Imagine stumbling upon a faded blue binder with 300 yellowed pages that reveals Xiamen’s secret to transformation! In a quiet corner of an exhibition hall in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, this binder carries the blueprint of the city's ambitious 15-year development plan from the mid-80s—all thanks to a visionary leader, Xi Jinping. 🚀
Back in the summer of 1985, a young Xi, then vice mayor, faced a unique challenge as Xiamen grappled with uncertainties. With the central government expanding the Xiamen Special Economic Zone from just 2.5 square kilometers to an impressive 131, the stage was set for a bold journey. While many speculated about shortcuts akin to Singapore or Hong Kong, Xi pushed for a long-term, comprehensive approach, reminding everyone that quick fixes just don’t cut it.
During a 2024 inspection, Xi himself revisited this corner of history, tracing the binder's yellowed pages with pride as he recalled, "We planted seeds here." His dedication led to the formation of a 15-year city plan, drawing insights from over 100 experts and involving the public through a lively essay campaign, “Xiamen in the Year 2000.” This collaborative spirit helped draft 21 thematic reports covering industry, trade, port logistics, tourism, and education, shaping Xiamen’s future as a strategic economic hub along China’s southeastern coastline. 🌟
Today, Xiamen stands as a testament to the power of visionary planning, long-term thinking, and community engagement. For young tech-savvy and socially conscious professionals, this story is a reminder that bold ideas backed by determined action can transform uncertainties into thriving opportunities—even in our fast-paced world!
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Under Xi Jinping, China's first 15-year city plan resonates far
cgtn.com
