The “1+3” layout is the new blueprint for reconstructing the spatial structure of regional development and optimizing regional functions in Jiangsu Province, further deepening the layout of “Four Along” Regions (regions along the Shanghai-Nanjing railway line, regions along the Yangtze River, coastal regions and the East Longhai Economic Belt). “1” represents the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration which consists of eight cities along the Yangtze River. “3” represents the Coastal Economic Belt (Lianyungang, Yancheng, Nantong), the “Three Lakes” Ecological Economic Zone (mainly including Suqian and Huai’an), and the Huaihai Economic Zone (with Xuzhou as the center). The Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration covers 50% of the area of Jiangsu Province, which boasts the most abundant economic, scientific, educational and cultural resources in the province. With an economic contribution rate of 80% in the whole province, it is the “engine” and growth pole of the economy of Jiangsu Province. From the perspective of space strategy, the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration is at the convergence of the principal axes of distribution of productive forces along the Yangtze River and in coastal areas, and is an important door open to the outside world of the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the construction of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Besides, it has the most comprehensive industrial system, the strongest innovation capacity, the most densely distributed town and the highest degree of openness in China, which is of great strategic importance in China’s urbanization. Developing the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration is a major strategic decision made by Jiangsu Provincial Committee and government to solidly push forward the new strategy of “Two Focuses and One High” (focusing on innovation, focusing on enriching the people, and building a moderately well-off society in an all-round way at a high level). In the future, the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration will build a new economic region of high-level development. It also bears the mission of the times to raise the regional development quality to a higher level, play the leading and radiating role in a wider range, and participate in deeper international cooperation and division. This week, Professor Liu Zhibiao, Dean of Yangtze IDEI, held discussions with relevant experts and scholars on the topic “How to Develop the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration”.
