An inter-city train running between Shaoxing and Ningbo enters service on July 10. [Photo/IC]

Shaoxing intends to get increasingly involved in the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region by closely connecting with Hangzhou, Ningbo and Shanghai to seek high-quality development, said Ma Weiguang, Party chief of Shaoxing, recently.

Ma made his remarks at a news conference held in Hangzhou on Sept 12 that focused on the achievements Shaoxing has made over the past seven decades since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Ma Weiguang, Party chief of Shaoxing, addresses a news conference held in Hangzhou on Sept 12, focusing on achievements Shaoxing has made over the past seven decades. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

Shaoxing witnessed tremendous economic progress over the years, Ma said, citing statistics which showed the regional GDP of the city grew by 480 times from 1.13 billion yuan ($160 million) in 1978 to 541.7 billion yuan last year and that total fiscal revenue grew by 430 times from 186 million yuan to 80 billion yuan in the same period.

The city's scale has been enlarged, with the permanent population exceeding 5 million last year and the urban area expanding to 2,942 square kilometers, Ma added. 

The life of locals had greatly improved, Ma added, noting that per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents rose from 8,580 yuan and 4,681 yuan in 1999 to 59,049 yuan and 33,097 yuan last year, respectively. Average life expectancy reached 81.43 years old in 2018, an increase of 5.26 years on 2005.

The remarkable achievements can be attributed to many factors, Ma pointed out. These included the city’s vigorous industrial transformation and upgrading, urban-rural integration, enhanced cultural activities, environmental improvements, better social security and improved government services.

Modern buildings stand tall and proud over a clear river in Shaoxing, in Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC] 

Its key role in the integration of the Yangtze River Delta region is especially important, Ma further explained. He said they would focus on promoting infrastructure interconnectivity, complementary development of industries, culture-tourism integration and sharing of social benefits.

In addition, Shaoxing is well known for its sound business climate, said Sheng Yuechun, mayor of the city. He noted that Shaoxing was once rated by the World Bank as one of the top six Chinese cities for its investment environment and promised that they would strengthen reforms to enhance the business climate.