Summary of Key Points
In its 15th Five-Year Plan, Liaoning has placed emphasis on advancing the construction of the Shenyang-Dalian economic corridor. The goal is to address the issue of diminished leadership effectiveness caused by the past independent actions of Shenyang and Dalian, which have led to insufficient coordination between the two cities. By promoting industrial collaboration, scientific and technological innovation, resource aggregation, and opening up to the outside world, Liaoning aims not only to alleviate its own economic pressures and demographic challenges but also to serve as a driving force for the comprehensive revitalization of the Northeast region.
Detailed Explanation
1. Why is there an urgent need to develop the Shenyang-Dalian economic corridor now? — The consequences of the two cities operating independently
In the past, Liaoning relied on the dual cores of Shenyang and Dalian for development, but these cities operated largely in silos, with more competition than cooperation, resulting in a decline in their ability to lead regional growth. Data shows that by 2025, the GDP contribution of Shenyang and Dalian to the province is expected to be lower than it was in 2015, indicating a weakening impact on the provincial economy. Additionally, Liaoning faces demographic concerns: its birth rate is among the lowest in the country, with a majority of the population being older and having lower educational levels; the population growth in Shenyang and Dalian also lags behind that of cities in the south such as Shenzhen and Hangzhou. It is now essential to integrate these two cities to jointly drive Liaoning's revitalization.
2. The long-standing challenges facing the industries in Shenyang and Dalian: Monotony and homogenization — Can the corridor help break this pattern?
Dalian's economy is heavily reliant on the petrochemical industry, which accounts for 40% of its industrial output. However, this sector is characterized by a focus on oil extraction and processing with limited downstream development in refined chemicals, and it also faces challenges related to carbon emissions targets. Shenyang, on the other hand, relies on the automotive manufacturing industry, which accounts for nearly half of its industrial output, but this sector has been under pressure recently, experiencing negative growth for a year. Moreover, the industries in both cities overlap, with both engaging in software outsourcing in the electronics sector without coordination, leading to resource wastage. The corridor aims to promote differentiated development by encouraging each city to focus on different areas—Shenyang on the research and development of industrial machinery, and Dalian on its application. This will help avoid competition and create a synergistic effect.
3. How can the corridor achieve more than the sum of its parts in terms of industry and innovation? — Differentiation, collaboration, and marketization are key
Specific measures include:
- Collaboration in scientific and technological innovation: The Hunnan Science and Technology City in Shenyang and Yinggeshi Science City in Dalian will gather innovative resources to jointly develop industrial machinery and new energy technologies.
- Digital empowerment: Promoting the integration of data with manufacturing to enhance productivity using digital technologies.
- Platform support: Establishing institutions such as the Liaoning Materials Laboratory and the Taihang Laboratory Research Center to deepen cooperation in areas like aeroengine development.
- Market-oriented approaches: Experts recommend relaxing market regulations to encourage private enterprises, breaking free from the constraints of a planned economy and unleashing industrial vitality.
4. Is the Shenyang-Dalian corridor just about Liaoning? Can it drive the revitalization of the entire Northeast region?
Absolutely! As the leading economic force in the Northeast, the integration of Shenyang and Dalian can connect the regional economic zones, including the Harbin-Dalian economic belt:
- Industrial radiation: Facilitating collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions throughout the region to promote industrial development.
- Land and sea transportation: Enhancing port infrastructure through cooperation between Shenyang and Dalian ports (as well as Yingkou Port) to facilitate trade with Europe, ASEAN, and Japan/Korea. The future expansion of high-speed railways and the establishment of direct routes between Beijing and Harbin will further boost openness.
- Port integration: Dalian Port will serve as a hub, while ports like Yingkou will act as feeder ports, potentially leading to the development of a free trade zone with Japan and Korea, positioning Liaoning as a central maritime city in Northeast Asia and opening up new opportunities for regional economic growth.
The Shenyang-Dalian corridor is not only a strategy for Liaoning's revitalization but also a critical component for the comprehensive rejuvenation of the entire Northeast region.