Economic integration: what industries will leave Beijing?  

首都經濟圈一體化規劃或6月出臺 廊坊可做副中心

近日，據一位參與起草的專家向《中國經濟周刊》透露，首都經濟圈一體化發展規劃，在匯總京津冀三地規劃的基礎上，初稿基本完成，但仍處于深入研究和提升階段，待提交國務院審議。那么,北京的哪些“家業”會分給天津和河北呢?[查看全文]

(ECNS) – To achieve integrated and collaborative development of the capital economic circle, the governments of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province have finished the first draft of development planning and will submit it to the State Council for deliberation.

The draft is expected to be released in June, according to the China Economic Weekly.

What is known for sure is that Beijing will shift some of its functions to adjacent Hebei Province and Tianjin city. Beijing aims to focus on industries with the most added value, while Hebei and Tianjin would absorb industries that better complement their economies. So what will these functions be?

There has been speculation about whether Zhongguancun will be relocated. As a technology hub and innovation center, Zhongguancun is often dubbed as China's Silicon Valley. It contributes to about 20 percent of Beijing's economic growth.

State Planning Committee member Yang Kaizhong said that moving Zhongguancun from Beijing is not likely to happen. Instead, Beijing will probably collaborate with Tianjin and Hebei to build new technology parks.

Peking University professor Li Guoping said that Beijing should retain its core functions of innovation and research, while Tianjin and Hebei should focus on industrializing technology.

Also sparking heated discussion is whether some government-owned enterprises and educational institutes are to be relocated.

Yang said research universities are engines for innovation and should be stationed in Beijing, while some teaching universities and non-competitive research universities could be moved out. As for research institutes, Yang said Beijing should focus on those that are internationally competitive and cut the others that rely on government to operate.

Renmin University professor Sun Jiuwen suggested that Beijing should retain its knowledge-intensive industries such as travel, culture, science and finance, but move some wholesale and logistics businesses to Hebei and Tianjin.

It's clear that Tianjin is to shoulder some responsibility as a financial center, as the State Council has appointed it a pilot city for financial innovation.

Li said that instead of competing to be the country's financial center, Beijing and Tianjin could focus on their distinctive strengths. Beijing could play a better role in financial management, while Tianjin needs to better serve local companies financially.

Meanwhile, Langfang, in Hebei Province, has big geological advantages, as it's only 57.5 km (about 36 miles) from Beijing.

Li said Langfang could be a sub-center to share Beijing's commercial and residential functions, including education, healthcare and hosting conventions.