Experts expect Chinese cities to go greener, smarter

TIANJIN, Nov. 3 -- As China undergoes fast urbanization, Chinese cities are expected to be more environmentally friendly and "smarter" with increased use of technologies, officials and experts Saturday agreed at a city development forum in north China.

Held in Tianjin Municipality, the Urban Development Mayors' Forum has gathered China's city officials, experts and entrepreneurs to discuss development strategies for Chinese cities.

Li Yizhong, head of the China Federation of Industrial Economics, said industries underpin China's urban development but urged cities to adjust their industrial structures and address pollution problems.

"The technological transformation of companies, especially those in heavy and chemical industries, must be accelerated and outdated capacities must be phased out," Li said at the forum. Li also called for developing new industries and promoting clean energy use in cities.

Liu Zhengrong, vice president of Xinhua News Agency, who also spoke at the forum, said future urban development shall be green, smart and integrated, while depending more on quality information services.

Shi Jun, vice head of the China Industry-University-Research Institute Collaboration Association, also highlighted integrated development and urged Chinese cities to embrace this global trend and take the lead.

The one-day forum was held in Tianjin's Binhai New Area, which is taking the lead in China's new urban area development. It is home to the Sino-Singapore Ecocity known for its green and smart city development.

The forum also discussed the integration of city operation and technologies, including cloud computing and helicopter use.