The Qidong (Shanghai) Cooperation Forum for Industrial Development is held in Pudong, Shanghai on Feb 10. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

The Qidong (Shanghai) Cooperation Forum for Industrial Development was held in Pudong, Shanghai on Feb 10, securing a significant boost for regional economic collaboration.

During the forum, 33 projects were signed, with a total investment of 27.06 billion yuan ($3.71 billion). Notable agreements included a 3.5-billion-yuan high-end marine engineering equipment smart manufacturing base and a 3-billion-yuan energy equipment industrial park. The projects span key industries such as biopharmaceuticals, marine engineering, semiconductors, and intelligent equipment manufacturing.

Yang Zhongjian, Party secretary of Qidong, highlighted the city's deepening integration with Shanghai, noting the transformative impact of Chongqi Bridge, which has cut travel time between Qidong and Shanghai to just one hour.

Looking ahead, Qidong plans to establish five transport links to Shanghai, positioning itself firmly within the metropolitan area's 30-minute commuting circle. With its strategic alignment in urban planning, industrial innovation, and spatial development, Qidong has become one of the most closely connected and synergized cities north of the Yangtze River in relation to Shanghai.