Taicang, a county-level city in Jiangsu province, was mentioned three times in a document on the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta released by the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council on Dec 1.

The document outlines strategies and goals for China to create strong economic growth and further open up the economy.

According to the document, substantial progress toward the outlined goals is expected to have been made by 2025, including fostering a number of world-class industrial clusters and becoming a key national innovation hub. By 2035, the area should be a major pillar of economic growth in China.

Tasks specified include establishing a coordinated innovative industry system, enhancing connectivity of infrastructure, strengthening environmental protection, and improving public services.

In Chapter 3, the document states that the city should establish a coordinated industry system, connect fundamental infrastructure, and promote environmental protection in cross-provincial areas, including the Jiading-Kunshan-Taicang region.

In Chapter 5, Taicang Port is mentioned as a supply port for Shanghai Port in overseas shipping, and the port is encouraged to cooperate with other ports in the delta region.

In Chapter 8, Taicang's pilot zone for Sino-German cooperation is called on to build opening-up platforms for Chinese and foreign industries and enterprises.

The delta region encompasses Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui, covering around 358,000 square kilometers and generating about one-quarter of the country's GDP.

According to the new outline, Taicang should take advantage of its ties with Germany and its strength in high-end manufacturing and water logistics.