Source: Economic Daily Beijing Report
On November 5th, the sub forum of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum on "Industrial Development and Sustainable Urban Construction - Innovative and Inclusive Collaborative Strategy" was held at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai). This forum is jointly hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, focusing on the opportunities and challenges brought by urbanization and industrialization development. Guests from all walks of life are invited to explore innovative practices of countries in achieving sustainable industrial development under the background of global cooperation, as well as how to build eco-friendly, smart, and inclusive cities.
Industrial development and sustainable urban construction are key issues and common challenges faced by countries, especially those in the global South, in their development. Zhao Chunfeng, Deputy Director of the International Economic and Trade Relations Department of the Ministry of Commerce, stated in his speech that with the deepening of China's new urbanization construction, the integration of industry and city has achieved positive results, and various economic and technological development zones and industrial parks continue to emerge, injecting new vitality into urban development. Next, the Ministry of Commerce is willing to lead various Chinese departments to continue strengthening comprehensive cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, further helping countries in the global South improve the quality and level of industrialization and urbanization, and promoting sustainable, innovative, and inclusive development. Industrialization and urbanization go hand in hand and promote each other, which is of great significance for promoting coordinated and integrated development of industries and cities. Jiang Xiaojuan, a professor at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and former Deputy Secretary General of the State Council, stated in his keynote speech that the integration of industry and city is conducive to promoting coordinated development of production and consumption, regional coordination, urban-rural coordination, optimizing resource allocation, and is an important way to achieve industrial quality and efficiency improvement and urban sustainable development. In the digital age, the integration of industry and city has a new posture and trend, which is extending and empowering to higher levels, more formats, and wider regions.
Urbanization and industrialization bring significant opportunities for economic and social development, but also put pressure on infrastructure, exacerbate inequality, and cause environmental damage. Dima Alhatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South South Cooperation, stated that by 2023, over 55% of the world's population will live in urban areas, and this proportion is expected to reach 68% by 2050. While expanding cities, it is important to ensure their sustainable development, inclusiveness, and resilience against risks. Alhatib mentioned that China's "sponge cities" are representative innovative measures that effectively alleviate urban waterlogging, cope with environmental changes caused by rainwater in the long term, and achieve sustainable development of cities.
In the guest discussion session, guests from government departments, international organizations, enterprises, and academia shared their experiences and insights from the perspectives of green finance policies, green industry technologies, and sustainable industrial park planning, and proposed new ideas for future development measures to the attendees and audience.
Cross border cooperation is crucial for promoting global sustainable development through the integration of industry and city. James Kimonio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in China, stated that Africa has abundant natural resources, but requires technological support to achieve sustainable industrialization and promote economic development. South South cooperation is not unilateral development assistance, but equal cooperation. Both parties should have their own investment and development goals, adapt to different countries' legal and policy systems, and use new technological means to reduce costs. "China is a model of South South cooperation." Kimonio said that the China Africa cooperation projects promoted by the "the Belt and Road" initiative and the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation had achieved remarkable results. China helped Africa achieve sustainable industrialization and green development by financing investment projects in Africa, bringing long-term benefits to the local people.
At the meeting, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization released the "2024 Industrial Development Report". The report shows that the world is currently facing multiple risks, and industrial development is the key to achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable modern industrial policies can provide solutions and turn challenges into opportunities. The report also provides an in-depth analysis of the latest trends in global industry in promoting economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability from a regional perspective, providing authoritative information and decision-making basis for managers and policy makers in the industrial sector around the world. (Economic Daily reporter Wei Jiayue)