Zhang notes that China’s rapid urbanization of the past three decades has resulted in a
geographically “uneven distribution pattern”, with coastal cities favored over interior regions
of the country. He also notes that most of the new urbanization has been driven by
unprecedented rural-to-urban migration that presents extraordinary challenges to Chinese
city planners and policy-makers.
Zhang writes that the case of China’s response to urban globalism has “lessons that can be
shared with other developing countries”.
- First, most of the population and economic growth of the foreseeable future will be
urban.
- Second, urbanization has had many positive economic effects and does not
necessarily result in “a burden to a nation’s economy or a negative impact on cities”.
- Third, “active public-private partnerships” are key to the success of economic and
urban development.
- Fourth, important choices must be made in terms of the development policies that
cities and central authorities embrace.
Great progress can be achieved, but it will be necessary to take measures that avoid
“increased social stratification and a widening gap between the urban poor and the new
rich”.
geographically “uneven distribution pattern”, with coastal cities favored over interior regions
of the country. He also notes that most of the new urbanization has been driven by
unprecedented rural-to-urban migration that presents extraordinary challenges to Chinese
city planners and policy-makers.
Zhang writes that the case of China’s response to urban globalism has “lessons that can be
shared with other developing countries”.
- First, most of the population and economic growth of the foreseeable future will be
urban.
- Second, urbanization has had many positive economic effects and does not
necessarily result in “a burden to a nation’s economy or a negative impact on cities”.
- Third, “active public-private partnerships” are key to the success of economic and
urban development.
- Fourth, important choices must be made in terms of the development policies that
cities and central authorities embrace.
Great progress can be achieved, but it will be necessary to take measures that avoid
“increased social stratification and a widening gap between the urban poor and the new
rich”.
