Hai'an, a county-level city in Nantong, Jiangsu province. [Photo/WeChat account: hafbwx]

Hai'an delivered a steady economic performance in 2025, with gross domestic product projected to grow by around 5 percent. Urban and rural residents' per capita disposable incomes are forecast to rise by 4.4 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively, reflecting continuous improvements in their living standards.

Foreign trade is also set to maintain its robust momentum, with total imports and exports estimated at 24.2 billion yuan ($3.47 billion), up 5.5 percent year on year.

In 2026, Hai'an has already outlined its main targets for economic and social development, aiming for GDP growth of around 6 percent. Investment in research and development is expected to account for more than 2.9 percent of GDP, underscoring the city's commitment to innovation-driven growth.

To achieve these goals, Hai'an will focus on eight key priorities: expanding domestic demand, optimizing the modern industrial system, strengthening technological innovation, deepening reform and opening-up, advancing integrated urban-rural development, improving the ecological environment, enhancing public wellbeing, and safeguarding stability through stronger workplace safety and social governance.