The topic of the conference

"The Relationship between Guangdong and the Economic Globalization "

Fruitful results

Lu Ruihua, Governor of Guangdong, made peech at the Press Conference of International Consultative Conference on the Future Economic Development of Guangdong Province 2001.

He says, "Firstly, it added to our confidence and determination in integrating into the world economy. We further identified a global development strategy. In this strategy, the key lies in improving industrial competitiveness, while the foundation is a good investment environment."

"On the topic of fitting into economic globalization, it was suggested that Guangdong should foster internationally competitive industries and a highly developed infrastructure system. Meanwhile, the top priority should be given to improve software and hardware environment, so that IT will be widely applied in industry. The improvement of investment environment and strengthening of industrial competitiveness was also emphasized."

"On the topic of IT development, based on last years' conference, the Advisors gave more in-depth and constructive suggestions."

"And on the topic of logistics sector development, some Advisors believed that Guangdong would become one of the most important logistics centers in China. It was recommended that an efficient logistics and modern distribution system should be set up. All these are in line with Guangdong's strategy oriented to economic globalization. They also add to our specific action plans."

"Meanwhile, to my admiration, the Advisors showed great interest inn Guangdong's current economic development. They shared with us their views and insight."

"For example, it was proposed that the government should take proactive measures against financial risks resulting from globalization. One piece of advice addressed Guangdong's electricity reform by citing the negative example of the California electricity crisis. Another piece of suggestion concerned clean energy development and diversified services. One Advisor recommended that the model of equity investment should be adopted, while another Advisor cited on the strategies of the accounting sector in the post-WTO China."

"Secondly, the meeting broadened our horizon and enriched our thoughts. The Conference deepens mutual understanding and promotes co-operation between Guangdong and the Advisors' organizations."

"The Advisors contributed to the theme topic by bringing forth new ideas and concepts. For instance, based on the concept of e-services, one Advisor suggested to establish a technology ecosystem based on network service. This will result in fundamental changes in our business model. In addition, a comprehensive e-government concept was suggested. And, it was recommended that the modern logistics system should include the following factors: commodity flow management, delivery transport management and the management of information and capital flows."

"In the mean time, the Advisors expressed their wishes to strengthen co-operation with Guangdong. Some came up with concrete plans. For example, BP plans to invest, in the next 5 years, at least 5 billion dollars in China, among which 1 billion will be in Guangdong. The company wanted to become one of the main sources of energy supply for the whole region. Electricity de France proposed to build with Guangdong "a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership for sustainable development". The company wanted to further co-operate with us in nuclear power and clean energy projects."

"Taking this chance, I would like to express our heart-felt thanks to all Advisors for the initiatives, and would like to assure you that they will be taken into serious consideration."

"In order to contribute to a more successful conference, and to enhance mutual understanding, we have arranged an attractive program for tomorrow. Tomorrow in the morning, four seminars will be held, on investment environment, industrial competitiveness, modern logistics and petrochemical and natural gas industries respectively. We will also organize TV Forums, speeches and lectures. In the afternoon, we will arrange a Briefing on Guangdong's Tenth Five-Year-Plan and key projects in Guangzhou and Shenzhen as well as counterpart discussion on specific projects."

Four characteristics

Firstly, the topics are to the point and forward-looking. Secondly, the number of consultants present is the greatest in three years with quite a few new faces. Thirdly, the consultants' reports are better prepared and to the point. Fourthly, the conference is richer in content and in form.

Background

This conference is held against the background of China's imminent entry into the WTO and the Ninth National Games, which is also held in Guangdong.

Editor: Donald