Urbanization

While pushing forward agricultural modernization, Shanxi is also using urbanization for a more balanced development between rural and urban areas.

This move aligns with the guidelines of the Fifth Plenary Session, which says "China will advance coordinated regional development and a new type of urbanization".

In April 2020, the CPC Committee and the provincial government of Shanxi announced plans to develop three provincial subcenters in Linfen in southwestern Shanxi, Datong in the north and Changzhi in the southeast.

In Linfen, local authorities have quickly responded to the decision.

The city government released a plan to develop into a base for emerging industries, especially the smart manufacturing sector.

Local authorities said the subcenter strategy also aims to offer opportunities for industrial development and balanced rural and urban growth.

Officials said new local plans require the development of industrial zones and urban facility construction in downtown Linfen as well as the towns surrounding the city.

To date, Linfen has implemented more than 20 infrastructure projects, including construction and renovation of roads inside the city that link the city to nearby industrial zones and rural areas.

Although not on the list of provincial subcenters, Shuozhou in the north of Shanxi has adopted a similar approach to development.

An industrial park for small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises was founded in the Shuozhou Economic Development in March last year. Over the past nine months, the park has attracted more than 30 companies.

A unique selling point of the park is that it offers ready factory buildings for investors, allowing them to begin operations immediately.

"Shuozhou stresses SMEs because they are major players in contributing to local economic growth and creating job opportunities," said an official at the industrial park.