Report on AUICK Associate Cities
Weihai, China

Reported by two officials from Weihai Municipal Government, China: Mr. Liu Qing Sheng (left), Vice Director, Family Planning Commission; and Mr. Sun Cheng-Gong (right), Chief, Foreign Affairs Office.

Background

Weihai is located at the eastern tip of the Shandong Province. For 17 years, Weihai's GDP has grown at an annual rate of 18%, and it is regarded as one of China's strongest cities in terms of comprehensive economic strength and investment environment.

Administration and Revenue

The city is administered by the Weihai Municipal Government, headed by a Mayor. Last year the city's GDP reached US $10,094,180,150, ranking first in Shandong Province.

Main Challenges Facing the City

Infrastructure:
Before adopting a policy of openness and reform, Weihai's infrastructure was weak. The city lacked a port, railway station, power plant and airport. Recently the city has been intensively developing infrastructure with projects for large scale transportation facilities, such as an airport, railway and highway; urban public facilities for supply of gas, water and heating; and post and telecommunications facilities. In Weihai, infrastructure needs further development; at present 71.5% of sewerage is treated, central heating is available to 50% of residents and gas supply is at 98.4%. Since 2003, the city has injected foreign capital into the construction of underground public pipe networks for the urban supply of natural gas and water.

Environment:
Weihai has focused on becoming a model city for a clean and green environment and will continue to develop this strategy. Weihai strictly abides by rules and standards for environmental protection. In recent years the city has rejected over 400 development projects that would cause pollution or use large amounts of energy or water: we would rather develop at a slower rate than encourage industries that would be further sources of pollution. The city is working on maintaining air quality by carrying out projects for a "blue sky, clean sea and quiet city". The city also has an environmental protection website and Mayor's hotline to strengthen public monitoring. At present the quality of air is above the second grade of the National standard. 80% of the urban area has now achieved the noise minimum standard, and the water recycling rate is at 80% of the national standard, and all enterprises use standard sewage discharge. The Weihai Municipal Government is focused on making an eco-greenery system covering the whole city. The total area of public green land is now 1,160 hectares and the greenery coverage of the whole city is 40%.

Role and Relationship with AUICK

Weihai is a new member of the AAC network. Weihai will benefit enormously from this conference and from future AUICK activities. Weihai will now carefully study the documents of AUICK and UNFPA on urban development. Through close cooperation with AUICK, and by sharing our ideas and experiences frequently with AACs, we hope to beautify our city, while improving the suitability of the living environment, so that we can reach the UN MDGs ahead of time.

Other Information

In 2004 Weihai won the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. The Weihai Municipal Government will hold the First International Habitat Festival from 1 to 5 September, 2004 and we would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend the festival and inspect Weihai City.