Chen Jiagui's presentation

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.