District central to Shanghai - and its growth

Rapid economic and social development in Zhabei district has made it one of the fastest-growing zones in central Shanghai.

Economic strength in the district has been significantly enhanced by its commercial and trade services. Other sectors, including the real estate industry, communications, commerce and transportation have also shown robust growth.

According to the 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-10) from the Shanghai municipal government, one of the major tasks for Zhabei is to build itself into a modern transportation center using its special zone characteristics and advantages.

The plan calls for Zhabei to use its competitive edge to develop transportation, trade, real estate and manufacturing services. The district will also concentrate on building "Everbright City", a modern logistics hub that will include an assembly area along Suzhou Creek.

It will also modernize its industrial structure, reform regulatory mechanisms and pursue social goals.

The plan will revitalize the district through science and education, further driving reform and development, enhancing environmental efforts and emphasizing cultural development.

The transportation, trade, real estate and manufacturing industries in Zhabei generated about 1.853 billion yuan in taxes in 2006, 69.5 percent of the total, a rate that is expected to rise to 80 percent in the next five years.

There are a total of 12,132 trade and service companies in the district, most in the retail, computer, accommodation, restaurant and residential sectors.

Real estate sales in Zhabei district totaled 13.16 billion yuan as construction reached 3.75 million sq m in 2006. Residential construction totaled 106,451 sq m that year.

The district plans to accelerate technology research and development to drive the electronic communication and software industries.

It will also strengthen integration of traditional industries.

Zhabei's local government will continue to attract more companies and projects related to transportation and encourage third party logistics.

The district has introduced 19 state- and city- level technology innovation projects in the past four years and at the same time, 1,807 technology companies began operations. Zhabei was named a "Shanghai advanced technology district" in 2006.

(China Daily 05/08/2008 page18)