Authorities in Zhejiang recently released a plan to support the high-quality development of its 26 mountainous counties (cities and districts) so as to further promote development in the province.

According to the plan, which will be effective from 2023 to 2025, the 10 mountainous counties (cities and districts) with the best annual performance will receive an average of 150 million yuan ($21.54 million) in financial subsidies every year. Those ranked from 11 to 15 will get an average of 120 million yuan annually. The amount of subsidy provided will be determined based on the achievement of annual performance targets.

At least 50 percent of these funds are required to be invested in agriculture and related industries to raise farmers' income, according to the plan.

The new plan will also focus on strengthening the use of science and technology in the agricultural sector, rural development and common prosperity efforts in the rural areas, according to an official with the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Finance. In addition, the plan will seek to promote the integrated development of various industries in the 26 mountainous counties (cities and districts).

In 2022, several initiatives were introduced and successfully implemented, and this resulted in these 26 areas generating a GDP of 740.4 billion yuan, and registering a 5.7 percent year-on-year increase in per capita disposable income.