China Steps Up Promotion of New Urbanisation

The General Office of the National Development and Reform Commission recently issued a circular to the development and reform commissions of all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities (Fa Gai Ban Gao Ji No. 530 [2020]). The circular requires all relevant departments to scientifically plan the smart transformation of county towns, with a focus on addressing short-comings, shoring up support for weak links, and advancing a problem-oriented, goal-oriented and result-oriented approach. Pilot projects may be launched in leading-edge sectors or industries to promote new urbanisation.

The circular also calls for efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and private enterprises in investment and construction and to explore sustainable models of construction and operation. For the construction of public facilities in county towns, the government should give support and guidance. For smart construction projects that can generate sizeable income, efforts must be made to mobilise marketised resources and fully unleash market vitality.

Source: National Development and Reform Commission