FUTIAN aims to become a regional “international financial center,” a “science and technology innovation center,” a “cultural and education center” and a “service exchange center,” as the district seeks new impetus for growth in the new era. This was mentioned in the report delivered by Futian Party chief Lyu Yuyin at the opening ceremony of the Third Session of the Seventh Futian District CPC Congress on Jan. 11. In the report, Lyu said Futian will improve its role as a central district in 2019, and contribute to Shenzhen’s effort to become “a city model for building a modernized, powerful socialist country.” Futian will stick to high-quality development, deepen innovation-driven strategy and seize the opportunities brought by the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to the report. The district will improve its functions as a central district and prioritize the construction of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technological Innovation Cooperation Zone. Futian will build the Xiangmihu area into a new financial center by introducing more head offices of influential financial institutions and supervisory organizations. It will attract more domestic and overseas banks, securities brokerages and other licensed financial institutions to create a Greater Bay Area asset management center and wealth management center, according to the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily. Futian will also enhance its role as a gathering place for financial headquarters and promote innovative measures, such as new financial business models, so as to further galvanize its position as a financial center. Futian will also seek more balanced development. While the CBD will remain the core, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Technological Innovation Cooperation Zone, CBD and Meilin-Caitian will form the central axis that connects with the Longhua Meiguan Technology Innovation Corridor and Dongguan in the north, and links up with Hong Kong in the south. The axis is expected to become the central axis of the eastern side of the Greater Bay Area. According to the Daily, Futian will undergo institutional reform in line with the setup of the city’s governmental departments, and undertake reform measures to improve the business environment. Improved “Internet + government service” will ultimately allow companies to apply for government services online, without having to visit government departments in person. ?(Lin Min) | 