Premier calls for new urbanization strategies

Premier Li Keqiang (C) presides over a meeting with academicians and experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) on the country's urbanization in Beijing, Aug 30, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Zhu Gaofeng said urbanization should focus on employment. Urbanization without full employment could produce "ghost towns" and slums.

Chinese Academy of Sciences scholar Lu Dadao said that, as China's industrial structure upgrades, its technology advances and its labor costs rise, enterprises will reduce their workplace labor intensity. Consequently, China must advance economic growth to retain the employment rate by creating new jobs. This also suggests it is better to avoid an overly aggressive urbanization rate target.

Li responded by saying enhancing industry improves cities, and only industry can create sufficient jobs.

Foremost concerns include boosting service sectors, and integrating industrialization, informatization and agricultural modernization, Li said.

Chinese Academy of Engineering academicians Qian Yi and Tang Xiaoyan also suggested urbanization must heed environmental and ecological capacities.

Li said energy efficiency and resource conservation should be new urbanization's leading principles.

More than 10 experts spoke during the three-hour conference.

Li summarized by saying that urbanization is "complex" and "systematic", and demands scientific reasoning and careful planning.

He explained the country should identify areas of consensus, such as shantytown redevelopment, as breakthroughs from which other steps can begin.

zhengyangpeng@chinadaily.com.cn