The 3rd International Forum of Urban Competitivene

Jiang Jufeng, the deputy secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of CPC and vice executive governor of Sichuan Province, said: under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the Sichuan provincial CPC committee and government look urbanization as an important approach of building a well-off society in accordance with the requirements of building a harmonious society. We focus on optimizing and strengthening large cities closely, and choose some small cities to develop so as to speed up urbanization. In recent years, in the process of urbanization, Chengdu city has established the concept of scientific development-the interaction between urban and rural areas and the integration of four dimensions, and tried to explore actively the road of integrated development for urban and rural areas, which has enhanced the common development and prosperity of urban and rural areas. We hope to have a comprehensive understanding of latest ideas on urbanization both at home and abroad so that we can learn from international experience in urbanization, and promote the development of urbanization in our province.

　　Chen Jiagui, vice president of our academy in his speech fully acknowledged the practical significance of the theme "China’s Road of Urbanization with Rural-Urban Integration" in accelerating industrialization and urbanization in China. He thought that urbanization is a topic that never becomes old and it began as early as cities came into being. The Industrial Revolution led to the rapid development of urbanization which eventually evolved into a social trend around the globe. Accompanied by the development of urbanization, technological advances are undergoing great changes, economic growth is developing fast, cultures are rich and diverse, and political democracy is speeding up too. The wisdom, health, freedom and welfare of human beings have been greatly improved. The level of urbanization has become a symbol of economic and social development of a region or a country.

　　Chen also said: today, China is experiencing the largest scale of urbanization in human history. It will not only determine China’s future development but also will influence the economic layout of the globe. The twisted process of urbanization and its serious negative effects tell us that China must choose a correct and suitable road of urbanization in the future.

Chen pointed out: in the exploration of the road of urbanization in China, we must combine theory and practice together. We notice that in the acceleration of urbanization in China, many cities have been looking for the successful road for urbanization persistently. Chengdu is one of the cities that have made remarkable achievements in the active exploration of the road for urbanization. Thanks to this forum, many leading scholars and government officials in the field of urbanization and urban competitiveness in China and around the world have come to Chengdu and consider it as a model of rural-urban integration for researches. Based on field studies, our thoughts collide, ideas are exchanged, inspirations are sparkled, theories are formed, and countermeasures are worked out. Therefore this international forum is an excellent opportunity for the exchange of cutting-edge theories and their interaction with practices. This forum is also an open platform for the exchange of knowledge, thoughts and experience on urbanization and urban competitiveness.

　　Li Chuncheng, member of the Standing Committee of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of CPC, Secretary of Chengdu city, introduced their active efforts and exploration in the integration of rural and urban areas and in coordinated urbanization in his speech: first, encourage industries to gather in industrial parks, direct farmers to move into cities and towns, and make land into scale operation, as well as correctly guide and accelerate industrialization, urbanization and agricultural modernization; second, work out plans for integration of rural and urban areas scientifically so as to lay the basis of scientific development and ruling according to laws; third, promote the "three transformations" and establish mechanism of capital security with marketized and multiple investments fourth, deepen reforms, build up a system and mechanism for integration of rural and urban areas; fifth, implement the projects of agricultural industrialization and rural development in order to help the vast rural areas; sixth, do a good job in mass work, protect people’s fundamental interests in practice and development.

　　In his speech, Li Chuncheng said: practice has proved that the urbanization road with integration of rural and urban areas and coordinated enhancement conforms to the principle that urban and rural areas are interdependence and co-existent, and the principles of the development of market economy and the intensive development of socialized mass production. This has vigorously promoted the conditions of production relations, and further liberated productivity. We believe that this is not only an inevitable choice for the construction of new socialist countryside, but also an important practice for the local CPC committees and governments to implement the concept of scientific development.

　　Li pointed out that China's magnificent urbanization in this century is a big event that has changed the process and image of the world. The socialized practices in China will make great contributions to the development of human beings. Therefore, the theme about the road of urbanization with integration of rural and urban areas in China has a far-reaching significance for theories and practices on urban development that are widely concerned in the globe. Chengdu's practices have just begun. There are a lot of shortcomings and urgent problems. We will digest the fruits of this forum, and learn from advanced concepts and practical experience. Then take the path with integration of rural and urban areas and coordinated development, in accordance with the requirements of the concept of  scientific development so that we can turn Chengdu into a modern and super city with best environment for entrepreneurship, best living conditions and strongest comprehensive competitiveness in western China.

Lu Yongxiang, deputy secretary-general of the Standing Committee of the People’s Congress and president of Chinese Academy of Sciences, sent his congratulation letter to this forum.

   In this forum, Jiang Xiaojuan, deputy director of the research office, the State Council delivered a speech with “being people-oriented, coordinating rural and urban areas, and enhancing the healthy development of cities and towns” as the theme.

Duan Yingbi, deputy director of Economic Committee, CPPCC, former deputy director of Central Financial and Economic Leading Group, former deputy director of Western Development Leading Group of the State Council attended this forum.

Ge Honglin, deputy secretary of Chengdu CPC committee, mayor of Chengdu, introduced the basic situation of Chengdu in the enhancement of integration of rural and urban areas.

Pei Changhong, director-general of Institute of Finance and Trade Economics, CASS, delivered a speech with “China’s Road of Urbanization with Rural-Urban Integration---Taking Chendu as an Example” as the theme. The forum also held deep discussions about supportive policies on the integration of rural and urban areas, the regional development model with integration of rural and urban areas and so on.

　　 During this forum, Global Urban Competitiveness Report jointly finished by exports from 8 countries and regions with Chinese and American scholars being the leaders was issued.