Development and achievement of NETDA

en.nantong.gov.cn| Updated: April 30, 2026 L M S

Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA)

NETDA was among the first group of 14 national-level economic and technological development zones in China. It was established on Dec 19, 1984, upon the approval of the central government. Situated in the southeast of the Nantong downtown area, the development zone covers a total area of 184 square kilometers and is home to 300,000 permanent residents.

Thanks to the Suzhou-Nantong Yangtze River Bridge, the largest cable-stayed bridge in the world, and the Chongming-Qidong Bridge, an eastern coastal bridge which crosses over the Yangtze River, the development zone has become fully integrated into Shanghai's one-hour economic circle.

NETDA achieved a GDP of 102.66 billion yuan ($15.01billion) in 2025, up 5.01 percent year-on-year. Its growth rate ranked among the highest in Nantong.

The development zone has spared no effort to promote economic internationalization. Many companies have globally-leading technological and production capacities. They are separated into six major industrial clusters: modern equipment manufacturing, new materials, new medicine, new energy, modern textiles, and service outsourcing. The development zone has grown into an advanced manufacturing base utilizing foreign investment in the Yangtze River Delta region as well as a key industrial base in Shanghai's one-hour economic circle.

Nantong Comprehensive Bonded Zone

Nantong Comprehensive Bonded Zone was established with the approval of the State Council on Jan 3, 2013, covering a total area of 4.61 sq km. The zone consists of two sub‑zones: Zone A and Zone B.

Nantong Comprehensive Bonded Zone. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_78ba52d6e1ed]

Zone A, located in the central area of NETDA, spans 1.5 sq km. It focuses on developing pharmaceuticals and health, next‑generation information technology and intelligent manufacturing, while building a R&D design center and a testing & maintenance center.

Zone B, situated 2 km east of the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge and adjacent to the container terminal of Tonghai Port, covers a fenced area of 3.11 sq km. It specializes in high‑end new energy equipment and modern trade and logistics, intending to establish a processing and manufacturing center, a logistics distribution hub and a sales and service center.