A bird's-eye view of Nantong. [Photo/en.nantong.gov.cn]

Mayor Zhang Tong of Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province, unveiled the city's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) and outlined first-year objectives at a press conference on June 29.

Zhang reviewed the city's progress during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–25). By 2025, Nantong's GDP had reached 1.28 trillion yuan ($188.35 billion). She cited stronger economic fundamentals, faster integration into the Yangtze River Delta region and growth in the marine sector, deeper reform and opening-up, better urban-rural balance, and higher living standards — all of which, she said, have propelled the city's modernization to a new level.

The new blueprint sets Nantong on a five-year course to lead in regional integration, coastal development, and the trillion-yuan-city ranking, to become a central hub in the northern YRD.

The mayor highlighted four strategic priorities: industrial upgrading, innovation-driven development, regional integration and marine economy growth, as well as livability and business climate.

On the industrial front, Nantong aims to build a modern manufacturing hub by upgrading traditional industries, expanding emerging ones, and nurturing future-oriented sectors.

On innovation, the city will capitalize on its inclusion in Shanghai's sci-tech innovation network to boost research and development, commercialize research outcomes, foster innovative enterprises, attract talent, and develop artificial intelligence.

On regional integration and marine development, Nantong will prioritize the Yangtze River Estuary collaborative zone for industrial innovation and green development, align with national strategies, and position itself as a provincial pilot zone for high-quality marine industries and a more open hub.

On livability and business climate, the city will further enhance its signature business service brand, streamline policy delivery, invest more in people's well-being, and ensure that the fruits of growth are shared more broadly and fairly among all residents — making the city a more attractive and inclusive place to live and work.

For 2026, the first year of the new plan, Zhang pledged seamless alignment between the blueprint and annual actions, vowing tangible results to contribute to provincial and national development.