Core Viewpoint - The Nanjing metropolitan area is entering a new phase of development, transitioning from "geographical proximity" to "functional enhancement," with a focus on high-quality urban integration and collaboration among surrounding cities [1][8]. Group 1: Development Planning - Nanjing's Development and Reform Commission is leading a new round of planning for the metropolitan area, aiming to enhance future work over the next five years [1]. - The Nanjing metropolitan area is the first nationally approved metropolitan area development plan, receiving formal approval from the National Development and Reform Commission [1][2]. Group 2: Advantages of Nanjing Metropolitan Area - The Nanjing metropolitan area benefits from early initiation, long development cycles, and mature layouts, supported by surrounding cities [2]. - Cultural, geographical, and commercial integration among cities in the Nanjing metropolitan area provides a strong foundation for unified development [3]. Group 3: Transportation and Industry Integration - The Nanjing metropolitan area is focusing on transportation and industry as key development themes during the 14th Five-Year Plan, with an emphasis on integrated rail transport systems [4]. - By the end of 2023, the urban rail transit network in the Nanjing metropolitan area is expected to reach 567.46 kilometers, achieving a 100% connectivity rate for high-speed rail and intercity transport [5]. Group 4: Economic Growth - The GDP of the Nanjing metropolitan area increased from 4.18 trillion yuan in 2020 to 5.44 trillion yuan in 2024, representing a growth of over 1 trillion yuan [5]. - The Nanjing metropolitan area ranks second in GDP total, per capita GDP, and foreign investment utilization among 17 national metropolitan areas, with a retail sales total of 2.03 trillion yuan, ranking first [6]. Group 5: Future Development Trends - Future plans for the Nanjing metropolitan area include creating a high-quality functional urban area, a livable community, and a collaborative development zone [7]. - The focus will be on integrated public services, ecological governance, and enhancing the convenience of intercity interactions [8][9].