Jiangsu governor Xu Kunlin, also deputy secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, outlined the province’s progress in high-quality development and modernization at a press conference organized by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on April 2. 

Xu said that Jiangsu’s GDP increased from 6.51 trillion yuan in 2014 to 12.82 trillion yuan in 2023, surpassing six trillion-yuan milestones consecutively over a decade. This growth reflects the province’s commitment to a strong economy, wealthy population, beautiful environment and a high degree of social civilization. 

The province’s 13 larger cities with subordinate districts have all ranked among China’s top 100 economic counties. Five of these cities achieved a regional GDP of over one trillion yuan. During the period, the per capita disposable income rose from 27,200 yuan to 52,700 yuan, positioning Jiangsu among the provinces with the smallest urban-rural income gap.  

As the GDP nearly doubled, energy consumption per unit of GDP and carbon emissions intensity decreased by 26.4% and 30.9%, respectively. Jiangsu also reached Grade II ambient air quality standards for three consecutive years, and maintained a Grade II water quality in the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River for six consecutive years. In 2023, the water quality of Taihu Lake reached its best level since 2007. Furthermore, all 13 bigger cities have been recognized as national civilized cities.  

In response to reporters' questions, Xu introduced Jiangsu’s measures to achieve a minimum economic growth goal of 5%. These include merging the strategy of expanding domestic demand with the supply-side structural reform, boosting effective investment, stimulating the consumer economy, sustaining a vibrant foreign trade, and promoting sound economic flows. 

To foster new quality productive forces, Jiangsu will accelerate the development of enterprise-led integration among industrial, academic, and research sectors. The province aims to host 55,000 high-tech enterprises and 100,000 small and medium-sized tech enterprises this year, according to Xu. 

In creating a first-class business environment, Jiangsu will take a comprehensive approach to policy, market, government services, rule of law, culture and environment, offering support to entrepreneurs and innovators.  

Jiangsu is dedicated to aligning with high-standard international trade rules, and will implement the provincial regulation on foreign investment promotion and protection, aiming to become one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations. 

The press conference was also attended by Jiangsu’s executive vice governor Ma Xin, also a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, and vice governors Hu Guangjie and Fang Wei.