markets become more important, there could be more development northwards, especially along the main highways towards Wuhan and Beijing.
3.30 Ribbon development is likely to continue and, unless proper controls can be instituted soon, could become a major problem.
3.31
Agriculture will continue to be practised throughout the delta, though the areas set aside for this activity are soon likely to be several hundred metres behind the main transport routes.
3.32 Shenzhen and Zhuhai will continue to be the centres for much development. Much of the land in this area is being prepared for new industries. Chinese Government policy appears to be to expand these zones as and when necessary. The Shenzhen Special Economic Zone may one day include Dongguan Zhuhai may also one day include Doumen or Zhongshan (the inclusion of these areas has been suggested at meetings which the Consultants have. attended).
3.33 Another area targetted for rapid growth in the current Five Year Plan is, however, the Nansha Industrial Development Zone in Panyu on the western side of the proposed bridge over the Boca Tigris. With the completion of the proposed bridge this would clearly be a very attractive development area.
3.34 The Consultants' analyses of service sector data suggests that economic development is spreading throughout the delta rather than being focused only in the major cities. The Consultants are not convinced that the Special Economic Zones will continue to attract the most development. This is because they are getting relatively expensive and other counties. and municipalities are able to offer substantial incentives to investors. Better transport links will also remove some of the need for investors to locate so close to Hong Kong.
3.35 The Province and particularly the Pearl River Delta are likely to have to accommodate even more migrant workers - particularly if the shift to high-tech industries is slow. Many of these will settle permanently. Housing, schools, hospitals and other social services will have to be provided. This could be a major expense.
3.36 Further reform to the housing sector could also lead to a much more rapid reshaping of the urban environment. There is much scope for improving living conditions - particularly amongst the poorer sections of the community. It is, however, likely that much of the new development would be on the periphery of the existing urban areas on new estates. Such developments would lead to a very large increase in the demand for urban transport facilities.
Modern high-rise building in the centre of Guangzhou
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