Shenzhen aims to become a "world pioneer" in sustained rapid economic growth in the next 25 years, a draft plan for the city's development till 2030 says.

The 2030 target, the most distant target the government has ever set for the city, was released by the urban planning bureau on behalf of the government yesterday.

The long-term plan aims to build the city into a "world's pioneering city." Draft writers say "pioneering city" means the city will be a forerunner in reform, opening up and innovation. The city will maintain an annual economic growth of at least 7 percent by 2030, according to the draft.

The municipal urban planning bureau has posted the draft plan on its Web site to seek public opinion. It took nearly 50 Chinese and foreign experts three years to complete the draft, and public opinion will be solicited for a month.

The city will have a diversified industrial structure, while maintaining its core competitiveness, according to the draft, which also promises social equality and harmony, with a narrowed income gap, increased housing and job opportunities.

The city will become a model for the country's innovation and a base for the country's high-tech industry as well as a regional center for logistics, according to the draft.

The draft stresses Shenzhen-Hong Kong exchange and cooperation, saying that Shenzhen will become a promoter of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation and cross-region integration.

By 2030, Shenzhen will see its economic level reach the current standards of the most developed cities in the world, according to the draft.

Editor: Donald