Ningbo unveils vision for open, innovative, prosperous future

Ningbo has outlined an ambitious development blueprint for the next five years, focusing on higher-level opening-up, technological innovation, advanced manufacturing and shared prosperity.

At a press conference held in Hangzhou on June 5, city officials presented Ningbo's goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–30).

As one of China's leading port cities, Ningbo aims to strengthen its role as a gateway between domestic and international markets. Building on the success of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which remains the world's busiest port by cargo throughput, the city plans to expand trade with Belt and Road partner countries, promote digital and green trade, and enhance its capacity as a bulk commodity resource allocation hub.

Innovation will be another major priority. Ningbo plans to deepen cooperation with research institutes and universities, cultivate more high-tech enterprises, and increase investment in science and technology. By 2030, the city's total innovation-related investment is expected to reach 220 billion yuan ($32.42 billion).

The city is also accelerating its industrial transformation. It will promote the integration of artificial intelligence and manufacturing while fostering emerging industries such as humanoid robots and offshore equipment.

Beyond economic growth, Ningbo aims to improve living standards through balanced urban-rural development, better public services, expanded employment opportunities and enhanced support for education, healthcare and elderly care, striving to become a model of common prosperity that benefits all residents.