In 2024, Taizhou in Zhejiang province made significant strides with a 6 percent increase in regional GDP, a 1.8 percent rise in general public budget revenue, and respective 5 percent and 6 percent growth in urban and rural per capita disposable incomes, according to a government work report released on Feb 24.

Market consumption rebounded continuously, marked by 145 consumer promotion events and a 4.8 percent surge in total retail sales of social consumer goods.

The city accelerated its transformation and upgrading efforts, strategically planning for six future industries: hydrogen energy, low-altitude economy, computing power, synthetic biology, robotics, and semiconductors. The added value of strategic emerging industries soared by 7 percent, and the total number of operating entities reached 973,000, including 291,000 enterprises.

Environmental quality of Taizhou saw enhancements as its air quality maintained a top national ranking. The "Blue Circle" marine plastics management model gained global traction at the United Nations Environment Assembly and the bays of Dachen Island were recognized as national-level beautiful bays.

Additionally, Taizhou deepened its opening-up policies and witnessed province-leading growth in the export of used cars and cross-border e-commerce. Digital and service trade also flourished, growing by 17.6 percent and 20 percent respectively.

The city continued its steady progress in income growth. It generated 94,000 new urban jobs and established 1,688 common prosperity workshops employing 48,000 individuals. The income gap between urban and rural residents was narrowed to 1.82, while the per capita disposable income of low-income rural households surged by 10.9 percent.

Looking ahead to 2025, Taizhou aims to grow GDP by over 6 percent and retail sales by around 7 percent, while ensuring residents' disposable income keeps pace with economic growth.