Pingdu, a county-level city in Qingdao, Shandong province, is making efforts to improve its infrastructure and public services. [Photo by Li Peiqiang / for China Daily]

Pingdu, a county-level city in Qingdao, Shandong province, is pressing ahead with reforms in industrial restructuring and improvements in infrastructure and public services, according to the local government.

The National Development and Reform Commission unveiled a list of 61 small and medium-sized cities that will pilot a range of urban reforms. Pingdu is the only city in Shandong province on the list.

This year, the city has experienced robust economic development. During a business promotional event in Beijing that featured companies from Pingdu in October, 24 deals worth 21.5 billion yuan ($3.4 billion) were inked, according to the Pingdu government.

In July, the first Qingdao-Pingdu express train began operations, taking travelers only an hour and a half to travel between both cities. The express route is the first and only route available in the Pingdu Railway Station.

According to the Pingdu government, the objective for the reforms is to develop Pingdu into a demonstration city for other small and medium-sized cities in the country.

Zhang Jie, Party secretary of the Pingdu government, said the inclusion of the city on the pilot reform list is significant.

"We need to take that as an opportunity and also a challenge, which will carry Pingdu onto a new stage with new breakthroughs."

Zhang said the city is focusing on the urgent issues of building infrastructure as well as creating a better business and living environment for investors and local residents.

In recent years, Pingdu has been increasing its competitiveness in advanced manufacturing, logistics, tourism and agriculture, all of which the city is promoting for further development.

The city government will continue to develop its economic development area and high-tech zone, as well as a logistics center and the northern part of the Qingdao High-Tech Industrial Zone.

The city government has also stepped up efforts in developing household appliance, tourism and modern agriculture in the suburban areas.

The government has invested 1.1 billion yuan in building an industrial park to promote entrepreneurship, with the first stage of construction completed. The park has attracted many professionals, including 35 doctorate degree holders. Kuman Electronic Appliance is the first local company to enter the industrial park, according to the park.

Pingdu government officials also said that in the future, it will carry out administrative reforms, especially in simplifying administrative examinations and approvals. It will also improve its public service systems.

The city is actively recruiting talent and developing startup programs.

fuchao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/04/2015 page11)