Ningbo's night view. [Photo by Tang Yan]

　　By Gou Wen

　　How will Ningbo develop in the next five years? In the report of the 14^th Ningbo Municipal Congress of the CPC, many goals have been proposed. Together, they outline Ningbo's future.

　　Delegates who attended the Congress declared their expectations and announced the direction of their future efforts.

　　In this week's edition, we selected several key words to amplify the voices of delegates. Their statements reveal how Ningbo will make more progress in the future.

　　Key Words:

　　Global Vision and Openness

　　The growing strength of the Ningbo Zhoushan Port has captured much attention in recent years. However, this strength is reflected not only in the port's busy terminals and transportation hub, but also across numerous sectors of the city's economy, manifesting itself as economic openness and high-quality growth.

　　"In the past five years, we improved the transportation infrastructure within and surrounding Meishan Island and the Island's public facilities, while upgrading its industrial production quality and living quality. These measures have strengthened Meishan's urban core functions," said Chen Xiaomin, a manager from Ningbo Meishan Island Development Investment Company.

　　Chen explained the company's goals for the next five years, "We will upgrade our production capacity and become a beacon of advanced intelligent manufacturing. Furthermore, we will accelerate the development of modern supply chain services to support Ningbo's transformation into an internationally-renowned port city and the formation of the city's supply chain industry platform."

　　In delegate Shen Dongmei's view, leveraging the advantages of the city's port-side green petrochemical industry chain and seeking breakthroughs in supporting major industrial projects will be critical to enhancing the core competitiveness of the Ningbo Area of the China (Zhejiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, forming a complete oil and gas industry chain, and building an international oil and gas resource allocation center.

　　Key Words:

　　Coastal and Modern

　　The sailing and beach volleyball events of the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 will be held in Xiangshan, Ningbo. The sports will inject a youthful and trendy spirit into the city.

　　Lin Danhong, head librarian of Xiangshan Library, thinks the Asian Games is a valuable opportunity for the city to demonstrate its modern image and for citizens to be engaged in seaside sports.

　　According to Lin, seaside sports is a promising emerging industry for Xiangshan, which should strive to become an iconic travel destination in the Yangtze Delta for maritime athletics enthusiasts. By hosting sports competitions and related events, Xiangshan could strengthen this sector's development in the county and across the entire city.

　　A city's business environment says much about the city itself. It reflects the area's level of economic activity, lifestyle, and openness. In delegate Zhou Ningzhi's opinion, Ningbo's commerce has been booming in recent years. New retail landmarks such as Hankyu Mall and Incity Mall have opened one after another. Many new brands, popular brands, and top brands have established a presence in Ningbo.

　　Zhou suggested improving the distribution of the city's commercial blocks, supporting local brands, and organizing events that combine business with art and culture. Such measures would provide consumers with a more engaging experience and bring new vitality to the city.

　　Key Words:

　　Intelligent Manufacturing

　　and Innovation

　　The latest technological revolution and industrial reforms are increasingly intertwined. Scientific and technological innovation has become a decisive factor in a nation's success.

　　"Along the Yong River, the construction of the Yong River Science and Technology Innovation Zone and the 'three heartlands' (of new materials, IIoT, and critical components) will help turn Ningbo into a capital of global smart manufacturing innovation," said delegate Jin Yan.

　　In her opinion, with the development of the Yong River Laboratory and the future founding of the (tentatively-named) Yong River University of Technology in Zhenhai, the district will attract a large number of high-level talents. Society will have higher expectations for the future of the Yong River Science and Technology Innovation Zone, in particular its overall planning, integrated development, and positive impact on the communities along the Yong River.

　　Industrial upgrading is also critical. To delegate Weng Shanshan, there is no such thing as a "traditional industry", only traditional thinking. The development of intelligent manufacturing is an opportunity to empower businesses. Only by keeping abreast with new technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and IIoT could it be possible to achieve progress throughout the industrial chain and upgrade Ningbo's garment industry.