Shanghai will accelerate the building of five "new cities" in its suburbs to optimize its development layout and boost economic growth in the next five years, Mayor Gong Zheng told a news conference on Jan 27 after the conclusion of the annual session of the municipal people's congress.

"The five new cities are the top priority in Shanghai's strategic plan for future development," Gong said, referring to Jiading, Qingpu, Songjiang, Fengxian and Nanhui.

According to the city's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and Long-term Vision for 2035, which was approved by the municipal people's congress, the government will support the building of major industrial projects, high-quality public infrastructure and comprehensive transportation hubs in the five new cities.

The development of the five satellite cities around Shanghai's downtown area was first mentioned in the city's master plan for 2035, which was released four years ago.

Gong said the new cities will become independent nodes among the city clusters in the Yangtze River Delta.

"Each city shall develop its unique industry, achieving industrial and urban integration by providing residents with public facilities, a pleasant environment and convenient transportation," he said.

Jiading has been leading Shanghai's automobile industry development for more than two decades. In recent years it has focused on new-energy and self-driving vehicles and intelligent sensors.

Qingpu, which is part of the demonstration zone for Yangtze River Delta integration, will place more emphasis on environment-friendly research and development.

Songjiang boasts clusters of emerging industries such as electronic information, integrated circuits and artificial intelligence located along the G60 Corridor, a national expressway that connects Shanghai and Hangzhou.

Fengxian has been building up its beauty and healthcare industry in recent years, and it plans to attract major cosmetics companies to its Oriental Beauty Valley industrial park.

Nanhui, which is also known as Lingang New City, is in a pilot free trade zone and is connected to Shanghai Yangshan Deepwater Port by a sea-crossing bridge. It has advantages in international trade, cross-border finance and modern shipping.

Gong said that detailed action plans for each city are being formulated, and the government will launch construction of major infrastructure projects and high-level schools, hospitals and public service facilities in the new cities.