City to focus on liveability, not just economic growth

Shanghai has been experiencing constant growth since China opened up to the world four decades ago, and it will now seek to bolster development in terms of the city's liveability, said Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong during this year's International Business Leaders' Advisory Council (IBLAC).

"We cannot only focus on economic growth. We also have to give priority to the quality and efficiency behind the growth," said Ying.

Last year, the city's GDP amounted to 2.74 trillion yuan ($416.3 billion), a stark increase from the 69.7 billion yuan it registered in 1989. Meanwhile, the population of the city has doubled from 13.11 million in 1989 to more than 23 million in 2017.

Ying said that the local government will be looking to make Shanghai a more attractive place for residents to work and live. The goal, he added, is to make the city a place where there is an abundance of public facilities and active community life.

"In the future, residents in the city will find public facilities not far from their doorsteps. Facilities such as libraries, stadiums and theaters shall be within a 15-minute walk," said Ying.

In order to allow residents to share in the city's development in a tangible manner, riverbank areas in the city will also be developed into belts of recreational spaces that are easily accessible to the public.

In recent years, urban life has been one of key topics discussed during IBLAC meetings. Topics such as ensuring that small shops and wet markets continue to exist in downtown areas, the planning of public riverside spaces, preserving century-old neighborhoods, improving public safety and cutting carbon emissions have all been addressed during past IBLAC meetings.

During this year's event, Brian Duperreault, president and CEO of American International Group Inc, pointed out another key factor.

"Inclusiveness is vital to a city's growth. Inclusiveness means that more people have access to opportuni-ties, particularly students, young residents, and start-up entrepreneurs who are the future leaders of the city," said Duperreault.

While global enterprises have been able to tap into the opportunities created by Shanghai's relentless growth, these entities too would have an important role to play in ensuring continued development, said business leaders. From convenience store management to public transportation system planning to automation in industrial upgrading and nutrition programs for new-borns and elderly people, foreign companies are able to contribute in many ways.

Ying also said during the event that next year's IBLAC will be held in Shanghai on Oct 28 and will be particu-larly significant because it coincides with the 40th anniversary of China's opening-up and reform.

wuyiyao@chinadaily.com.cn