Jinan, capital of Shandong province [Photo/dzwww.com]
Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province has witnessed rapid development in economy, innovation, trade, and culture over the past five years and will continue to accelerate its growth in next five years, local media reported.
The city's economy saw significant growth despite the impact of COVID-19. By the end of first three quarters of 2020, Jinan's GDP reached 724.84 billion yuan ($110.74 billion), ranking among the top 20 cities in China.
Jinan has also made remarkable progress in scientific and technological innovation in recent years. By the end of September this year, the output value of high-tech industries accounted for 55.24 percent of industries above designated size.
Jinan introduced 38 R&D institutions in 2020. The number of high-tech enterprises is expected to increase by 2,800 by the end of the year.
For the finance industry, the added value of Jinan's financial sector increased by 7.4 percent in 2019. From January to September this year, 29 financial institutions were established in the city. Five Jinan-based companies were also listed.
In addition, Jinan's foreign trade has increased rapidly. In the first three quarters of this year, the city's imports and exports reached 106.7 billion yuan, up 32.6 percent year-on-year.
The total number of operating Eurasian trains in Jinan ranked first in Shandong province in December 2020. The city currently has eight Eurasian lines connecting it to over 40 cities in 16 countries in Europe and Asia.
In the next five years, Jinan will endeavor to achieve major accomplishments in scientific innovation, intelligent manufacturing, cultural construction, healthcare and ecological environment.
According to officials, the city's major economic indicators are expected to lead other cities in Shandong province.
The city's public service will further improve during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), and the protection and inheritance of its historical culture will be further strengthened.
The added value of the cultural industry will reach over 60 billion yuan, with the annual revenue of tourism exceeding 170 billion yuan.
Furthermore, Jinan is aiming to become an important regional economic, scientific innovation, financial, trade and cultural center in China by 2035.
