"Suzhou and Hangzhou are paradises on earth" shows the great fame Jiangsu,the land of fish and rice,has been enjoying since ancient times. As one of the earliest and most important open coastal provinces of China,Jiangsu has developed its economy rapidly since reform and opening-up and occupied an imporant position in the country. In 2002,the provincial GDP exceeded USD 120 billion. Today,this land,which occupies 1% of the national land area and 6% of the national population,contributes to 10% of the national GDP.

The outline of the Tenth Five-Year-Plan for Jiangsu's social and Economic Development adopted in February 2001 has set the general target for the development of the province's economy and social progress in the next five year. According to the plan,we must make significant progress in improving people's living standards and the provincial overall strength. We must make initial achievements in turning Jiangsu from a province with a big economy to one with a strong economy and see to it that people will lead a well-off life. By that time,the province will take the lead in realising initial modernisation in the country. By 2005,the provincial GDP will reach RMB 1340 billion and the average per capita GDP will exceed RMB 17,750. By 2010,the provincial GDP will be 2.4 times that of 2000. People living to the south of the Yangtse River will be expected to realise modernisation first. A glorious future is appearing in front of people throughout the province.

By 2005,the provincial GDP will reach RMB 1340 billion; the average per capita GDP will exceed RMB 17,750,the provincial revenue will reach RMB 150 billion,taking up 11.5 % of the provincial GDP The rate of added value between the primary,secondary and tertiary industries will be 10:50:40,while the rate of employment in these industries will be adjusted to 38:29:33. The added value of new-high-tech industries will take up 25% of that of secondary industries. The composite information index will take the lead in the Country. The urbanisation ratio will reach 45% or more. The economy of southern,central and northern Jiangsu will develop in balance. The composite index of industrial performance will exceed the national average. The rate of capital returns and general productivity will lead the country. The total funds for research and development will take up about 1.5 % of the provincial GDP.