Proposed Eco-City likely to be located in northern China
By May Wong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 11 July 2007 2345 hrs

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SINGAPORE : China's Vice-Minister for Construction, Qiu Baoxing, revealed on Wednesday that the proposed Eco-City will likely be located in the northern region of China.

He was speaking to reporters after an hour-long briefing on Singapore's city and town planning given by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

The view from the 32nd floor of the HDB Hub was one to behold, mesmerising the Chinese Vice-Minister who was there to learn about Singapore's urban plans.

Mr Qiu and his delegation wasted no time in whipping out their own cameras to capture the landscape.

He later said the success of the Suzhou Industrial Park stems from Singapore's achievements in city planning, which can be replicated in the proposed Eco-City.

Mr Qiu said: "The success and experience of Singapore's urban planning over these decades will be reflected in this Eco-City initiative. And it's a showcase of Singapore and China's efforts in building a city that will be prepared to face the environmental challenges of the future.

"This will be a beneficial place for all to live in, filled with vibrancy. We believe many countries around the world will learn from this collaboration between Singapore and China."

Mr Qiu said Singapore and China are serious about the Eco-City project and will set up a joint committee involving scientists and planners.

China has also identified four locations for the project based on some principles.

He said: "In November this year, when China's Premier Wen Jiabao visits Singapore, we may sign a framework agreement. We have already identified four locations, based on three principles.

"They are firstly, not using farmers' land. Secondly, we want to make full use of Singapore's world-leading water technology capabilities to tackle the issue of water shortage. Thirdly, the location of this new Eco-City is definitely different from the Suzhou-Singapore Industrial Park.

"The park is now in the south. So we have to find a location in the north for the Eco-City, so that it's nearer to the big cities. So based on the three principles, the Eco-City can be (a) model for other cities to follow."

Mr Qiu was impressed with how Singapore has managed to fully utilise its limited land space.

He said Singapore's long-term plans for the city has proven a great success, maintaining its competitiveness among other countries worldwide.

So Mr Qiu said many Chinese cities can look to this country as an example. - CNA