The China Center for Information Industry Development (CCID) recently released the "2024 Top 100 Counties for Investment Competitiveness" list, with Zhangjiagang securing the third spot.
An aerial view of Zhangjiagang. [Photo/WeChat account: zhangjiagangfabu365]
The rankings assess investment vitality, resource attraction, service efficiency, infrastructure development, and ecological quality by looking at five aspects: leadership, aggregation, reform, support, and sustainability. The evaluation framework includes five primary indicators and 17 secondary indicators, providing a comprehensive analysis of the overall competitiveness of counties and county-level cities.
CCID's research covered 1,865 counties and county-level cities across China, studying on those with a GDP of at least 40 billion yuan ($5.48 billion) and public budget expenditure of at least 4 billion yuan.
CCID, established in 2000, operates as a public institution under China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. It plays a pivotal role in supporting decision-making, offering industry services, shaping public opinion, and conducting research and consulting. The institution collaborates with over 20 national ministries, 400 local governments, and 5,000 businesses.
Zhangjiagang's success is attributed to its advantageous location, robust industrial base, and dynamic open economy. The city has consistently pursued high-level international engagement, attracting investments from over 40 Fortune Global 500 companies that result in more than 60 projects. It has also established itself as a hub for over 1,100 foreign-invested enterprises.
Recognized as one of Forbes' best commercial cities in the Chinese mainland, Zhangjiagang has maintained its position among the top three counties in "China's Top 100 Counties" ranking for 31 consecutive years.