Why the Yangtze River Delta Matters
Covering just 4% of China’s land area, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) is a heavy hitter: it hosts 17% of the country’s population and generates nearly a quarter of its economic output. 🌐
From National Strategy to Real-World Impact
In November 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated the integrated development of the YRD to a national strategy. Since then, Xi has visited the region multiple times, guided key meetings, and kept the spotlight on this dynamic powerhouse.
Seamless Supply Chains: The New Energy Vehicle Case
Imagine building a single electric vehicle in four hours’ drive: chips and software from Shanghai, batteries from Changzhou in Jiangsu, and die-casting machines from Ningbo in Zhejiang. That’s the modern industrial symphony that YRD integration makes possible. 🔋🚗
Economic Powerhouse Statistics
By 2024, the YRD’s combined GDP soared to $4.65 trillion, ranking second among global metro clusters—only behind the Boston–Washington corridor. Its foreign trade also hit a record high, accounting for 36.5% of China’s total imports and exports.
Innovation as the Engine 🚀
Xi’s focus on high-quality, sustainable development has driven the region’s push for innovation. In November 2023, he called for stronger cross-regional collaboration in science and technology. Today, the YRD Science and Technology Innovation Community Office is up and running, backed by a coordinated legislative framework, a joint fund, and 29 collaborative research projects—think real-time millisecond-level 6G demos and more.
In the industrial arena, the YRD boasts 26 national-level advanced manufacturing clusters—32.5% of the national total—spanning large aircraft, biomedicine, new materials, and high-end equipment. R&D intensity jumped from 2.81% in 2018 to 3.34% in 2023. Globally, Shanghai-Suzhou and Nanjing ranked 5th and 9th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index’s top science and technology clusters.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Inspiration 🌟
The Yangtze River Delta is more than numbers—it’s a launchpad for entrepreneurs, researchers, and travelers seeking the pulse of tomorrow’s economy. Keep an eye on this region: it’s where China’s next wave of innovation and adventure unfolds!
Reference(s):
Why China is advancing integrated development of Yangtze River Delta
cgtn.com
