Jinan, the capital of East China's Shandong province, has been honored as one of the "Top 10 Benchmark Cities for China's High-Quality Development" and the "Best City for Business Environment in 2023", local media reported.

This announcement was made at the 3rd China's Urban High-Quality Development and International Cooperation Conference held in Shenzhen on July 22.

The conference, organized by the Global Times, featured various events, including an opening ceremony, keynote speeches, city promotion, sub-forums and project matchmaking sessions. Over 500 entrepreneurs from China's top 500 companies and local leading companies attended the event, where they shared their innovative ideas, best practices and experiences regarding urban development.

Jinan's recognition as one of the top 10 benchmark cities for high-quality development and the best city for business environment reflects the city's commitment to implementing the central government's major decisions and meeting the requirements of the provincial government.

Jinan has in recent years actively served the nation's strategy to build a new development paradigm by deepening reforms in the streamlining of governmental services and delegation of administrative power.

By improving market-oriented reforms pertaining to property rights protection, market access, fair competition and the social credit system, Jinan has successfully created a high-level market economy system and harnessed valuable experience for high-quality development.

Furthermore, Jinan has focused on improving its soft power alongside enhancing its economic strength. Through its collaboration with Peking University, the city has established the Peking University Institute for Urban Soft Power, which is paving the way for enhancing the soft power of cities nationwide.

Jinan is awarded one of the "Top 10 Benchmark Cities on High-quality Development in 2023". [Photo/CUTV]

Jinan is honored as one of the "Best Cities for Business on High-quality Development in 2023". [Photo/CUTV]