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[Video by Nantong Daily for en.nantong.gov.cn]

Yangkou Port Economic Development Zone in Rudong, Nantong, Jiangsu province, has demonstrated how industrial support, government efficiency and port-industry integration can work together to attract major foreign investment.

Koksan (Nantong) New Materials, the largest real industrial project invested by Turkey in China since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1971, began construction in February 2025. It saw the completion of a successful first start-up in July this year — just 16 months later.

Koksan focuses on the production of green bottle grade polyester chips. The core production material of the product is pure terephthalic acid (PTA). Jiangsu Jiatong Energy is a leading PTA production supplier in China. Raw materials can now reach Koksan's workshop within half an hour, ensuring stable supply during trial production.

It took just 21 days since the first negotiations took place on July 9, 2024 until a contract was signed. The local government set up a dedicated service team that helped complete registration, approvals and construction preparation in just over half a year. Departments involved also coordinated expert reviews and equipment inspections to avoid delays.

In the first half of this year, the zone achieved 27.65 billion yuan ($3.85 billion) in industrial output generated by enterprises above designated size and 19.03 billion yuan in foreign trade. Once Koksan's first two phases reach full capacity, annual sales are expected to hit 7 billion yuan, adding strong momentum to Rudong's foreign trade.