First phase of the Jinniu terminal at Yangkou Port is put into use in late 2025. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Nantong in East China's Jiangsu province has outlined its development goals for 2026, aiming for GDP growth exceeding 5.5 percent while ensuring local residents' income growth aligns with the city's economic expansion, according to a government work report delivered by Mayor Zhang Tong on Jan 21.

To achieve these goals, Nantong will focus on harnessing domestic demand to enhance economic growth. The city plans to secure over 1,000 projects, with domestic ones valued at over 100 million yuan ($14.34 million) each, and foreign projects at over $10 million apiece. It also intends to invest more than 110 billion yuan in major provincial and municipal projects.

Nantong is set to accelerate the development of a modern industrial system, aiming for the total output value of six major industrial clusters to reach 1.5 trillion yuan. The city will support its counties and districts in cultivating one to three specialized advantageous industries and will introduce targeted policies to foster the growth of artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, Nantong will develop emerging and future industries, including life and health, deep-sea equipment, integrated circuits, cutting-edge new materials, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy.

To invigorate business vitality, Nantong will continue to deepen reforms and expand its openness. The city will enhance policies to improve the business environment and implement initiatives to optimize the efficiency of its open ports, with the goal of having the Tongzhou Bay Port Area and the Jinniu operation area at Yangkou Port pass national inspections for expanded openness.

Nantong envisions becoming a city that is welcoming to all ages and promotes common prosperity. Plans include establishing 45 community-based and rural childcare centers, training and certifying 1,500 elderly caregivers, 1,000 medical caregivers, and 1,000 long-term care specialists, and developing 100 senior-friendly social spaces.