Part II Tasks for 2020
I will now turn to major tasks for the year 2020.
By the end of this year, we are expected to achieve the first Centenary Goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and complete the 13th Five-year Plan (2016-2020), which will lay a solid foundation for attaining the second Centenary Goal and development in the 14th Five-year Plan (2021-2025) period. Therefore, this year marks both a grand finale and a critical overture.
To do a good job in this important period of strategic opportunity for development, we must bear in mind our mission of rejuvenating the Chinese nation, cope with the profound global changes unseen in a century, and make full use of opportunities. Our city's development must be subject to and serve the functional needs of the capital. We must perform our functions as the nation's capital and achieve high-quality growth.
We must secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and stay true to the vision of people-centered development, win the tough battles of minimizing major risks, targeted poverty alleviation and pollution control. All-out efforts should be made to maintain and improve people's wellbeing and make them feel happier, more secure and better-served.
We must uphold and improve the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance the national strategy of modernizing our governance system and improving our governance capacity. We should fully implement the decisions made by the 19th CPC Central Committee at its fourth plenary session and improve institutions in all areas. Improvements should also be made in the governance system and governance capacity of Beijing.
We must bear in mind the near-term goals set for 2020 in the Master Plan of Beijing (2016-2035), fulfill the tasks, as scheduled, to the highest standards and make solid progress in building a world-class metropolis that is harmonious and livable.
To accomplish this year's work, we must:
Follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era;
Implement visions expressed at the 19th CPC National Congress, the second, third and fourth plenary sessions of its 19th Central Committee and the Central Economic Work Conference, and instructions of General-Secretary Xi Jinping in his important speeches on Beijing;
Keep in mind the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and align with the central authorities, strengthen our confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position in the Central Committee and in the Party as a whole;
Stay committed to building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, to making progress while ensuring stability and to the new development philosophy;
Focus on the supply-side structural reform and promote economic growth through reform and opening-up;
Strengthen the capital's function as "four centers", improve our ability to deliver "four services", focus on the "three key tasks", and win the "three tough battles";
Promote high-quality growth, improve people's life and safeguard the security and stability of the capital;
Exercise full and strict Party self-governance at deeper levels; and
Work with greater diligence to promote new development of the capital.
With the above in mind, the main outcomes for economic and social development this year are set as follows:
GRP grows at around 6%;
The general public budget revenue is on a par with last year;
CPI rises within 3.5%;
Surveyed urban unemployment rate stays below 5%;
Personal income growth is basically in step with economic growth; and
Energy consumption and CO2 emissions per unit of GRP are 17% and 20.5% respectively lower than that of 2015, and water consumption per unit of GRP drops by around 3%, thus further improving the eco-environment.
To meet these targets, we will focus on the following.
1. Implement the Master Plan of Beijing (2016-2035) with high quality and fulfill the near-term tasks
We will keep to the highest standards in developing and implementing the Plan. We will adhere to the system by which Beijing is held accountable to the CPC Central Committee for the capital's development plan, and we will uphold the solemnity and authority of the development plan. We will implement the Development Control Plan for the Core Zone Serving Capital Functions.
We will push for the revision of the Regulations on Protecting Historical and Cultural Sites in Beijing, improve the demarcation of historical and cultural neighborhoods, and formulate regulations on management of historical buildings. We will preserve the entire old city by restoring historical and cultural sites and alleys. We will advance application for UNESCO recognition of the "Central Axis" as a World Cultural Heritage Site, launch the renovation of the Arrow Tower at Zhengyang Gate, and improve pedestrian walkways at the southern part of the "Central Axis".
Steps will be taken to preserve the "three cultural belts", and advance the third phase restoration of the Great Wall at Jiankou Section and the heritage site park construction at the ancient government seat of Luxian County. We will act on the plan to strengthen the role of Beijing as the center for international exchanges by advancing major construction projects such as Beijing Yanqi Lake International Conference Resort, the fourth embassy district, and phases II & III of China International Exhibition Center (new venue), and providing quality services to major events.
We will implement zoning plans, formulate detailed control plans down to the level of blocks, launch spatial planning at the township level and establish a spatial control system covering all areas. We will carry out the 7th national population census in Beijing. The red line on construction land use must be maintained and land used for rural and urban construction will be reduced to 2,860 square kilometers. The spatial structure of land use will be adjusted to create more ecological space and limit development intensity in plain areas to within 45%. We will continue to improve the quality of growth in Beijing and raise labor productivity to over 265,000 yuan.
We will rectify problems in the planning and natural resources sector with sustained efforts. Discipline and supervision over this sector will be tightened and a pragmatic planning management mechanism will be set up, covering both urban and rural areas. We will produce a list of government powers and responsibilities in planning at the municipal and district levels so that each will have well-defined mandates, procedures and standards. Mechanisms will be improved for methodical planning and public participation and oversight.
We will establish a system of putting village land use under the scrutiny of district government, supported by a three-tier accountability system at the district, township and village levels to improve control over land use. We will strengthen oversight of contracts and continue to make an inventory of economic activities carried out by rural collectives. We will take solid steps to advance operations against illegal occupation of land and illegal constructions in shallow-mountain areas and villas built without a license. Measures will also be taken to ensure long-term compliance and prevent relapses.
2. Relieve Beijing of functions nonessential for the capital and work for the medium-term goals for Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development
We will fully complete the current phase of special operations to upgrade the city through function transfer and remediation. We will improve the mechanism of "well-planned management plus immediate clearance", and consolidate achievements in the shutdown of small, unlicensed and polluting companies, cleanup of shopfronts illegally modified from residential buildings, and rectification of illegal group lease. We will continue to close enterprises in general manufacturing, and relocate and upgrade regional specialized marketplaces and logistics centers. In the core zone, the spatial distribution of bus terminals and municipal tourist service centers will be optimized, and schools and hospitals will relocate some of their functions and upgrade what remain.
Over 4,000 hectares of land will be vacated by demolishing illegal constructions. A three-year action plan will be formulated on precision environmental governance for backstreets and alleys, with its coverage extending from the core zone to the central area, sub-center and other built-up areas, to create 200 model backstreets and alleys. We will green 1,600 hectares of reclaimed land, and create 13 urban forests and 50 "pocket parks" and mini greens.
We will encourage the opening of specialty shops and add 1,000 convenience stores. Tasks in the three-year action plan for the Hui-Tian area will be completed, including expanding Jishuitan Hospital Huilongguan Branch, completing phase II construction of the Tsinghua University Changgeng Hospital, and joining the breaking ends of the Lincui Road to make life more convenient and comfortable for the residents.
We will promote high-quality development of the sub-center. We will further implement the Development Control Plan for the sub-center and introduce guidelines on its high-quality development. Construction will speed up for phase II of the administrative office area and for the Integrated Transportation Hub at Beijing Sub-center Station. The eastward extension of Guangqu Road and the Grand Canal at Tongzhou Section will be open to traffic or cruise navigation. Greening of the urban green center will be completed.
We will give priority consideration to the sub-center in selecting locations for pilot programs, key projects, high-performance companies and technology application scenarios. We will facilitate the growth of Zhangjiawan Design Town, Taihu Showbiz Town and Songzhuang Artistic Creation Town and complete phase one construction of the Universal Studios Beijing.
We will fulfill the tasks for 2020 under the Three-year Action Plan on Facilities Improvement, Ecological Rehabilitation and Functional Renewal of the Old Town in the Sub-center, and advance construction for Beijing First Experiment School, Beijing Anzhen Hospital Tongzhou Branch, and the new campus of Beijing Health Vocational College. The coordinated development of the sub-center and the three northern counties of Langfang, Hebei Province will be reinforced and joint actions will be taken in eco-environment improvement in their border areas.
We will complete major tasks of coordinated development. We will start building the northward extension of Daxing Airport Express, speed up construction of the City Airport Terminal in Lize Financial Business District and improve transportation facilities in the peripherals of the airport. We will offer support to the development of Xiong'an New Area, ensure progress in the turn-key projects of "three schools and one hospital", and advance the establishment of Zhongguancun Science Park in Xiong'an. The construction of Beijing-Tangshan Intercity Railway and the Pinggu rail transit line will be advanced. The Beijing-Shenyang Passenger Railway will open to service. We will accelerate to improve the water quality and environment of the Yongding River and the Grand Canal at Tongzhou Section. We will support the development of joint industrial parks and pilot technology applications developed in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Big Data Comprehensive Experimental Zone to promote the sharing of innovation resources and transfer and commercialization of research results.
We will make good preparations for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Construction of all competition venues will be completed. Construction of Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Village and other non-competition venues will accelerate, and supporting infrastructure such as transportation, meteorological, security and accessible facilities will be in place. Foreign language signs in public places will be standardized. Teams for venue operations and local support will be assembled. Detailed games organization and service plans will be formulated, and the Alpine Ski World Cup 2020 in Yanqing and other two test events will be held in Beijing.
We will hold the World Broadcasters Meeting and the World Press Briefing for Beijing 2022. Key projects for high-tech Olympics will be launched to facilitate the development of underlying technologies and the construction of their application scenarios, thus showcasing the use of new technologies in the lead-up to Beijing 2022. We will open the Beijing International Olympic Academy, support Olympic education and winter sports model schools, engage more people in ice and snow sports and communicate with the general public on Winter Olympics to increase the appeal of Beijing 2022.
3. Continue to implement the innovation-driven development strategy and make Beijing an innovation center with global influence
We will serve key national scientific and technological projects. We will enhance top-level design and take a holistic approach, and speed up the building of national laboratories. We will seize opportunities presented by the National Technological Innovation 2030 Megaprojects and the National Key Research Programs, apply for construction of major research infrastructure under the 14th Five-Year Plan. Forward-looking plans will be drawn for basic research, applied basic research and global frontier technology research in such areas as quantum, optoelectronics, and healthcare. The scientific research fund and the disruptive technology innovation fund will be set up.
We will work for breakthroughs on core technologies in key areas, support strategic collaboration and partnerships among new-type research institutes, universities, research institutes and leading technology companies for faster breakthroughs in underlying and general technologies such as 5G, semi-conductors, alternative energy, Internet of Vehicles and blockchain. The regulations on promoting commercialization of research results will be implemented, which will be a step forward in ensuring researchers get ownership over or long-term right to use their own findings as enshrined in law. We will set up Beijing Academy of Applied Mathematics and other new-type research institutes.????
We will use the "three science cities and one hi-tech area" to support and lead innovation. Their management systems will be innovated to promote their functions both for research and as cities. The power of approval will be granted or delegated to park authorities place by place and step by step. Their development will be better coordinated.
Zhongguancun Science City should strengthen its capacity as an innovation driver. It should prioritize basic research, improve the ways research is organized in universities and research institutes, and improve the quality and efficiency of incubators. It should further integrate innovation resources, strengthen the leadership of leading companies, and develop proprietary technologies and foster tech-leaders with global influence.
Huairou Science City should focus on the development of the Comprehensive National Science Center and innovate in the operational systems of research infrastructure. Construction of research and educational infrastructure and the second group of inter-disciplinary research platforms will accelerate. Innovation chains will be created around "big science" devices and inter-disciplinary research platforms, and better service facilities and supporting functions will be developed to strengthen the weak links in innovation.
Beijing Future Science Park should agglomerate innovation resources and promote their interaction. Stronger partnership with central SOEs should be developed to create an eco-system for innovation encompassing leading companies, small and medium-sized innovators, public service platforms and universities. Its east section will host energy industries and strive to become the world's leading "energy valley". In its west section, collaboration should be promoted between businesses and universities in the Shahe University Town, and Zhongguancun Life Science Park should be built into a top "life valley" in the world.
Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area will be more open. It will promote early applications of research results from the "three science cities", remove institutional barriers to services and investments, and build a professional service team with a global vision. Industrial chains will be subdivided under each of the four dominant industries, and roadmaps for core technologies in key areas should be made. International industrial cooperation will be deepened.
Zhongguancun National Demonstration Zone will improve its spatial structure through intensive land use, increase the level of industrial concentration and improve services. The development paths and supportive measures will be improved for the dominant as well as fledgling industries in the sub-parks in Shunyi, Fangshan and Tongzhou, so that each sub-park will be able to provide specialized and market-based services to its industries.
We will develop high-end, precision and sophisticated industries with stronger efforts. Beijing will adopt an implementation plan for a modern economic system. Taking advantage of the opportunities presented by adjustments of global industrial chains, we will implement the plan of upgrading the manufacturing industry with digital, smart and green technologies. Priority will be given to the integrated circuit industry, where an innovation eco-system will be created to cover the industrial chain ranging from design to the manufacturing of equipment, and general and specialized chips. We will implement the action plan for developing the 5G industry, and strive for steady progress in the building of 5G telecommunications network.
We will focus on the Industrial Internet and the Internet of Vehicles to expand the application scenarios in vertical industries, and build demonstration roads for 5G-based long-distance auto driving tests. We will build an AI-based open-source innovation platform and introduce application scenarios such as AI+healthcare and AI+government services. Solid steps will be taken in building the National Cybersecurity Industrial Park. Faster progress will be made in pushing for the construction of a demonstration zone for innovative industry clusters in Beijing.
The pharmaceutical and healthcare industry will receive greater support. We will increase research-oriented wards, pilot on the "Marketing Authorization Holder" system for medical devices, and set up production outsourcing platforms and facilitate the launch of new devices. We will support the fuel cell auto industry and launch key construction projects including the BAIC BluePark high-end, smart and ecological plant and BOE life science industrial center. We will adjust the distribution of state-owned assets, accelerate the market-oriented reform of the high-tech innovative enterprises and promote the transformation and upgrading of municipal SOEs.
We will ensure that capital, land and human resources supports are well in place. We will pool together government funding, and provide better services for high-end, precision and sophisticated industries. We will strengthen lifecycle management for industrial land use, encourage construction and use of standard manufacturing plants, and lower the cost of industrial land. A number of pilot testing centers will be built in manufacturing clusters. High-caliber personnel will enjoy better access to residence permits, children's education, health care and housing. Further reform will be carried out in Zhongguancun to attract foreign nationals with specialized skills.
We will embrace openness and innovation and promote international cooperation with a global vision. Quicker steps will be taken to implement the Beijing Action Plan for Belt and Road Technology and Innovation Cooperation, which supports universities, research institutes and businesses in opening offshore technology incubators and setting up multilateral or bilateral technology cooperation platforms in partnership with overseas institutes in places with a large number of international talents and countries and regions along the Belt and Road. We will continue to play host to the Beijing International Academic Exchange Season, join international big science projects and encourage international science and technology organizations, alliances or their branches to establish presence in Beijing. We will open key research infrastructure to the world, and support transnational corporations in opening R&D centers in Beijing. We will ensure the continued success of the Zhongguancun Forum and make it a platform both for global high-tech innovation exchange and cooperation and for the release, demonstration and trading of research findings and technology.
4. Take further steps in reform and opening-up to create a world-class business environment
We will open up with higher standards in all areas. Guided by the high-standard opening-up policy, we will take the double advantages of the comprehensive pilot program for further opening of the service sector and the pilot free trade zones to develop such key sectors as high-end professional services and digital trade, and attempt a new model of opening-up that integrates industrial, regional and institutional liberalization to raise the level of the service sector and the competitiveness of trade in services.
We will strengthen the building of the national financial regulation center. We will improve our ability to serve the financial regulation authorities and financial institutions, construct and operate more key national financial infrastructure projects, and increase the influence of the Financial Street Forum. We will further open up the financial sector, attract more international financial institutions to move to Beijing, and make Beijing the testing ground for a number of breakthroughs in financial openness. We will further develop the national-level Fintech Innovation and Professional Services Demonstration Zone, push for progress in the application of a pilot regulatory sandbox, and build the city into a financial technology center with global influence.
We will improve the capacity of the financial sector to serve private micro and small businesses, improve the functions of the refinancing center, and build and operate a financial service center for initial borrowers. We will promote supply chain financing, alleviate the difficulties of innovation businesses in equity and debt financing, and carry out the pilot programs of intellectual property insurance. All-round financial services will be reinforced for key companies in high-end, precision and sophisticated industries. We will push for the implementation of reform measures for the New Third Board OTC market, facilitate IPOs in STAR and other domestic and overseas markets, and increase the proportion of direct financing.
We will push for high-quality construction of the airport economic zone, the pilot free trade zone and the comprehensive bonded zone of the Beijing Daxing International Airport, and study legislating on the pilot free trade zone. We will try to complete phase one construction of the comprehensive bonded zone and pass the acceptance check by the end of this year. We will apply for building a comprehensive bonded zone in Yizhuang, upgrade the airport economic zone of Beijing Capital International Airport, promote the transformation and development of the bonded zone in Tianzhu and apply for a national innovation demonstration zone for import promotion.
We will implement the Foreign Investment Law and its implementing rules, enhance one-on-one service for key foreign-invested enterprises, and help more transnational corporations set up regional headquarters, investment companies or R&D centers in Beijing. We will speed up the establishment of the China-Germany Industrial Park and China-Japan Industrial Park. We will complete all the tasks set in our three-year action plan for the Belt and Road initiative and better present Beijing abroad. Our cooperation mechanisms with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan will be improved, and two-way investments and trade in goods and services will be enhanced. We will improve policies and facilities for international education and health care, build communities for expatriates with professional skills and continue to create an environment that resembles their home countries. We will deliver a successful CIFTIS and improve its global standing, specialization and level of market-based operation.
We will continue to improve the business environment through reform. Reform measures 3.0 for improving the business environment will be implemented in accordance with international rules and best practices. We will complete all tasks of the three-year action plan for improving the business environment and push for adoption of municipal regulations for this. A new type of regulatory mechanism based on social credit will be established. We will carry out reform so that approval can be obtained for a construction project upon the applicant's commitment to complying with published standards. A streamlined approval process called "one-seal approval" will be piloted in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. We will implement, without compromise, the national policies for cutting taxes and administrative fees. We will further improve the market environment by making it more open, transparent, stable and predictable, and further stimulate the development and creativity of private businesses. Service packages will be regularly upgraded to meet the needs of businesses, and their complaints filed through the "12345" hotline will be promptly responded to. We will strengthen supervision and evaluation to see that government commitments are followed through.
A number of "In One Go" service packages will be introduced to remove the sticking points individuals and companies face in accessing government services or starting a business. Service procedures will be standardized at all levels of government. We will eliminate "zombie hotlines" of government agencies at all levels, minimize certifications required by social organizations, and push for a review of certifications required by banks. We will further cut application materials, times of personal visits and time periods required by the procedures.
We will consolidate multiple service cards into a single card. We will consider keeping the primary-level government service centers open on weekends. A smart government service center will open in the sub-center. We will set up a mechanism for sharing government information and resources and for collaborative work based on the blockchain technology. We will introduce such AI-assisted application scenarios where approval can be granted instantly and filing of application becomes automated, so that more items can be handled completely online and 1,000 items can be processed through mobile apps.
We will enhance the supply-side structural reform in consumption. We will start the upgrading of commercial areas including the CBD, further transform traditional department stores with individualized plans, support big brands in launching their first branch and new products in Beijing, and preserve time-honored brands, with a view to creating iconic and world-famous commercial areas. We'll build a consumption ecosystem that promotes integrated development of commerce, culture, sports, entertainment, education, tourism, exhibition and other industries.
"24-hour Beijing" --a night-time cultural and tourism initiative will be launched to increase the appeal and coverage of the night-time economy. We will pilot medical products imports via Cross Border E-Commerce (CBEC), explore the sale of duty-free goods in bonded zones, and improve policy support for new business forms and models. We will offer more theme tours for transit passengers and overnight visitors, facilitate departure tax refund, and attract more inbound tourists.
We are committed to accommodative and prudential regulation. We will streamline the record-filing and application process for business activities and support such new business forms as outdoor stands and pop-up stores that meet safety requirements. We will conduct pilot programs on "last mile" delivery innovation, and help the logistics industry lower costs and increase efficiency.
We will increase effective investments. Guided by people's needs, we will invest in such areas as transportation, new types of infrastructure, and basic public services. We will renew the city and upgrade residential housing, renovate old communities, and construct municipal pipe networks and parking lots, among other facilities. We will make good use of special-purpose local government bonds to fund key projects. We will ensure the supply of land for commercial use, strengthen reserves of and resource allocation for major projects, and promote faster project launch. The long-term mechanism for recommending projects suitable for non-government investments will be improved and hidden barriers for non-government investments will be removed to unleash the potential of private capital.