Chongqing - From December 25 to 26, the Fourth Plenary Session of the Sixth Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Municipal Committee was held. Municipal department officials gave the interpretation at the press conference on December 27. 

Central to the session's agenda was the approval of a critical proposal emphasizing local institutional reform. This move aligns with broader efforts to reshape both the CPC's and the state's institutional frameworks.

Jiang Hui, head of the Publicity Department and Spokesperson for the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee underlined the need for innovative approaches to managing megacity governance. This includes enhancing urban governance systems and mechanisms, leveraging the municipality's streamlined management structure, and pioneering new strategies for modern megacity administration.

A major highlight was the focus on transformative reforms. This encompasses the evolution of state-owned enterprises and development zones, clarifying the separation between government and business entities, and revitalizing state-owned assets.

Market-oriented reforms to develop state-owned enterprises

Chongqing's state-owned enterprises grew 39.7% from January to November. However, they encountered challenges such as decreased operating income and limited business development, largely due to external environmental factors.

Zeng Jinghua, director of Chongqing State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, outlined plans to enhance the vitality of these enterprises. The focus is on market-oriented reforms and boosting competitiveness.

The first strategy involves revitalizing existing assets, reducing risks, and managing debts. Zeng emphasizes utilizing Chongqing's long-standing industrial base to aid the city's development.

The plan also includes streamlining the structure of state-owned enterprises to reduce inefficiencies. This means cutting down on unnecessary levels and minimizing losses, emphasizing improving internal management.

The approach is designed to enhance the efficiency and vitality of enterprises, fostering new growth areas through market-based competitive advantages and promoting dynamic, market-responsive operations.

Transforming park zones with a management system overhaul

The plenary session set a course for park development zone reform in Chongqing. Gao Jian, director of Chongqing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, highlighted key initiatives for implementation.

A major focus is the overhaul of the management system. The plan includes establishing standardized procedures for creating, expanding, adjusting, upgrading, and phasing out development zones, aiming to enhance management efficiency across these areas significantly.

Another critical aspect of the reform is accelerating the market-driven development and operation of these zones. This will involve strategic, asset, and business restructuring in tandem with state-owned enterprise reforms. The aim is to transform park development zone operators into more dynamic industrial investment and capital operating companies.

Meanwhile, maximizing land utilization efficiently is also important. Efforts will be doubled to make better use of unproductive land and work towards enhancing the yield per acre.