Cargo ships sail on the Yangtze River in Nantong. [Photo/Jiefang Daily]

Nantong, Jiangsu province, has, in recent years, been capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, turning them into distinct advantages, Jiefang Daily reported.

This strategic approach has allowed Nantong to transform from a transportation endpoint into a comprehensive hub, shift from lagging in industries to fostering collaborative innovation, and evolve from mere geographical proximity to true integrated development. These advancements underscore Nantong's increasing appeal in terms of talent, industry, and regional collaboration.

At the heart of urban competition lies the competition for talent. Nantong consistently places "investing in people" at the core of its development strategy, creating an environment where more talent can settle and thrive.

As the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) begins, Nantong is set to implement a youth retention and attraction plan alongside the "U35 Cultivation" Plan for young scientific talent. These initiatives aim to boost the retention rate of local university graduates, encourage Nantong-native students to return, and attract non-local students to the city.

Industries form the backbone of urban development and are crucial for attracting talent and enterprises. Nantong's industrial economy, which is steadily advancing and moving toward innovation, acts as a stabilizing force for economic growth. It boasts six major industrial clusters – shipbuilding and marine engineering, electronic information, high-end textiles, high-end equipment, new materials, and new energy, each reaching the 200 billion yuan ($28.98 billion) mark, with a combined output value exceeding 1.3 trillion yuan.

Currently, Nantong is striving to turn scientific and technological innovation into a primary driver of high-quality development, with a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence. The integration of "AI plus manufacturing" is becoming deeply rooted across various industrial sectors in the city, fueling industrial growth.

Situated at the core of the YRD and the YRD Economic Belt, the Yangtze River Estuary, involving Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nantong, holds a pivotal position in both China's and the world's economic landscape. Thanks to Nantong's initiative and advocacy, the joint construction of the Yangtze River Estuary Industrial Innovation and Green Development Collaborative Zone has been elevated to a significant national measure.

Through this collaborative effort, Nantong aims not only to integrate more extensively with southern Jiangsu and connect with Shanghai but also to accelerate the realization of its vision for a "new southern Jiangsu" and "northern Shanghai."