Yangtze River Delta meeting calls for stronger Hongqiao hub

The 2026 annual symposium of principal leaders of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region was held in Shanghai from May 20 to 21, calling for stronger regional coordination and a further upgrade of the Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub's service and outreach capacity.

Officials from Shanghai and the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui discussed major tasks for the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, focusing on integration and high-quality development. The meeting reviewed and approved in principle a three-year action plan for integrated online government services in the YRD and an action plan to improve air pollution control from 2026 to 2028. It also released a list of practical projects for YRD integration in 2026.

The meeting called for joint efforts to build a science and technology innovation center for the YRD, foster world-class industrial clusters, promote high-level coordinated opening-up, advance green development and improve public service sharing.

On opening-up, the region will strengthen overseas service systems, accelerate construction of the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone, optimize port, airport and rail networks, and improve cross-regional transport connectivity.

Shanghai will work with Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui to focus on integration and high-quality development, enhance the Hongqiao International Opening-up Hub's outreach capacity and promote coordinated development across the YRD.