Officials announced at a news conference held by the Jinan government on April 13 that the Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation has witnessed substantial development since it was approved in April 2021.

The region's GDP rose by 9 percent last year, making it the fourth fastest growing area in the city. Its major economic indicators such as general public budget revenue, total retail sales of social consumer goods ranked first in the city.

 Yellow River Fenghuang Bridge [Photo/IC]

The region currently has signed 116 projects covering the new energy vehicle industry and other high-end sectors, with an investment totaling 301.85 billion yuan ($47.36 billion).

The Yellow River Jiluo Road Tunnel and the Yellow River Fenghuang Bridge were also completed and put into operation, indicating that infrastructure projects are also progressing.

The area will further introduce more investors and high-quality projects to accelerate the region's development in emerging industries, public services, facilities and environmental protection and help develop the region into a green, smart and livable urban area， officials said

By 2025, the area's overall strength is predicted to have substantially increased, and the area's construction will be well underway. By 2030, the area is expected to have honed its fundamental advantages and expanded its overall capabilities.