Several Proposals on Accelerating the Development of Northern Anhui Province was unveiled by the Party Committee and provincial government on May 24. Ten more measures were formulated on the basis of existing supporting policies, in a bid to propel northern region to improve the developing environment and enhance capability for self-development.

More favorable policies were issued in much-focused areas, including three prefecture cities and seven counties: the cities of Bozhou, Suzhou and Fuyang and counties of Wuhe, Guzhen, Huaiyuan, Fengyang, Shouxian, Huoqiu and Suixi.

Key projects will be supported

In order to bring the advantage of rich resource into full play, the provincial government will put priority on constructing coal electricity projects in the region. Other key projects, such as agricultural product processing, labor-orientated industries, advantageous tourism projects and coal chemical processing will also be established.

Special fund supporting

The provincial government will grant special funding to cities and counties in northern Anhui province, raising the subsidy from RMB 10 million to RMB 20 million every year for three consecutive years, from 2010 to 2012, which will be spent on building infrastructure in industrial parks and interest subsidies for loans on large-scale projects. In the meantime, a one-time reward for birth planning will be increased from current RMB 3,000 to RMB 4,000, 75 percent of which will be funded by provincial financing.

Financial institutions to be increased in rural areas

To solve the limitations on productive factors, the proposal attaches great importance to a supporting role from financial support and land planning. The proposal requires that systematic financial planning should be compiled, as to ensure high credit increasing level year-on-year, gradually improving the loan-deposit ratio in the region. A new type of financial institutions in rural areas will be vigorously fostered, and the target of increasing newly-established financial institutions every year from 2012 on should be guaranteed.

Consolidating farmland

Projects to consolidate land for farming along Huai River will be carried out with an investment of no less than RMB 3.5 billion in three years. The exchange platform for a land-using index will be set up. Other cities and counties will be encouraged to invest in the land consolidation project at an early stage.

Manpower and private-owned economy strengthened

The proposal also considers manpower a vital factor in northern Anhui's development. Measures to invigorate impetus inside the region were worked out to motivate citizens to start business, improve their education level, cadre team building and talent introduction, etc. The private-owned economic sector should be strengthened. Conditions on company register will be eased, allowing firms to apply their business scope by broad categories.

Encouraging new businesses

Every year, a total of RMB 10 million will be designated from special supporting funds for the region, which will be utilized as small loan subsidy for young people to start new businesses. Migrant workers are encouraged to return home and start businesses. Preferential policies are adopted for the allocation of incubator park construction in northern Anhui, with supporting funds of RMB 1.5 million for each park.

Technological experts from colleges and universities and research institutions should be encouraged to bring their technological and scientific achievements to the region to start a business. Experienced teachers will be sent to help improve the level of education in the region.

Other Preferential policy support

The standing organization on accelerating the development of northern Anhui must be set up. Pairing support should be carried forward, attracting other regions and enterprises to jointly construct the industrial parks. The firms inside the cooperative parks are entitled to preferential policies applied to the Industrial Transfer Demonstration Zone along Yangtze River. Hi-tech and innovative enterprises at the provincial level or above can enjoy related policies in the Independent Innovative Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Hefei, Wuhu and Bengbu.

Editor: Yan Fei

Source: www.anhuinew.com