The results of the overall assessment of counties in Jiangsu province have recently been released, with Rudong county in Nantong climbing three places to reach the 20th spot in the 2023 rankings.

The foundation of this commendable achievement lies in the stable economic performance of Rudong. In 2023, the county achieved a gross regional product of 138.11 billion yuan ($19.21 billion), marking a 6.5 percent year-on-year growth.

Rudong has also been actively working to enhance its business environment. The county government has introduced a series of policies and measures to support and benefit enterprises, unveiling 66 new initiatives to optimize and improve the business environment.

On the industrial front, Rudong has consistently driven the intelligent transformation and digitalization of businesses. The implementation of 330 related projects has positioned the county as a leader in the addition of provincial-level enterprise technology centers and municipal intelligent workshops.

Concern for the well-being of its residents is evident in Rudong's efforts. Over the past year, the county added 8,200 urban jobs, saw 1,937 new entrepreneurs, and witnessed an approximately 6 percent increase in the per capita disposable income for urban and rural residents.

Additionally, 460 households of elderly individuals underwent home adaptation for aging, and free health check-ups were provided for over 183,700 people aged 65 and above.

In terms of improving the living environment, Rudong completed the renovation of gas pipelines in 21 old residential communities, benefiting over 2,600 households.

Last year, the county added 4,100 mu (273.33 hectares) of afforestation, with the greening coverage of the urban built-up area exceeding 42 percent, earning Rudong the title of a provincial-level ecological garden city.

An aerial view of Rudong county. [Photo/WeChat account: rudongfb]