Table 2.2 Provincial Development Weaknesses
Strengths
Geographic/Lack of Natural Resources
The province lacks mineral resources or the means to generate large quantities of electricity from hydro-electric sources.
An urban hierarchy that is a mixture of urban and village land uses.
Reforms in the urban housing sector will increase commuter journeys and add to transport congestion.
Any Spatial Implications and Other Comments
The Province must rely on Northern China for coal for its power stations (coal powered stations are often, therefore, located on the coast) - or develop hydroelectric resources outside its own territory or import fuel oil or develop nuclear facilities.
Redevelopment will be difficult.
Ineffective Master Planning/Infrastructural Deficiencies
The province appears unable to expand its transport infrastructure in line with economic developments.
Lack of coordination in infrastructure plans.
Planning is often re-active and not sufficiently pro-active.
Plans are often over ambitious.
Areas close to the Province's border with Hong Kong are preferred for development.
Some facilities (for example, ports) are being duplicated - others (for example, water and sewerage) are not receiving proper
attention.
Local plans often emphasise developments that are really more regional needs and might be better coordinated at the regional level.
The province has few deep water ports of its own - it must rely on Hong Kong's facilities
The province lacks a proper transport development policy
Most international air transport links are feeder services from Hong Kong.
Power supplies are erratic - many power plants are small and inefficient
The electricity supply industry is fragmented with many small inefficient suppliers
There are a proliferation of plans for new airports, ports and power stations. Most municipalities also plan to have major strategic highways pass through their centres.
Areas close to the province's border with Hong Kong are preferred for development.
Municipalities which have made their own arrangements to boost provincial power supplies are preferred.
Water supplies are often of poor quality - some of the faster growing areas are experiencing severe water shortages - it is unclear, except Shenzhen, how these problems will be solved.
Municiplities with the best supplies are preferred.
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The engineering standard of much of the new infrastructure is low.
Most plans are over ambitious.
Much new infrastructure may need to be replaced sooner than originally expected.
There is a danger that many plans will not be completed.
Corruption
The provincial authorities appear unable and/or unwilling to control corruption.
One of the reported worst aspects of corruption in Guangdong is its unpredictability.
This is a major problem which will deter some foreign investors (particularly US) and if allowed to get worse may start adding significantly to costs.
This may encourage businesses to locate in other parts of China.
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