Shenzhen started a three-day Communist Party congress yesterday that will set the tone for its long-term strategic development and decide the make-up of the city's new party leadership.
The meeting is being closely watched as it carries a significant impact on the future of the city as it faces the challenge of implementing the development blueprints endorsed by the State Council for the Pearl River delta. It is also being held at a critical political juncture, as it is the first formal appearance of Wang Rong as the city's new party boss.
Wang was promoted from acting mayor last month.
Traditionally, the party congress decides the make-up of the city's party leadership and sets the tone for the people's congress, which will take place early next month.
Important government posts, such as the mayor's post, will be finalised at the people's congress. But any personnel reshuffle at the party's congress normally gives a good indication of what to expect at the people's congress.
Addressing yesterday's party congress, Wang was quoted by the People's Daily website as saying the meeting was not only critical to Shenzhen's development in the next five years but also vital to its future as it would also set the tone for the city's development for the next 30 years.
Wang highlighted the challenges lying ahead of Shenzhen, where the shortages of land and resources are hindering development.
