Xiamen: A Model City of Strategic Development and Innovation in China
Xiamen: A Paradigm of Strategic Development and Innovation
Forty years ago, residents of Xiamen, situated in East China's Fujian Province, painted a bleak picture of their city, describing it as having "uneven roads, dim streetlights, unreliable telephone service, and frequent tap water cuts." In stark contrast, today's Xiamen has blossomed into a modern, accessible, and internationally recognized urban center, earning praise from Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The dramatic transformation of Xiamen can be attributed to the forward-thinking strategy laid out in the "1985-2000 Xiamen Economic and Social Development Strategy." This plan emphasized the importance of effectively merging top-level design with a pragmatic, grassroots approach. This dual-method approach has created a blueprint for success, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic planning and commitment to delivering value to citizens.
A Visionary Blueprint
The roots of Xiamen's current development trace back to the comprehensive planning undertaken more than three decades ago. The strategy implemented was not just a guideline but a holistic framework that addressed multiple facets of the city's growth. It encompassed economic development, industrial diversification, institutional reforms, technological advances, ecological sustainability, cultural enrichment, education, and talent cultivation. This collective vision stemmed from the leadership of Xi Jinping, who played a pivotal role as a member of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee and also served as the city's Executive Vice Mayor.
Recognized as the first of its kind in regional planning, this strategy charted a bold path for Xiamen, setting the framework for its economic and social development. It ushered a new era, where dreams of modernization became a reality.
Today, Xiamen's industrial landscape boasts ten critical sectors, including machinery, equipment, and financial services, each exceeding 100 billion yuan (approximately $13.95 billion) in output. The city's drive for industrial innovation and competitive strength has continually gained traction. Moreover, in a time when discussions around long-term regional strategic planning are often overlooked, the Development Strategy has established a robust model for urban governance in China, emphasizing the essential role of sustainable development planning.
An Epitome of Reform and Opening-Up
Xiamen's growth story is emblematic of China's broader reform and opening-up narrative. The Development Strategy envisioned Xiamen as a "free port-style" Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Historically, SEZs have paved the way for innovative reforms and have been at the forefront of China's modernization efforts. Xi Jinping's direct participation in early developmental initiatives in this coastal area highlights the city's significance in the national reform landscape.
The Development Strategy is underpinned by innovative solutions and reforms that have faced challenges head-on. Over the last three decades, Xiamen has embraced strategic phases of development, achieving numerous national firsts and leading pioneering reforms. It has emerged as a focal point for monumental reforms, showcasing systemic integration that resonates throughout the country.
For example, the average vessel stay at Xiamen Port is only 0.93 days, positioning it as the second most efficient port globally. The China-Europe Railway Express (Xiamen) has expanded its reach, serving over 30 cities across 13 nations.
Currently, Xiamen is diligently aligning its goals with national strategies, aiming to cultivate its role as a crucial node in the emerging economic frameworks, enhancing both domestic vitality and international collaboration.
Concrete Action in Modernization
The effectiveness of a vision rests in its application, and Xiamen's enduring commitment to its Development Strategy has yielded astonishing results. As of 2023, the city's GDP has surged by a staggering 149.6 times, with fiscal revenues increasing by 460.9 times while urban area expansion measures 11-fold.
Under the directive of the Development Strategy, Xiamen has initiated a multitude of plans targeting various sectors, underscoring the necessity of responding swiftly and strategically. In the narrative of Chinese modernization, time is both a relentless test of commitment and an urgent call to action. CPC members recognize the significance of long-term vision interwoven with urgent, immediate responses to changing circumstances.
Ultimately, China's journey shapes a unique blend of historical foresight and practical action, positioning cities like Xiamen as testaments to the adaptive governance model that drives its remarkable progress.