Press Release for Media Briefing of the Shanghai Municipal Government on August 17, 2023

2023.08.18

On
the morning of today (August 17), the Information Office of Shanghai
Municipality held the sixth press briefing on the theme of “High-Quality
Development in Shanghai,” which is Yangpu District special session focused on
“New Practice of People’s City, New Start for Innovative Development.” Yangpu
District Party Secretary Xue Kan introduced the details of Yangpu District’s
efforts to promote high-quality development. Zhou Haiying, Deputy Party
Secretary and chief of Yangpu District, Xu Jianhua, deputy chief of Yangpu
District, Zhang Tianwei, director of the Yangpu District Development and Reform
Commission, and Xiao Jing, director of the Huangpu District Science and
Technology Commission, attended the press briefing and answered questions from
reporters.

In
the face of novel situations and bearing the weight of a fresh mission, Yangpu,
the central urban area with the largest expanse and populace in Shanghai,
remains steadfastly committed to the pursuit of Chinese-style modernization.
With unwavering concentration and determined strides forward, we are resolute
in our efforts to contribute anew and in larger measure to the development of
Shanghai as a socialist, modern, and international metropolis.

1.    
Bearing in mind the General Secretary’s
entrustment, and making every effort to build the best place for the
implementation of the important philosophy on the People’s City

On
November 2, 2019, General Secretary Xi Jinping made an inspection tour to the
Yangpu Riverside. During this landmark visit, he introduced the pivotal concept
that “cities are built by the people and are for the people.” Yangpu has since
remained deeply committed to upholding the entrusted vision of the General
Secretary and we have adhered to the principle of allocating the finest
resources to our people, delivering unparalleled services, and diligently
working towards the creation of an exquisite Yangpu that is not only a
possession of the people but also an embodiment of service and accomplishment
for the people.

The
first focal point centers on building a robust learning and experiential hub
for the pivotal tenets of the People’s City. This fundamental concept has been
embraced by Yangpu as the guiding doctrine steering its developmental
trajectory. The CPC Yangpu District Committee has issued the “Decision on
Embracing and Enacting the Vital Tenets of the People’s City, and Striving to
Exemplify Urban Development,” thereby initiating the implementation of a
three-year action plan for Yangpu Riverside to become a model area for the
People’s City. Delving deep into this endeavor, Yangpu engages in an
exploration of a tailored path on the journey towards a socialist, modern
metropolis characterized by distinctive Chinese traits in this contemporary
epoch. The current landscape sees Yangpu actively orchestrating the strategic
planning and construction of an array of benchmark undertakings. This effort is
punctuated by swift advancement of platforms and infrastructures facilitating
the exchange, study, and public presentation of the pivotal ideals underpinning
the concept of the People’s City. These initiatives stand as dynamic
embodiments that showcase the tangible progress and significant accomplishments
for Yangpu and Shanghai in fostering the People’s City.

The
second focal point centers on the exploration of a more sustainable urban
renewal model for Yangpu This involves a heightened investment in the
repositioning of aging structures while consistently refining the overall urban
landscape’s quality. The culmination of efforts materialized in 2022 with the
comprehensive revitalization of subpar old buildings, resulting in improved
living conditions for 29,000 households over the past three years. A resolute
push for the creation of “beautiful homes” has yielded impressive results, refurbishing
more than 120,000 old houses across 6.2 million square meters, presenting a
rejuvenated visage to the world. A striking exemplification is showcased in the
urban renewal endeavor of No. 228 neighborhood within Changbai Xincun
Community. This endeavor has garnered exceptional recognition, as the sole
domestic project endorsed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural
Development to partake in the 2023 UN-Habitat Scroll of Honor Award. Presently,
Yangpu remains deeply entrenched in the thorough implementation of six urban
renewal initiatives, namely kindling new areas, beautifying new homes,
fostering new landscapes, powering new buildings, upgrading sectors, and
reconstructing industries. Three urban renewal demonstration projects in
Fengnan, Dongdan and Neijiang Large-scale Apartment Complex are propelling the
renovation of 134,000 square meters encompassing 4,458 households residing in
aging structures. This resolute endeavor aims to swiftly recapture and
reinvigorate the essence of Yangpu – an erstwhile industrial hub – by reviving
its architectural charm, redefining functions, and efficiently restoring its
inherent value.

The
third focal point centers on the advancement of public service quality and
scope. Guided by an unwavering commitment to enhancing people’s well-being
amidst development, the dedication to initiatives catering to livelihood
improvement remains resolute, evidenced by a consistent annual escalation in
the number of government projects targeted at addressing essential needs, bolstered
by increased financial investment and a broader service spectrum. Over the past
three years, the concerted efforts have yielded significant results: the
augmentation of elderly care facilities by 1,409 beds, raising the total to
11,163; establishment of 33 day service centers and 118 meal assistance centers
catering to senior citizens; the annual addition of two inclusive childcare
facilities and ensure comprehensive coverage in all 12 communities within the
district; erection of 5 schools, with an additional 5 under construction,
contributing to an increase of 13,300 educational degrees; and the addition of
43 public health institutions, thereby extending outstanding and pragmatic
healthcare services to the doorsteps of ordinary citizens. The trajectory ahead
is poised to sustain this momentum by expanding the public services, enhancing
their caliber, and accelerating the realization of a new wave of 17 projects
focused on bolstering public support, alongside 55 pragmatic
livelihood-oriented initiatives. Yangpu’s unwavering commitment to tangible
impact is underscored as it persists in actualizing projects that genuinely
benefit the populace. A core tenet involves the profound advancement of the
“15-minute community life circle,” a model that aspires to ensure convenient,
balanced, and high-quality access to public services. Swift strides in digital
transformation are also pivotal, marked by the establishment of integrated,
mutually reinforcing service linkages and “multi-network integration” systems that
enhance urban operations security and emergency responses. The continuous
development of user-friendly applications that serve the people’s convenience
and well-being is poised to render the urban landscape not only more habitable
and adaptable but also smarter.

The fourth
focal point centers on the establishment of a framework that fosters
co-creation, shared governance, and mutual benefits. Anchored in the leadership
of Party building, this approach passionately embraces whole-process people’s
democracy. On one hand, Yangpu has taken the lead in the city in erecting an
extensive grassroots network dedicated to collecting citizens’ suggestions. By
instituting legislative suggestion consultation points and actively engaging in
the specialized initiative on “consultations among people,” Yangpu has adeptly
channeled residents’ “golden ideas” into the realm of urban governance. These
insights have been transformed into the “golden keys” driving urban
administration and the “golden fruits” that tangibly enrich the lives of the
populace. On the other hand, Yangpu fervently organizes endeavors such as the
“people’s practical matters are decided by people themselves,” capitalizing on
the collaborative governance capabilities of its pioneering mechanism where community-based
Party affairs workers, planners, health advisors work together with
Party-building advisors, governance consultants, and legal experts, functioning
in harmony to amplify their collective influence. In doing so, Yangpu nurtures
orderly avenues for multifaceted participation across diverse domains.

2.
Activating innovation as the top paramount catalyst and striving for a new
journey on Yangpu’s innovative development

Innovation stands as the paramount catalyst
propelling Yangpu’s economic and societal advancement. Over the years, Yangpu
has embraced the tenets of an innovation-driven development strategy, embarking
on a transformational journey from an “industrial Yangpu” to a realm of
“innovative Yangpu.” This evolution has positioned Yangpu as a pioneer among
the nation’s innovation-focused urban locales, a pivotal nexus within the
Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Center, a pilot urban area for
Science and Technology Initiative in China, and a pilot district for China’s
grand endeavor for innovation-driven development. This year, Yangpu’s strategic
emergence as a hub for industrial clusters has garnered the endorsement by the
State Council, coupled with five commendations for its establishment of an
innovation and entrepreneurship demonstration base. This collective momentum
has significantly augmented the economic resilience and inherent vitality in
Yangpu. In the year 2022, the district’s GDP surged to 200 billion yuan, with
the increase ranking first across the city. The first half of this current year
has witnessed an acceleration in economic recovery, underscored by overall
improvements. Notably, the district’s GDP rose by 12.7% year on year, situating
Yangpu among the city’s leaders in terms of growth. Fueled by the digital
economy, the district’s information technology service sector has consistently
maintained an annual growth rate exceeding 20%, while Yangpu’s distinction as
the leading locale for national high-tech enterprises and specialized and
sophisticated little giant enterprises has solidified its standing within the
central urban sphere. Presently, Yangpu remains resolutely centered on the “paramount
catalyst” of invigorating the foundational force of innovation, together with a
determined pursuit of reform and opening-up, in a bid to facilitate the
realization of high-quality development. This mission entails the concerted
strengthening of sci-tech innovation empowerment, innovative industry
competitiveness, innovative ecosystem growth, and innovation environment
appeal, concretized through pragmatic measures, tangible outcomes, and the
stimulation of regional innovation momentum, all driving Yangpu's trajectory
towards ongoing and robust innovation.

Firstly, we aim to bolster the empowerment for scientific
and technological innovation throughout the entire process. We’re capitalizing
on Yangpu’s rich science and education resources, delving deeper into the
synergy between university campuses, science and technology parks, and public
communities. Pioneering a fresh trajectory that merges the school town,
industry town, and innovation town, we’re initiating measures from the
inception of innovation, expediting the innovation lifecycle, fortifying the
innovation framework, and hastening the dual-track progression that involves “0
to 10” and “10 to 0.” With Yangpu as the key facilitator of major scientific
and technological innovation, we’re furnishing essential spatial
infrastructures, talent services, and aligned policies. Our goal is to bolster
local universities in strengthening their foundational research and original
innovation capabilities. This entails the creation of “basic research special
zones” to cultivate centers of original innovation excellence. Moreover, we're
streamlining the pathways for incubating and translating scientific and
technological achievements. Leading the charge, we’re constructing a range of
top-tier incubators, innovative R&D institutions, and university-based
science park exemplars. This concerted effort accelerates the transition of
research and technology outcomes from academia into tangible productivity,
thereby harnessing high-quality innovation resources to dynamically fuel
regional development.

Secondly, we aim
to bolster the all-encompassing competitiveness of innovation industries.
Aligned with the prevailing shift in the scientific and technological
innovation landscape and industrial metamorphosis, we’re poised to craft an
innovative economic framework for Yangpu marked by its uniqueness, excellence,
and characteristics. Aiming to fortify the preeminent roles of high-end
industries, Yangpu is strategically constructing an innovative modern
industrial system delineated by a “1+2+3+4” blueprint. This dynamic system will
pivot around the core dominance of the digital economy, with “intelligence +”
and “Internet +” as pivotal directions. While nurturing thriving industrial
clusters within the online new economy, smart manufacturing, and creative
design sectors, encompassing over 100-billion-yuan output each, we’re also
embarking on forward-looking endeavors spanning science and technology
services, artificial intelligence, life and health, as well as green and
low-carbon initiatives. The ultimate aspiration is to cultivate a cohort of
leading enterprises endowed with benchmarking significance, reinforcing them
through comprehensive and targeted support. In tandem, we’re committed to
propelling the development and maturation of high-growth entities, including
unicorns, hidden champions, and specialized and sophisticated enterprises. Concurrently, the momentum
towards expanding and enhancing industrial infrastructures remains steadfast.
Our endeavor involves expediting the development of the Changyang Show Belt as
an online new economy campus, accelerating the upgrading of industrial parks, revitalizing
and transforming underutilized land in the central and northern river sections
of Yangpu Riverside, and subsequently furnishing a dynamic composite space that
caters to the multifaceted requirements of diverse innovative entities.

Thirdly,
we aim to leverage every facet to nurture the burgeoning ecosystem of
innovation. A thriving innovation ecosystem facilitates efficient allocation of
diverse innovation elements and empowers a spectrum of innovative subjects. In
Yangpu, there’s a concerted drive to foster a dynamic tropical rainforest-like innovation
ecosystem characterized by robust vitality and deeply-rooted foundations. This
metamorphosis aims to transmute the “key variable” of innovation into a
“maximum increment” for development. Seizing the moment, Yangpu has actively
bolstered the expansion and fortification of the Shanghai Technology Exchange,
facilitating the rapid flow and effective distribution of technology elements
across a broader scope. Moreover, we’re wholeheartedly invested in servicing
the construction of the Shanghai Science and Technology Financial Reform Pilot
Zone, providing comprehensive financial services tailored to technology
enterprises’ entire lifecycle. The advancement of the core region of the
high-level talent hub is expedited, with a continued focus on establishing a
multi-tiered system for talent attraction, cultivation, and support. This
concerted effort propels the agglomeration of innovative talents. Furthermore,
Yangpu is deepening collaborations with sister urban districts, cities within
the Yangtze River Delta, and globally-renowned innovation hubs. This endeavor
seeks to gather a multitude of high-level innovation activities within Yangpu,
fostering a more advanced and open innovation cooperation framework.

Fourthly, we aim to adopt
a comprehensive approach to accentuate the allure of our innovation
environment. On one front, we’re
grasping the development of the “soft
environment,” with a commitment to
transforming government functions as our focal point. This entails earnestly
constructing an efficient and user-friendly government service system, while
also fostering a marketplace characterized by equitable competition. By deeply
executing the district’s version 6.0 reform plan, which encompasses 160
measures across 4 key areas and 40 specific items, we’re cultivating an optimized business environment. Our
aim is to facilitate the seamless operations of diverse innovative entities,
enabling them to navigate their endeavors with ease, confidence, and a sense of
security. On the other hand, our
attention extends to shaping the “hard
environment.” We’re expediting the augmentation of
innovative functions throughout the urban landscape, with a keen emphasis on
forging an international innovation community encircling educational
institutions. Simultaneously, we’re
crafting public spaces that resonate with the spirit of innovation, further
advancing the establishment of the “science
and technology innovation block”
along Daxue Road.
Collaborating closely with universities, we’re dedicated to generating additional innovative life
hubs and fostering vibrant communities that synergize elements of vibrancy and
knowledge, culture and technology, style and global flair. In unison, these
efforts culminate in the provision of superior quality workspaces and living
quarters catering to an array of innovative pursuits.

To
drive forward the fresh endeavors and innovative progression for the People’s
City, the pivotal approach is to “reignite” our focus on the people. Yangpu
remains committed to enhancing the professional aptitude of its cadre,
cultivating the capacities of leaders across all levels to champion
high-quality development, cater to the populace’s needs, preempt and resolve
potential challenges. Our unwavering dedication lies in earnestly manifesting
Yangpu’s sense of responsibility, as we endeavor to contribute even more
profoundly to the vibrant unfolding of Shanghai’s new chapter on the journey
towards Chinese-style modernization.