By Xiao Wang (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-06 06:26

Authorities of Dalian in Liaoning Province have set ambitious goals for the city's future development, seeking to take the lead in achieving a full revitalization of traditional industrial bases.

During the 11th Five Year Plan period (2006-10), Dalian's GDP and foreign trade volume are expected to increase by around 13 percent and about 15 percent year-on-year respectively.

By 2010, Dalian port's annual cargo handling capacity is expected to rise to 250 million tons, while its container handling capacity is projected to reach 8 million TEUs (twenty equivalent units), positioning Dalian among the top five Chinese ports.

To realize these objectives, the city is stepping up efforts to achieve economic mechanism transition, industrial restructuring and an image revamp.

Dalian plays a leading role in revitalization of the traditional industrial bases, according to a statement by the city government.

It thus needs to take a huge leap forward in operational mechanism innovation and advance transition to a socialist market economy, the document says.

Dalian is now vying to become one of the designated pilot cities in the new round of comprehensive reforms in China. The designation will allow the city more freedom in its attempts to spur managerial innovation.

The city authorities encourage restructuring traditional industries, including the machinery and equipment sector, in a bid to propel local manufacturers to the high end of the industrial chain and help them sharpen their innovative and competitive edge.

Hi-tech sectors like integrated circuit and software development are a new dynamic force in the city's economy.

Intel has announced it will begin construction of a chip project in Dalian late this year, marking a historical breakthrough for the city's high-end manufacturing and hi-tech sectors. More investors in related sectors are now expected to be attracted to the city.

Dalian is focusing on building itself into a leading player in global software and service outsourcing, according to the authorities.

Meanwhile, the city will make it a priority to develop a service-oriented economy, authorities said.

Hosting the Summer Davos and improving the operation of the bonded port area will provide a further boost to the city's opening-up process and attract capital and human resources from around the world, making Dalian a real international center of shipping, logistics, trade and finance.

The economic boom will create more jobs and increase income for locals, the authorities said. To this end, the government is also encouraging individuals to start up their own business.

Pursuing harmonious development, the city government values the creation of a healthy cultural environment and the building of a resource-efficient society.

With its focus firmly on bolstering industrial growth, technological strength and public welfare, Dalian is sailing full steam ahead toward its goal.

(China Daily 09/06/2007 page68)