Changchun zone aims at doubling GDP

It remains to see whether Huang Wenhua's ambition can be fulfilled by the end of this year.

The 56-year-old director of the administrative committee of the Changchun Economic and Technological Development Zone (CETDZ) is upbeat that the area's GDP will double over three years ago, in effect to creating the value of another zone.

Three years ago the newly appointed director found himself facing tough challenges

Years of sprawling and scattered development of zone, which was founded in 1993, created just a stagnant economic marsh.

After oral tussles and onsite surveys, management staff of the zone formulated a "second take-off".

"We need reforms not only in our developmental strategy, but also in our mindset," he said.

The plan to divide the zone to specialty parks for automobile manufacturing, corn processing and modern services now gives a clear view of its future path.

What is more important is what Huang called a "transformation" of the administrative committee from a "landlord and administrator" to "servant" of the companies in the zone.

"A sound investment environment can often give a final push when an investor is still hesitant about his or her destination," he said.

Huang said the day when he became the new director was "also an end of (his) Saturdays and Sundays".

The hard work has paid off with a brand new balance sheet and ascendant ranking among the country's zones.

CETDZ ranks the 15th among all 54 State-level development zones in the most recent evaluation released by the Ministry of Commerce in 2006. Its ranking was the 18th in 2005.

GDP in the zone increased from 23 billion yuan in 2005 to 34 billion yuan last year.

"Almost all economic indexes witnessed nearly 30 percent of annual growth since 2005 when the strategy was put into practice," Huang said.

"That boosts our confidence to realize the goal to double the economic volume of the zone by the end of this year."

Exports from the zone suffered a decline in the first half of this year due to the appreciation of the yuan.

Surging oil prices also took a toll on auto sales nationwide, affecting parts makers in the area.

As well, soaring prices are eroding the profit margin of grain processing plants, the backbone of the zone.

"But we are optimistic about the prospect and continuity of these trades with the backdrop of robust economic growth this year in China," he said.

"I am sure we can achieve the goal on time."

Last month Huang was picked a torchbearer in the Changchun leg of the Olympic relay.

"It is a good chance to showcase the world a new CETDZ," said Huang.

"I hope to show the pioneering spirit of the zone, which is why we can achieve what we have now," he said.

"I hope the spirit can also be relayed from one generation to another."

(China Daily 08/08/2008 page40)