Aerial view of greenspace within the NETDA. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

The Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area, or NETDA, recently set a GDP target of reaching 100 billion yuan ($13.92 billion) within two years.

NETDA is expected to take 10 years to achieve a GDP of 200 billion yuan and make the list of top 20 national economic and technological development areas.

Bao Delin, secretary of NETDA's Party Working Committee, noted that NETDA has capitalized on numerous precious opportunities over four decades of growth, and it will continue to strive for even greater achievements over the next year.

Major projects are the backbone of the development area's target. In the first two months, it secured 19 major projects, marking a strong start to the year. Bao explained that, this year, NETDA plans to introduce more projects in the fields of manufacturing, science and innovation, and producer services.

Integration of industries and innovation is the key to reaching the development target. The development area will pursue innovation-driven development, accelerate the gathering of innovation resources, improve the functions of public platforms, and add over 50 high-tech enterprises this year, according to the secretary.

A first-class living and business environment is also conducive to the target. Local authorities will enhance their administrative services in project attraction, approval, construction, and completion, and further the integration of industries and urban areas to emerge as a new dynamic center of Nantong.