The 2024 GDP of Huzhou in Zhejiang province is expected to reach 421.34 billion yuan ($57.90 billion), reflecting a 5.8 percent increase, according to Huzhou's government work report released on Jan 21.

Urban and rural per capita disposable incomes are poised to rise by 4.2 percent and 7 percent to 77,551 yuan and 50,797 yuan, respectively.

The city's industrial sectors were also on an upward trajectory, with a 7.3 percent increase in the added value of industries above the designated size. The added value of the service industry grew by 4.8 percent while that of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery sectors rose by 4.4 percent.

Huzhou's commitment to research and development is evident, with the region expected to rank third in the province for R&D investment intensity in 2024. The digital economy's core industries saw a 14 percent growth in added value.

Huzhou's focus on enhancing livelihoods has been recognized, as it has been consecutively honored as one of China's happiest cities. The creation of 77,000 urban jobs and a substantial 10.8 percent growth in per capita disposable income among low-income rural households highlighted the city's inclusive growth approach.

In 2024, Huzhou also witnessed other achievements, including the opening of the Shanghai-Suzhou-Huzhou High-speed Railway and its recognition as a Culture City of East Asia.

Looking ahead to 2025, Huzhou aims to sustain its economic momentum through initiatives like investment attraction, technological innovation, green transitions, and improved public services.

The city's strategic vision includes growing GDP by around 6 percent, keeping the urban surveyed unemployment rate below 5 percent, and ensuring residents' income growth aligns with the overall economic progress.