reached 37,000 yuan, showing a 7 percent growth.

Furthermore, the local government renovated and upgraded 10 grocery markets and six old residential communities, and also added 1,000 public parking spaces and 38,300 square meters of new green area.

Looking ahead, Haimen aims to sustain approximately 6.5 percent GDP growth, with specific growth rate targets set for investment in fixed assets at 5 percent and retail sales of consumer goods at 6.5 percent.