China will rejuvenate its northeast rustbelt region through more reforms and economic restructuring, according to a policy document released on April 26, 2016.
The northeast, including Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces, was among the first regions in China to become industrialized.
Its traditional industries include steel, automobile, shipbuilding, aircraft manufacturing and petroleum refining.
However, this once robust industrial base is bearing the brunt of a more-acute slowdown than the rest of the country, trailing well behind in terms of GDP growth.
To promote innovation, the document underscored the need to establish an effective system for incubating regional innovation, integrating scientific and educational institutions into regional development, as well as talent training and introduction.
“The starting point — and the ultimate goal of revitalizing the northeastern industrial bases — is safeguarding and improving people’s lives,” according to the document, adding that the government must make sure tangible benefits are shared by all people.
The document also pinpointed tasks to improve social security net, add more jobs, upgrade urban public services and make the environment more livable.
Photo of smog in city of Shenyang, Liaoning, China by abc.net.au