扬帆向海启新程

Core Viewpoint - Nantong is transforming from a regional transportation hub to a key player in high-quality economic development, leveraging its strategic location and industrial clusters to achieve significant growth by 2025 [1][2]. Transportation Infrastructure - The construction of the Hai-Tai Yangtze River Tunnel, the longest underwater shield tunnel in China, is underway, which will significantly reduce commuting time across the Yangtze River [2]. - The completion of multiple cross-river channels, including the Su-Tong Second Cross-River Channel, will enhance connectivity with Shanghai, reducing travel time to under 45 minutes [2]. Industrial Development - Nantong is establishing itself as a center for high-tech manufacturing and innovation, with over 450 large-scale manufacturing enterprises attracted from Shanghai and Suzhou in the past three years [4]. - The city is focusing on developing six major industrial clusters, including shipbuilding, high-end textiles, and new materials, which are projected to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan in output by 2024 [7]. Marine Economy - Nantong is prioritizing marine economic development, aiming for a marine economy output of 260.6 billion yuan by 2024, which will account for a quarter of Jiangsu's total marine economy [5][6]. - The establishment of the Marine Development Bureau and the implementation of the "12 Measures for Marine Development" aim to create a modern marine industry system [5]. Innovation and Technology - The city is enhancing its innovation ecosystem by collaborating with universities and research institutions, resulting in over 70% of industrial enterprises forming partnerships with Shanghai's academic institutions [11]. - Nantong is focusing on strategic emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, and marine biotechnology, with significant government funding and support for startups [12][13]. Financial Support for Innovation - Nantong has developed a comprehensive financial support system, including a 120 billion yuan government investment fund cluster, to nurture strategic emerging industries and facilitate the growth of local companies [11][12]. - The city is implementing a "grant-investment-share" model to address financing challenges for early-stage tech projects, helping them navigate the "valley of death" in funding [12].