A network security agreement is signed by the office for cyberspace affairs of Wuxi and four major telecom operators, including China Telecom and China Mobile. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Wuxi in eastern China's Jiangsu province released a report on the development of the city's internet in 2019 at a press conference on July 28.

The launching ceremony for a network security contest was also held during the event, which was sponsored by the office for cyberspace affairs of Wuxi.

Smart city construction in Wuxi, particularly when it comes to the development of internet of things (IoT), is among the most advanced in China, and the city is a strong contender globally as well.

Wuxi has been striving to improve its internet infrastructure as a means to bolster industry and economic development.

The launching ceremony for a network security contest is held. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to the report, 2018 saw the output value of IoT soar to 260 billion yuan ($37.8 billion). The number of internet users grew to 4.41 million, with young and middle-aged internet users accounting for roughly 70 percent of the total.

Network security is the major focus of the city, as there were several internet security incidents last year involving computer hosts, websites and key information systems.

Network security promotional activities will be rolled out over the next few months, and submissions will be accepted for the network security contest.

Essays, pictures, texts and video clips will be collected, and awards will be handed out in mid-September.

Wuxi, Jiangsu province releases a report on the city's internet development in 2019 at a press conference on July 28. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]