Distinctive development tops forum agenda

Economists and officials at the International Distinctive Urban Investment and Construction Forum held during the 19th China International Fair for Investment and Trade on Friday highlighted the importance of the construction of distinctive towns to both boost local economies and preserve culture.

"Constructing distinctive towns helps to stimulate the development of local ecnomies, improves the environment, which enhances livability and preserve historical and cultural heritage," said Li Xun, vice-president of the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design.

They highlighted the development of a distinctive industry, the proper use of the natural landscape and the protection of traditional culture as three key factors that could boost the construction of distinctive towns.

"The construction of distinctive towns is rooted in the development of distinctive industries", said Chen Quansheng, an economist from the Counselors' Office of the State Council.

As a former real estate company boss, Chen has taken a great interest in China's housing and leasing problems.

In 2008, he was appointed a member of the Counselors' Office of the State Council, and is a long-time student of government policy.

Chen said private entrepreneurs have an important role to play in promoting the urbanization of towns and villages.

He said such development might provide the momentum needed to ensure the construction of distinctive towns.

"Private enterprises could form a distinctive industry, and the development of this industry could provide job opportunities and attract eyes of investors, thus helping improve the economy of rural area," said Chen. "And a prosperous economy could significantly aid the construction of towns."

Li said the choice of industry for each town would depend on several factors.

"The development of a local industry should conform to existing trends and meet the demands of society as a whole," said Li.

"Also, the natural resources should be fully used, for example, Anji county, in East China's Zhejiang province, has rich bamboo resources, and its tourism and processing industries related to bamboo have flourished in recent years."

Liu Zhifeng, president of the China Real Estate Association, emphasized that traditional culture should be conserved.

"Distinctive towns should have distinctive features, derived from their history and culture," said Liu. "Folk activities, traditional food and cultural relics should be well protected."

He took Hancheng, a town located in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, as an example. "The town is home to Sima Qian (145-90 BC), a historian from the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-AD 24) and it is one of the six best-preserved old towns in China," said Liu.

Wang Shengxi, deputy director-general of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of Fujian province, said the natural landscape must be fully utilized in order to ensure that the construction of distinctive towns remains cost-effective.

"The farmland and woods can be redeveloped into both ecological parks and rainwater and sewage networks," said Wang.

"In this way, we can cut the cost of the construction of the water treatment facilities. In addition, unused fields can be sold to citizens in urban areas who wish to grow their own vegetables and experience a real taste of rural life."

According to Wang, 45 pilot towns are currently under construction in Fujian, and a subsidy of up to 50 million yuan ($7.4 million) has been made available by the local government to support the preservation and construction of 10 traditional small towns every year.

According to a policy release from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, around 1,000 distinctive towns will be built by 2020.

The 1,000 towns will feature in tourism, trade and logistics, modern manufacturing, education and technology, traditional culture, and livability, according to a circular issued in July.

The construction of distinctive towns should follow local conditions and set the direction based on resource strength and development potential, said the circular. The government should serve as a platform and service provider while allowing the market to play a leading role.

Zhang Xueqin, a senior official with the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said that construction of the towns is an important way to coordinate urban and rural development, and should foster special industry patterns, enhance employment, improve rural infrastructure and demonstrate local culture.

Chen Meiling contributed to the story.

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/10/2016 page7)