An aerial view of the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-speed Railway. (CFP Photo)

The combined GDP of the Yangtze River Delta, which encompasses Shanghai and provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, accounted for over 25% of China's national total in the first quarter of the year, according to a press briefing held ahead of a symposium for the region's main leaders.

The region has made significant strides in integrated development. For example, to accelerate the synergy between scientific and industrial innovation, the region has signed a framework agreement to strengthen cooperation in basic research, launched a joint research fund, and speeded up the development of a unified regional market based on aligned rules and regulations.

Over the past year, the delta region has jointly advanced the development of a modern, integrated transportation system, steadily improved public services, and further strengthened environmental protection.

Joint efforts have also been made to manage cross-boundary water bodies and promote comprehensive governance of the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake.