30 years on, Xiamen reforms continue

Official: 'New breakthrough' needed for civilized society

Reform is an important responsibility and historic mission for Xiamen that cannot afford to wait, said Xiamen's Party chief Yu Weiguo on the eve of the city's 30th birthday as a special economic zone (SEZ).

In 1981, the State Council approved Xiamen as one of the nation's four SEZs along with Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou, as cities to pilot reform and opening-up initiatives.

"There is a Chinese saying that 'one should be established at the age of 30'," Yu said at a recent meeting to study development of the Western Coast Economic Zone, which was approved by the State council in March.

"For Xiamen, how to reach out for a new breakthrough is what we should consider at this stage of reform," he noted.

Xiamen has been given a series of opportunities in the plan designed to promote greater economic prosperity between the mainland and Taiwan, including piloting a comprehensive reform program and establishing a center for cross-Straits financial services.

Liu Keqing, mayor of the city, said Xiamen has been referred to in the plan 30 times, the most frequently cited city among the nine in the province.

"The plan gives a series of clear support policies for Xiamen. And now the key is to use these policies wisely to further refine the program and to fulfill it to the utmost benefit," Liu said.

Party chief Yu said that a fact-finding group led by Peng Sen, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, recently visited Xiamen. The group came to the conclusion that the city's reform achievements are "high-level" and "fruitful".

"Of course, reforms must pay attention to improving people's living standard," Yu said.

"We should put more emphasis on the happiness index in people's lives. For this purpose we will make the best use of our financial resources to benefit residents."

Five aspects

Yu pointed out five elements in future development:

An innovative city

Yu said the government should create a better environment to encourage innovation, especially the support for training, financing and information sharing. Both State-owned and private enterprises should be treated equally in access to such support.

He stressed that the transformation of economic development cannot be simply interpreted as "doubling the GDP through increasing investment". The city's growth should be based on its innovative strength in every sector - from research and development to manufacturing and services.

A livable city

Yu said building a livable Xiamen including better health care and education will further enhance the city's "soft power".

He reaffirmed that measures to "suppress surging housing prices" should continue, noting that prices outside Xiamen Island will not be allowed to be on the same level as the island itself.

The city will accelerate construction of low-rent apartments for the public to ensure more than 40,000 units are put in use by the end of the year.

A safe city

Noting that raising the level of happiness among residents is closely related to public safety, Yu said "during every New Year we wish each other 'a happy and peaceful next year', which represents our hope for a better life - in safety".

He asked that more police "sink" into grassroots communities as escorts for a safe life amid rapid development.

A civilized city

"A civilized society does not come at the cost of people," Yu said.

He pointed out that such a society is created in every aspect - things like the hygiene conditions and good behavior. "We should improve and enrich the everyday life of the people to create a lasting community that is worthy of the title of civilized city," Yu said.

A happy city

Yu said the ultimate expression of a harmonious society is reflected in the happiness of both urban and rural residents and "happiness is a continuing goal without an accurate index to measure".

"But the happiness of the people is built on the basis of hard work," Yu said. "Thus to raise the level of happiness requires one to mobilize the passion to create."

Yu called on governments in Xiamen to provide better business conditions and a more comprehensive social security to bring out more entrepreneurship.

(China Daily 06/01/2011 page41)