Sights set firmly on the future

Historic city looks to new economic modes for next phase

SHAOXING, Zhejiang - Shaoxing, a city known for its history and textiles in Zhejiang, is focusing its future development on economic transformation.

Those aspirations are also part of the theme of a forum to be held on Sept 9, during the Expo 2010 Shanghai.

The four-day forum, which is expected to attract 600 participants, will also focus on urban-rural relations, another issue that most countries are facing.

Shaoxing's economy has been growing stronger since the country's reform and opening up. Its total output value in 2009 reached 238 billion yuan ($35 billion), an increase of 9.3 percent compared with the previous year. Its per capita real disposable income for urban residents is 26,874 yuan, compared with the 17,175 yuan of urban residents in the whole country.

Secondary industry currently plays a leading role in the industrial structure, with value-added production occupying more than 58 percent of total economic output. Still, energy consumption and waste discharge have been getting more serious in recent years, and local government has noticed the problems.

"Shaoxing is targeting to build an ecological and livable city. However, huge energy consumption and waste discharge have become the biggest obstacles to those efforts. The government is resolved to fight these at all costs," said Qian Jianmin, mayor of Shaoxing.

In 2009 alone, more than 30 enterprises majoring in printing and dyeing as well as the chemical industry and thermal power plants have been closed. The current amount of sewage treatment has reached 1.35 million tons a day.

Urban district area also covers only an area of 362 square meters.

"Currently, the small scale of the urban district has already severely affected the city's efforts to attract more talent, capital and advanced technologies for further development," Qian said.

"Binhai New City, which is not only an industrial zone but also a new urban district with ecological environment and comprehensive functions, will be built to enlarge the current city area," he said.

Economic development in Shaoxing has mainly depended on secondary industry. The tertiary industry, especially the service industry, has not kept pace with the city's development.

During the Expo, the 6th World Choir Games will be held in Shaoxing from July 15 to 26. Since it is estimated that as many as 25,000 participants from more than 80 countries will attend the event, service levels are expected to be promoted significantly.

As the largest activity and attendance in the history of Shaoxing, the event is set to bring a golden opportunity for the city's tourism industry, as well as benefits to its hotel, retailing, catering and transportation sectors.

Facilities and buildings for the World Choir Games, which have been reconstructed, will also benefit public entertainment when the choir games conclude.

"Residents in Shaoxing already live rich lives, but cultural activities and entertainment are rather lacking now. During the World Choir Games, more residents will have opportunities to enjoy various kinds of music and communicate with the chorus from other cities and countries," said Ma Yuming, deputy director of the Shaoxing Organizing Committee General Office of the 6th World Games.

Some selected choirs will also perform in Shanghai on July 22 during the Expo, he said.

CHINA DAILY

(China Daily 05/01/2010 page10)