China's Shenzhen to be a 'global model city' by mid-century

China is aiming to build its southern metropolis of Shenzhen into a "global model city with distinguished competitiveness, innovation capability and influence" by mid-century, according to a guideline supporting Shenzhen. The document supports the city in the construction of a pilot demonstration area of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Aerial view of the Huaqiangbei District, Shenzhen, China, May 18, 2019. [File photo: VCG]

The guideline, released by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council on Sunday, says that by 2025 Shenzhen should become a "modern international city of innovation" with its economic power and quality of development at the forefront of cities worldwide. By 2035, it should become a "hub for innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship" as well as a sample for China to build a "great modern socialist country" at the city-level.

The coastal city in south China's Guangdong Province should play a leading role in high-quality development and position itself as a demonstration city of the rule of law, the guideline stressed, calling for the creation of a "stable, fair, transparent and predictable" business environment in Shenzhen.

It added that Shenzhen should become a model for a civilized society and decent livelihoods for its residents and a pioneer in pursuing sustainable development.