Previewing a Glimpse of Guangzhou Future Meeting with New Mayor Wen Guohui ELECTED in early year of 2016, Mayor Wen Guohui has vision of where he would like to lead Guangzhou to. In her short visit to Guangzhou, Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC had an opportunity not only to meet but also explore further about the Mayor’s long-term plan to the city, its governance as well as management. When asked about his goals for Guangzhou as the new mayor? Mayor Wen elaborated a three-point aspiration for a city like Guangzhou, which has an annual GDP of RMB 1.8 trillion Yuan (approximately USD 2,828 billion) growing at 8.4% and a population as large as 16 million. First, he aims at better economic quality and structure. Second, Mayor Wen aspired to enhance wellbeing and sense of happiness of citizens and satisfaction with government. Third, he seeks to make Guangzhou more influential and competitive internationally. What approaches are needed to achieve these goals? Mayor Wen listed four major approaches –innovation, green growth, city of sharing, and openness. Innovation, such as mechanism innovation for the city and innovation capability for businesses, is critical if Guangzhou aims at a new economic system and growth model. Green growth is another key approach for the above-mentioned goals. In addition to cleaner and more beautiful environment, Guangzhou will also advocate green products and green enterprises. The city government will set year-specific targets to build Guangzhou into a city of sharing for residents to ensure greater improvement in income, social security, healthcare and education. Last but not least, which is also an important reason why Guangzhou joined UCLG, Guangzhou will continue to pursue greater openness. It will have more communication and cooperation with international organizations, cities and communities around the world, and learn from their experiences on city governance and management. Mayor Wen has expressed his intention to continue the active role of Guangzhou at UCLG and its Presidency. Dr. Tjandradewi was also invited as the keynote speaker for the Urban Innovation Forum at Guangzhou Library. She shared to the audience largely composed of students, senior citizens and the media, the experience of how UCLG ASPAC has driven urban innovation and development. The talk was well received and citizens attending the forum showed great interest.
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