News
Ancient capital woos modern funding sources
By Li Wen (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-17 07:59
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Zhengzhou, a national political and economic center as the ancient capital of five dynasties, retains its fame as a regional hub in central China.
The city has won a series of nationwide honors in health care service, environment, tourism, technological progress and investment in recent years.
With a total area of more than 7,446 sq km and a population of 7.43 million, the capital city of Henan province had 300 billion yuan in a gross domestic product in 2008, a huge surge from 90.4 million yuan in 1949.
The city now boasts two national development zones and one State-level export-oriented processing zone.
The achievements mark the city's emerging influence and enhanced competitiveness, according to the local government.
To reinforce its position as a regional center, Zhengzhou's authorities have invested heavily in urban construction while preserving historical sites.
Since 2003, more than 66 hectares of forests have been planted, expanding the city's forest coverage to 25 percent of the total area.
Nearly 1.2 billion yuan has been invested to date in building and overhauling the city's waterway network as well as improving the water environment.
The green campaign has significantly improved the local ecological system.
In addition to renovating existing urban areas, the city government is in top gear to advance construction of a new area - Zhengdong New District. With nearly 70 billion yuan invested in fixed assets, 50 sq km of the area has been developed.
Construction on the new area began in 2003 and it is now home to more than 3,000 companies and 300,000 residents.
As well, more investment has funded new infrastructure facilities in small satellite towns around the city over the past few years.
With advantages in geography, transportation, industrial foundation, strong consumption demand and low labor costs, the city is in a better position to attract industries shifting from developed regions, according to the city government.
"Energy-efficient and eco-friendly investment projects are our major target," the authorities said, in particular citing hi-tech and modern service industries as examples.
"We will continue to pump out supportive policies and better administrative services to create a more business-friendly environment, attract more projects and encourage growth of industries."
(China Daily 12/17/2009 page6)
