The county-level city of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province ranks third on the list of China's top 100 strongest counties. [Photo by Li Wenhong for chinadaily.com.cn]

The county-level city of Zhangjiagang in East China's Jiangsu province has remained in third place on the list of China's top 100 strongest counties, according to local news report on Dec 2.

The list was released by the National Academy of Economics Strategy of CASS, and based on the regional GDP, government revenue, and the number of companies above the designated size in 400 counties in 26 provinces and regions. 

Kunshan, Jiangyin and Changshu counties in Jiangsu province were first, second and fourth respectively, and Zhangjiagang has made the top three on the list for many years.

In recent years, Zhangjiagang has ramped up efforts to pursue high-quality development, aiming to develop into a modern and livable city, and build a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Efforts have been made to accelerate the development of new emerging industries, including new metallurgical materials, intelligent equipment, new chemical materials, and high-end textiles, as well as new energy resources, the digital economy, biological medicine, and high-end medical equipment.

The city is now home to 64 Global Fortune 500 companies, and the local firm Shagang Group has made the list for 12 consecutive years. The city has also cultivated nine companies on the China Top 500 Private Enterprises list. 

By accelerating its integration with the rapid development of the Yangtze River Delta, Zhangjiagang has given full play to its unique advantages to facilitate collaboration with Shanghai in various industries.