The City of Guangzhou represents a fast-growing, entrepreneurial
business center in Southern China, home to 6.85 million people. Situated
in Guangdong Province, which is generally viewed as an important widow
to foreign investment in China, Guangzhou has enjoyed considerable
growth during the last twenty years in a more open economic system.
However, infrastructure needs, including transportation, have failed
to keep pace, threatening the ability of this city to grow at a pace
to attract and accommodate new businesses. 
Through a RMB 12.3 billion project financed jointly by CDB, the
World Band and other state-owned banks, these infrastructure problems
are being addressed. A new series of radiating road projects around
the city, covering over 72 kilometers in total length, will allow
for easier movement in and around the city and will provide an economic
plan for future urban growth in the area. The project will also
reduce congestion and eliminate over half of the waste gases from
automobiles that affect urban environments and the quality of life
for the people of Guangzhou.
Three of the seven roads are already completed, while the remaining
roads will be completed by 2003.
|
