Development plans for distinctive towns approved

The General Office of the State Council issued a circular on Sept 25, approving proposals for promoting the development of distinctive towns.

The proposals focus on better top-level design, incentive and restraint mechanisms, as well as regulated management needed for distinctive towns to thrive.

The towns, mainly located near city clusters and cities or in other eligible regions, should be positioned as small areas home to a range of characteristic industries, the circular said.

They should strive to become new platforms for high-quality economic growth, emerging space for new urbanization, new pillars for urban-rural integration, and new protectors of traditional culture.

Their development should prioritize major distinctive industries, the circular said, with enhanced performance and core competitiveness in advanced manufacturing, modern services such as finance and education, and agriculture, depending on each town’s strengths.

The circular stressed incorporating multiple functions, such as modern communities, culture sector and tourism, into these towns.

Enterprises should play a major role in advancing market-oriented operation in distinctive towns, with large companies taking the lead, and micro-, small- and medium-sized ones benefiting from coordinated development.

The proposals also called for bolstering entrepreneurship and employment in distinctive towns, with the help of targeted technical training services, entrepreneurship incubators, and banks, among others.

To support the leading industries, facilities for intelligent manufacturing, transforming technology research and development results, warehousing and distribution, among others, should be available to suit their needs, the circular said.

Local reforms should be explored to improve government services, administrative approvals, and the business environment.

For regulation purposes, local governments should build a list of distinctive towns eligible for support, and set up the bottom line in terms of land use, production safety and other aspects.

Mechanisms for incentive, guidance and rectification of irregularities should be in place, the circular added.