THE Tianfu New Area, a national-level development zone in Sichuan Province, is accelerating the forces of urbanization and modernization in China’s vast western and central regions.
In July, the 1,578-square-kilometer multi-function area became even more accessible thanks to the opening of a new Metro line linking it with downtown Chengdu, augmenting existing bus routes to the area.
Meanwhile, the expansion and development of the area’s infrastructure continues apace. At present, more than 5,100 construction workers are at work on the Western International Expo Center, which planners say will be the biggest exhibition facility in western and central China. The 2.65-million-square-meter center will become the permanent venue for the Western China International Fair starting next year and is intended to bolster growth for local companies engaged in the exhibition, logistics, catering and tourism industries.
To make the Tianfu New Area more appealing as a place for businesses and investors to set up shop, local officials have streamlined administrative management and registration processes.
Indeed, in early September, one tourism agency based in Chengdu was able to secure a business license within one hour in the Tianfu New Area — compared to the seven- to 15-day wait experienced by many businesses elsewhere. This speedy turn-around is the product of the area’s one-stop-service approach to commerce, taxation and public security.
Of course, the area’s business environment is only part of its appeal. Unlike other urban areas plagued by pollution, congestion and disappearing greenery, the planners behind the Tianfu New Area have left ample room for nature, making the area an ideal place to live and work. Local authorities are also working on a 10.8-kilometer ecological belt to further beautify the environment within the area. Additionally, plans are in the works to help preserve the area’s local culture and historic sites.
The Tianfu New Area has set an example for future urbanization and industrialization in China’s western and central areas. The area has a strategic location, which enables it to become a gateway between inland China and the vast Euroasian market.
The area has played a strategic role since its inauguration as a state-level development zone.
The State Council, China’s cabinet, approved the establishment of the Tianfu New Area in October of last year, puttig it on par with Shanghai’s Pudong New Area, Tianjin’s Binhai New Area, Chongqing’s Liangjiang New Area and Shaanxi’s Xixian New Area.
With the focus on advanced manufacturing, high-end service clusters and other emerging industries, the Tianfu New Area is expected to complement the Liangiang New Area in Chongqing, with the two areas together forming what is known as the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone.
Major victory
Of course, the Tianfu New Area has also been a major victory for Chengdu and surrounding locales.
In April, several firms based in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia also kicked off a 2-billion-yuan (US$315 million) project to construct a range of office buildings, research centers and other facilities meant to foster business and cultural exchange between China and Germany.
The Tianfu New Area has been a top item on the work agenda of the Chengdu government, which created a special team in 2013 to administer growth of the area within its jurisdiction.
Currently, construction has focused on the building of “one high-tech park, one central business district and one greenbelt” which reflects the Chengdu government’s guiding principle that a modern area should include both urban and rural space while also fostering high quality business and life.
According to a provincial blueprint, the Tianfu New Area is expected to generate annual economic output of 650 billion yuan by 2020, and 1.2 trillion yuan by 2030, up from 250 billion yuan this year. Also, within 15 years, 6 million people are expected to live in the area.
No comments:
Post a Comment