On December 1, at the Yangtze River Delta University Think Tank Summit, Zhongwei ZHANG, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission and Executive Deputy Director of the Yangtze River Delta Integration Office, summarized recent progress using four “new” aspects: first, new approaches to jointly fostering new quality productive forces; second, new efforts to jointly advance market integration; third, new initiatives to jointly build a model zone for ecological and environmental sustainability; and fourth, new measures to strengthen integration mechanisms.

Looking ahead to next year and to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the key to enhancing the Yangtze River Delta’s role as a driving force for high-quality development lies in achieving “four accomplishments.” First, development “gaining momentum,” by amplifying spillover and driving effects. This entails strengthening the resilience of industrial development, leveraging high levels of openness and marketization to connect with global and regional markets, and in particular enhancing the linkage and coordination of differentiated functional roles across the region. Second, coordination “forming chains,” to reinforce agglomeration effects—by better integrating the innovation chain and building more Yangtze River Delta innovation consortia; strengthening the logistics chain to further reduce costs; and improving the green and carbon chain to jointly promote the green transition of high-emission industries. Third, functions “forming clusters,” to unlock spatial potential—by improving commuting networks, especially the one-hour intercity rail transit network, to better connect functional areas. With nine cities in the Yangtze River Delta each exceeding one trillion yuan in GDP, how to more effectively leverage their respective functions will be a key focus during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Fourth, mechanisms “taking shape as institutions,” to generate institutional dividends, as rules and institutions form the foundation underpinning Yangtze River Delta integration.

Translated by Yijiao SHI

Full text in Chinese available at:

https://fddi.fudan.edu.cn/94/9e/c18986a758942/page.htm