In 2023, the total regional GDP of the Jinan Start-up Area for Growth Drivers Transformation reached 11.32 billion yuan ($1.57 billion), a year-on-year increase of 37.9 percent, according to a conference on deepening and enhancing the green, low-carbon, and high-quality development of the area held on Feb 20.

In addition, the area achieved an industrial output value of 32.17 billion yuan and a general public budget revenue of 1.05 billion yuan in 2023.

Behind the fruitful results were the start-up area's strong efforts to carry out projects. In 2023, the completion rate of seven provincial-level key implementation projects in the area reached 290.8 percent, while the completion rate for 14 municipal-level key construction projects reached 203 percent. In addition, BYD's annual production of new energy vehicles exceeded 240,000 units, and construction commenced on the 3.6 billion yuan AikoSolar project.

According to the conference, the start-up area will focus on leading industries such as new energy, new materials, and high-end equipment manufacturing, and will plan a number of large-scale, high-potential, and influential major projects this year. Some will be related to intelligent manufacturing and high-end equipment – pivotal industries in Jinan.

The initiative to propel the development of the start-up area has been included in Jinan's government work report this year, with detailed plans for several infrastructure projects.

According to the plan, the area will establish an interconnected transportation system across the Yellow River and a unified network from north to south, with 16 access points along the Yellow River corridor. The area will also implement various cultural, educational, medical, and water projects this year to enhance regional public services.