A think tank represented by universities in the Yangtze River Delta Region was established on Sunday to support integrated development in the region.

Fudan University initiated the establishment of the new institution, which now sees it partnered with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University and University of Science and Technology of China. Other universities are welcome to join in the future.

“The Yangtze River Delta Region is strategically important for China’s further opening up,” said Jiao Yang, Party secretary of Fudan University. “As academic institutions, we should commit ourselves to such a grand plan for the region, giving full play to our advantages in talent, knowledge and international cooperation.”

The plan for further integrated development of the region was raised by President Xi Jinping last year during the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai.