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.
