New urbanization plan on the way

A new national urbanization plan will be released and implemented next year, according to a statement from the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China.

Political Bureau members analyzed economic work for the coming year and heard reports on the second national land survey at a meeting presided over by Party chief Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday.

The second national land survey, which began on July 1, 2007, is a vital assessment of the country's condition and power. It is of great significance in strengthening territorial resources, improving land-use efficiency and making key plans and policies in social and economic development.

The Political Bureau pledged that China must take the path of new urbanization, indicating a new urbanization plan will be made and implemented next year.

The plan was expected to emerge in November 2012 after the Party's 18th National Congress pointed to new urbanization as a fresh growth point for the economy.

The plan has reportedly met considerable resistance from local governments in its drafting process as it touches on the redistribution of land revenue between farmers and governments.

The Political Bureau's new promise on the plan signifies the Party leadership's resolve to deepen reforms by making breakthroughs in crucial areas.

"The reform should start from the fields where the people expect most to see changes and from prominent issues that restrict social and economic development, so that the positive benefits of the reforms can be felt by China's people," Xi said on Nov 22 at a meeting with non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and people without party affiliation.

Tuesday's meeting also shed light on the approaching annual Economic Work Conference this month.

The Political Bureau said the successful realization of the main economic growth targets this year guarantees a good beginning for 2014.

The reform blueprint sketched out at the recently concluded Third Plenum of the 18th CPC Central Committee will stimulate new growth and sustainable development, in spite of the evident challenges from home and abroad in the coming year, the statement said.