（Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

The transportation authorities from Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, which together make the Yangtze River Delta, vowed to advance coordinated development in the region, according to a meeting held in Nantong on February 22.

The meeting outlined new plans ahead, pledging to enhance infrastructure and promote win-win growth by taking advantage of the strengths of city clusters and metropolitan areas. The four regions will strengthen inter-regional links by rail transits, expressways, and waterways, and also cooperate to build world-class airport clusters.

Jiangsu and Shanghai also signed an agreement to promote the construction of the new airport in Nantong, a major infrastructure project incorporated into the national strategy of the delta's integrated development. This airport will also become an important part of Shanghai's strategy to build itself into an international aviation hub.

"The construction of the new Nantong airport is a major initiative to deepen the delta's integration, especially via financing and cross-regional partnership," said Deng Runfei, chief planner of China Design Group.

Deng also said such efforts will help optimize resources in terms of flight routes, capacity and business model. In the future, the airport cluster also needs to improve the transport network for fast links and convenient interchange. These efforts include smooth connection between airports, especially with Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and reaching out to the hinterland cities.