On December 26, Mayor Zhang Guangning stated that the "central areas adjustment" strategy would play an important role in the development of Guangzhou city. The government will gradually optimize the industrial structure, adjust the population density and building density, and improve the infrastructure of old urban areas and people's life.

Mayor Zhang said that the strategy would promote the development of the central urban areas, namely the old urban areas, "it will be included in the government work report of the year 2007."

He explained that central areas adjustment means "the adjustment, optimization and improvement of the old urban areas".

"We should reserve the old urban areas that reflect the characteristics of Lingnan culture; at the same time development should not be ignored." Mayor Zhang said, "Improvements need to be made in the infrastructure of the old urban areas and the living environment of some residents."

"The tertiary industry will be the focus of the development of central urban areas. The government has closed 147 factories in the past years, and will close or move out 184 factories in the following two years that are not able to meet safety production requirements or environment protection requirements."

The Mayor said that Guangzhou will provide a more comfortable environment and more convenient transport means for people living in the old urban areas, to further improve the city's image.

Editor: Yan