A symposium among the main leaders of the three provinces and one municipality in the Yangtze River Delta was held in Suzhou, Jiangsu province on January 12.
Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui are striving for a world-class city cluster in the delta, and the annual symposium provides a platform for leaders from these areas to exchange ideas and make plans for future development.
Leaders attending this year's symposium included Li Qiang, secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, Ying Yong, mayor of Shanghai, Lou Qinjian, Li Qiang, secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, Wu Zhenglong, governor of Jiangsu province, Che Jun, secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee, Yuan Jiajun, governor of Zhejiang province, Li Jinbin, secretary of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and Li Guoying, governor of Anhui province.
The symposium had fruitful results. Bilateral and multilateral agreements were reached among Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui.
The attendees exchanged ideas and experience about the strategies and concepts that have been adopted since the beginning of this year. They made an analysis of current conditions and discussed further cooperation on major projects.
The symposium focused on new chances for cooperative development in the Yangtze River Delta. Centered on the goal of building a world-class city cluster, the cities will strive to adapt to new changes in international politics and economy, according to the symposium.
An overall plan covering all provinces and cities should be made. Shipping centers and development zones covering different cities are vital for the urban integration of cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Hefei, Suzhou and Ningbo.
The innovation and infusion of industrial chains will be boosted to improve the competitive strength of the Yangtze River Delta, according to the symposium. Shared platforms based on national demonstration zones need to be built to fully utilize the innovative resources and develop new industries.
An interprovincial network of infrastructure in the delta is necessary to build, leaders said at the symposium. The construction of railways, canals and expressways will be promoted for closer connection among cities.
The discussion also put forward the problem of the environment. A synergic mechanism to prevent pollution is urged to be initiated. The cities will make a joint effort to monitor and to curb environmental pollution.
The cooperation in the market and public services was also emphasized for a better regional environment. Market rules, medical care, food safety and public transportation will all be considered when seeking further integration.
The attendees called for more exchanges in facilitating the development of different sectors and for an effective working mechanism for more communications as well.
