Zhejiang's goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan period

Zhejiang has outlined its development goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30) as the fourth session of the 14th Zhejiang Provincial People's Congress opened in Hangzhou on Jan 14.

By 2030, the province aims to bring per capita GDP close to the level of developed economies. Research and development spending intensity is targeted to exceed 3.5 percent, while labor productivity is expected to reach about 300,000 yuan (about $43,063) per person.

Zhejiang also plans to narrow disparities between urban and rural areas and across regions. Per capita disposable income is projected to reach about 90,000 yuan, with the urbanization rate of the resident population rising to around 78 percent. Public satisfaction, well-being, security, and social cohesion are expected to continue improving.

In consumption and business development, the province aims to become a national leader in consumption upgrading and support Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Wenzhou in their efforts to become international consumption centers. Efforts will also focus on fostering a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationally aligned.

Zhejiang will continue to expand opening-up by participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and upgrading its pilot free trade zone development. Plans also include strengthening world-class port infrastructure, building a strong transportation network, and advancing the marine economy, with marine output expected to account for about 14 percent of GDP.

Public service integration is another priority. The province plans to promote equal access to basic public services by expanding pilot programs such as the optimization of small rural schools, mobile medical services, and public participation in emergency first aid.

Improving quality of life remains central to the plan. Zhejiang aims to build a more birth-friendly society, develop a comprehensive elderly care system, accelerate the development of a youth-friendly province, and advance the construction of a modern sports powerhouse.

On sustainability, the province plans to further optimize its industrial structure by expanding green and low-carbon industries, strictly controlling new high-energy and high-emission projects, and accelerating the development of zero-carbon and low-carbon industrial parks.

Zhejiang will also optimize its energy mix by promoting the safe and orderly development of coastal nuclear power, expanding offshore and deep-sea wind power, and increasing photovoltaic capacity to support long-term low-carbon growth.