The Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, has been working to fully implement the national strategy of promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin, with a focus on becoming a modern pastoral area and stepping up Jinan's green development, according to a news conference held on Aug 15.

Speaking at the news conference, Niu Xiaoyu, deputy director of the planning and natural resources department of the start-up area's administrative committee, emphasized the area's commitment to upholding the concept of becoming a "modern pastoral city in the new era", with the goal of building Jinan into a city of hope and happiness that integrates rural landscapes, garden scenery, high-quality urban areas, and vibrant communities.

While carrying out planning in a scientific manner, the start-up area is accelerating investment negotiations by engaging with 11 centrally-administered, State-owned and private enterprises, facilitating project implementation, Niu said, adding that collaborations with major entertainment groups and commercial operators are being established to efficiently plan and attract projects.

Yu Zongxiao, deputy director of the construction management department of the start-up area's administrative committee, highlighted the area's efforts in ecological conservation and the establishment of a green, smart and pleasant new urban area. Significant progress has been made in transportation, ecological and supporting infrastructure projects in the first half of the year, Yu said.

Li Xuemin, director of the digital city department of the start-up area's administrative committee, emphasized the area's commitment to digital transformation. Leveraging its advantages, the area is driving comprehensive digital transformation across all sectors to create a "city in the cloud" through digital twin technology.