A worker tests an industrial robot at a company in Fenghuang Town, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, February 21, 2025. (Photo/CFP)

The Yangtze River Delta, one of the most vibrant, open and innovative city clusters in China, is home to 225 of China’s top 500 private enterprises, according to All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

Reports from various regions earlier this year indicated that nine of the 27 cities, each with GDPs exceeding 1 trillion yuan in 2024, are located in the delta region.

This year’s "two sessions" have highlighted the importance of advancing development of private sector, also a key theme in an outline of the integrated regional development of the Yangtze River Delta.

In Jiangsu, the provincial government's 2025 work report also stressed the importance of encouraging private enterprises to participate in infrastructure projects such as transportation, water resources, energy, and agriculture.

Jiang Zhaoyi, vice president of Jiangsu Financial Research Institute, noted that a more coordinated development approach will help private enterprises unleash even greater vitality. “It is necessary to streamline administrative approvals, establish an intellectual property protection network across broader areas, strengthen financial support for technology startups, and set up dedicated funds for research and development,” said Jiang.