NPC deputies: Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei cluster to further enhance integrated development

Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei will further enhance cooperation in boosting the integrated development of the three regions, with the aim of improving the regions' overall competitiveness as a potential world-class city cluster, said officials on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress.

"In order to promote regional collaborative development, we have established the Tianjin (Binhai)-Zhongguancun Science Park, integrating the innovative achievements and resources from Beijing with Tianjin's advanced manufacturing capacity and thus bringing the utmost benefits to both parties," said Yang Maorong, head of the Tianjin Binhai New Area.

Yang noted that in the future, Hebei, Tianjin and Beijing are expected to give full play to their own advantages, and join hand in hand to boost coordinated development as well as to further implement the nation's "Made in China 2025" strategy, creating an internationally oriented platform for reform and opening-up.

Zhang Gong, vice-mayor of Beijing, agreed. "As the industrial integration among Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei deepens further, Beijing has invested 560 billion yuan ($88 billion) in Tianjin and Hebei areas during the past three years. And enterprises from Zhongguancun Science Park have set up more than 6,100 subsidiaries in the two regions."

Tianjin Binhai New Area has canceled the transport of 50 million metric tons of coal on the road, thus cutting emissions of 4 million heavy-duty diesel trucks each year.

In addition, to attract talent from Beijing to start businesses in Binhai, the new area has issued monthly intercity railway tickets between Beijing and Binhai, and canceled road restrictions to drive in Binhai New Area for cars with a Beijing license, Yang added.

Beijing and Tianjin's efforts for joint growth were echoed by what has happened in Hebei. According to Yuan Tongli, vice-governor of Hebei province, during the past four years, Hebei has been sparing no efforts to contribute to the joint development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and the province had witnessed significant progress on many fronts, including transportation, environment, industrial manufacturing, education as well as health care.