CNBC:

What are the shortcomings in the development of China's first-tier cities? For instance, in terms of old-age service and social security, what are the future development direction and the priority of first-tier cities? Thanks.

Ning Jizhe:

Let me answer this question. Since the reform and opening up, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and other first-tier cities and other mega cities have witnessed substantial economic growth, significant population growth, continuous expansion of opening up, and vigorous development of social undertakings. They have become an important engine for China's economic growth, an important hub for opening up, and the important support for state governance. They have also increasingly become an important space carrier for people to live and work in peace and happiness to enjoy a better life. Meanwhile, these megacities also have "urban diseases" that are common in countries around the world, such as traffic congestion, high housing prices, and limited development. These are all problems in development, difficulties in progress, and troubles in growth. As for old-age service and social security, the overall level of the first-tier cities is not bad. The average life expectancy of several first-tier cities is above 80 years old, ranking among the best in all kinds of cities. What needs to be improved is to control the costs and get better services. The country's outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan 2021-2025 has made the planning and deployment to improve the spatial layout of urbanization and optimize and upgrade the functions of the central urban areas in megacities. The main aspects are as follows.

First, we will promote high-quality and sustainable development of megacities. 

We will make overall plans to take into account the diverse needs of economy, livelihoods, ecology, and security, promote the transformation of development and construction methods of megacities, and strengthen the prevention and control of urban governance risks. We adhere to the principle of building cities with a people-centered approach, deeply grasp the law of urban development, and coordinate the development and the safety. We will effectively promote the transformation of urban development mode from scale expansion to connotation enhancement, paying more attention to people's livelihoods, steadily improving the level of social security, and upgrading the modernization level of urban governance. With these methods, we will make cities healthier, safer, and more livable. At the same time, we will further strengthen the leading roles of megacities, constantly optimize the spatial pattern of economic development and achieve coordinated regional development to better drive rural revitalization and promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas.

Second, we will reasonably reduce the development intensity and population density of megacities. To scientifically plan the urban production, living and ecological space, we will decrease the functions and the related facilities as general manufacturing, regional logistics bases and specified markets in the central urban areas with an orderly manner, avoid excessive concentration of public resources, and strengthen risk prevention and control in urban governance. For example, based on the functional orientation of the national political center, cultural center, international exchange center, and scientific and technological innovation center, Beijing will build a harmonious, livable and beautiful capital. At the same time, focusing on the relief of non-capital functions, we will promote the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to a higher level. The air quality monitoring and joint prevention and control in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas will be strengthened, and Beijing's advantages in scientific and technological innovation will be given play to drive the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries in Tianjin and Hebei, so as to enhance its driving role in the surrounding areas.

Third, we will optimize and enhance the core competitiveness of megacities. 

We will enhance the roles of megacities in global resource allocation, in driving scientific and technological innovation, and in leading the development of high-end industries, ensure that megacities take the lead in forming an industrial structure with modern service industry as the mainstay and advanced manufacturing as the prop, and enhance their overall capacity and international competitiveness. For example, Shanghai will enhance its overall urban capacity and core competitiveness to play a leading role in the Yangtze River Delta. Led by the "four functions" in global resource allocation, in driving scientific and technological innovation, in leading the development of high-end industries, and in developing the area as an opening hub, and by continuously promoting its roles as the "five centers" in areas of international economy, finance, trade, shipping and scientific and technological innovation, Shanghai will provide services for the Yangtze River Delta's high-quality development and participation in international competition, and lead the integrated development of the Delta. For another example, Shenzhen will take the construction of a pioneering demonstration zone of socialism with Chinese characteristics as the lead to build a comprehensive national science center and accelerate the promotion of major cooperation platforms between Guangdong and Hong Kong in Qianhai and Hetao. Shenzhen will also take the lead in practicing the connection of rules and mechanisms in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, give full play to its role as the core engine in the construction of the Greater Bay Area, and facilitate and drive the development of its surrounding areas. Guangzhou will also play an important role in the construction of the Greater Bay Area, including improving the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong and Guangzhou-Zhuhai-Macao science and technology innovation corridors. Thank you.