General Introduction
Jiangsu, on China's eastern coast, is now a major economic force, second only to Guangdong. Jiangsu has implemented active strategies in economic internationalization since the 1990s. With the general background of the outstanding regional advantages of the Yangtze River Delta, Jiangsu has made painstaking efforts to create a fine environment for investors. Jiangsu offers a complete range of infrastructure, together with advanced science, technology and education, and an existing solid industrial base.

Jiangsu has established economic and trade relationships with 218 countries, and regions. The province had an export volume of US $227.9 billion in 2005. The opening up of Jiangsu’s has made it a favorite place in China for investment from overseas, with total foreign capital amounting to over US$ 100 billion.

The Yangtze River runs through Jiangsu, dividing it into northern and southern parts. Southern Jiangsu is in the developed Yangtze River Delta Region and has benefited greatly from neighboring Shanghai Municipality, a financial and cultural center of China and East Asia. Northern Jiangsu is in the hinterland, so its transportation is less convenient than in the southern part of the province, but it nevertheless has rich natural resources.

Tourism Industry
Jiangsu, well-known for its beautiful scenery and graceful environment, is one of China’s seven tourist provinces. Altogether 13 cities have been nominated as “China’s Excellent Tourist Cities”, and one-third of China’s environmental protection model cities are located in Jiangsu.

There are now 20 well-known scenic spots, 23 forest parks, six tourism and holiday resorts, and 461 historical sites under state and provincial protection. Nine classical gardens in Suzhou have been inscribed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. In 2004, the income from domestic tourists visiting Jiangsu amounted to 128.98 billion RMB; while income from overseas tourists reached US$ 1.76 billion.

Key Economic Indicators of Jiangsu with National Perspective (2004)