Developing the Shenzhen's tourism and exhibition sectors is the No. 1 proposal made by the city's political advisers at their annual session opening yesterday.

The two sectors should become the fifth pillar industry of Shenzhen, after the high-tech, finance, logistics and culture sectors, according to the proposal to be submitted to the municipal government during the ongoing session of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Developing tourism, convention and exhibition is especially important for Shenzhen, which is plagued by shortages in land and resources, a growing population and worsening environment, according to the proposal.

The proposal said the tourism and exhibition sectors had the potential to grow into a pillar industry of the city. "Shenzhen is among the cities with biggest potential in tourism and exhibition development in East Asia," said the proposal.

The city already has a sound foundation for developing the industry, according to the proposal, which cited a 2006 report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences that ranked Shenzhen as the fourth most competitive tourist city in China.

The proposal also cited city's favorable conditions for developing its tourism and exhibition sectors, including its proximity to Hong Kong, mild climate, beautiful scenery, convenient transportation, and robust economic development, growing tourism market, and various international events that are held in the city.

However, the development of the two sectors is being of hindering by a lack of protection for tourism resources, weak cooperation among different government departments, a shortage of skilled personnel and low government support.

The proposal suggests the government set a target for making tourism and exhibition a pillar industry, improving the protection of natural resources, and issuing favorable policies for the industry.

Editor: Donald