Table 2.1 Provincial Development Strengths
Strengths
Geographic
Close to Hong Kong, which Territory can supply the, as yet, undevelopped services required to operate a modern economy and where the same language (Cantonese) is spoken.
The province is far from Beijing and has a history of non-conformist politics.
Many Hong Kong people have relatives still living in the province - this makes the Province more desirable as a place for them to invest.
Links with the overseas Chinese world
The province is fertile and able to supply most of its own agricultural needs.
Possible (though as yet unproven) off-shore oil reserves.
Any Spatial Implications and Other Comments
This advantage applies in particular to the area around the Pearl River Delta
This advantage applies particularly to the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta
This advantage applies particularly to the western side of the Pear! River Delta
This advantage applies mainly to the area of the Pearl River Delta
Maoming, which is the centre for off-shore oil exploration, could be a major centre for future growth.
Infrastructural
Good
port facilities are available at Hong Kong
The waterways of the delta provide easy access to many regions
There are plans for a modern network of super-highways - construction of the first sections (on the eastern side of the delta) are nearing completion
Rail links to improve connections between Guangdong and the rest of China are under construction.
Locations close to Hong Kong are favoured.
The delta is a favoured area for development and will remain so until road and other infrastructure improves.
In the short term, development on the east bank may be favoured. More ribbon development along the main highways can be expected.
These will also be useful to Hong Kong. They will make the Territory more accessible to the northern and more remote parts of China.
Developments in areas close to these facilities will be favoured.
There are plans for a large increase in domestic port capacities
There are plans for large expansions at a number of domestic airports
Power supplies are more easily guaranteed in certain municipalities.
The low levels of silt in the rivers means that they can be used as sources of drinking and irrigation water
Flexible Workforce/Attitude of the People
The Cantonese have a long history as traders.
Developments in areas close to these facilities may be favoured.
Developments in the areas with good power supplies will be favoured.
The people in the province have a clear determination to do well and better their economic lot.
Families do not obstruct their young-folk from leaving their homes in search of more lucrative employment and indigenous agricultural workers are happy to sub-contract their responsibilities to outsiders.
Unskilled worker who gain new skills are easily replaced by new migrants. Skilled workers with the right potential can, likewise, be easily absorbed into management positions.
High labour participation rates (most females work).
Port areas are likely to be the sites of most concentrated developments.
The present upheavals of large numbers of people is likely to continue. Areas where new industries decide to locate are likely to grow rapidly. Squatter areas could become a problem.
The province may have to continue to absorb large numbers of migrant workers.
Racially homogenous workforce - 99% are Han Chinese.
A mobile population willing to work away from home and keen to improve its general standard of living.
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