City govt has range of plans for new growth

The city government of Quanzhou in Fujian province is building a special team to put it at the forefront of international economic and cultural cooperation by carrying out 10 key projects and 180 related programs.

The city, before a starting point for the historic Maritime Silk Road, now takes inspiration from that legacy and aims to become a more open and developed city on the 21st century version of the route.

The move is set against the backdrop of the nation's "one belt and one road" strategy that calls for closer bonds and trade ties between China and surrounding countries.

According to the city's development and reform commission, the team is led by the secretary of the municipal Party committee and the mayor.

The team is now compiling and revising a range of plans and strategies that will be submitted to gain approval and support from the central government.

It has already identified 39 policies that need to be backed by the nation in sectors including taxation, finance, culture and trade.

The projects will be based on and highlight the city's industrial development, cultural resources, functions as a crucial port city, potential opportunities brought by overseas Chinese from Quanzhou and the entrepreneur spirit of its citizens.

Recognized as one of the largest ports in the world in ancient times, it is still a bustling hub in the city and among the three largest ports in the province. One of the 10 major projects is to renovate the port by building a new railroad, airport and logistics center to again make it a crucial junction in international trade.

The government will further facilitate trade with countries along the ancient Maritime Silk Road by promoting the city's International Brands Expo, developing a Silk Road City Federation and attracting more foreign investment. The efforts aim to further open up the city and to sharpen its competitive edge in the global market.

It also intends to gather overseas Chinese born in the city to invest and participate in cultural cooperation. Business associations and other organizations are planned to provide services for overseas Chinese.

Historians say Quanzhou had a long history of doing business with Arabia. One of the 10 projects is to revive that connection with cooperation in finance, petrochemicals and culture.

Manufacturing and technological innovation with a focus on the environment is also one of the 10 highlights.

The city is also encouraging its finance sector to seal more cooperation deals with foreign counterparts and develop various products and services to aid in the city's development.

Other highlighted projects include a free trade area and marine city building, as well cultural and tourism cooperation and talent recruitment.

According to the development and reform commission, the objective is to make Quanzhou an important demonstration city in the development of the modern Maritime Silk Road and also a leading player in the global economic landscape by 2020.

fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 02/12/2015 page7)