Jinan has outlined its 10 priorities for 2026 as Mayor Yu Haitian presented the government work report during the opening of the fifth session of the 18th Jinan Municipal People's Congress on Jan 19.

A major focus will be on stimulating demand and strengthening industrial development. To encourage consumption, the city plans to host over 20 large-scale concerts and music festivals, 40 sports events, and 140 exhibitions and expos.

Investment will remain a key driver, with Jinan accelerating 504 major provincial- and municipal-level projects and aiming for annual investment of over 160 billion yuan ($22.99 billion). More than 700 new projects, each with investment exceeding 100 million yuan, are set for launch, with increased support for private businesses.

Industrial upgrading will continue to support economic growth. Jinan will focus on strengthening its competitive industries, such as electronic information, automobiles, high-end software, and modern medicine, while fostering emerging and future-oriented sectors. Output targets are set at 35 billion yuan for advanced materials, 80 billion yuan for artificial intelligence, and 40 billion yuan for aerospace and the low-altitude economy.

Innovation-driven development will be advanced by expanding innovation platforms, supporting high-tech enterprises, and enhancing the commercialization of research outcomes. Reform and opening-up will be deepened, with ongoing efforts to improve the business environment.

The city will accelerate high-quality urban development by promoting coordinated development and upgrading infrastructure. Rural vitalization will also be pursued through developing modern agriculture, with over 360,000 mu (24,000 hectares) of high-standard farmland to be newly built or upgraded.

Digital transformation will continue to gain momentum. Efforts will focus on strengthening smart infrastructure, fostering data-driven enterprises, and improving the smart city governance system.

Ecological protection remains a priority, with sustained efforts in pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and green, low-carbon development.

Jinan will also step up efforts in social welfare, with a focus on employment, education, healthcare, elderly care, and housing, while strengthening risk prevention and resolution to ensure safe development.