Implementing the Integration Policy for Industrial Layout Planning in the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the politics of the policy process concerning industrial planning under the integration plans (yitihua guihua) of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) from 2009 to 2012. “The Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta: 2008–2020 (The Outline Plan)” was promulgated in early 2009 by the State Council to jumpstart Guangdong’s reform and development.Soon afterwards, the Guangdong provincial government decided on measures to implement this initiative through formulating integration plans for the entire PRD. Five major policy plans—(a) industriallayout planning (chanye buju), (b) infrastructure, (c) urban-rural integration (chengxiang yitihua), (d) environmental protection, and (e) public services—were promulgated in 2010 to foster policy coordination and intergovernmental collaboration and lay the foundation for the sustainedand coordinated socio-economic development of thePRD region. The integration plan for industrial planning (chanye buju yitihua) constitutes the core of the proposed division of labor between these PRD cities. The following questions will be explored in this paper: (1) Why did the provincial government choose the specific policy goals and guidelines in implementing the integration plan for industrial planning in 2008-2012? (2) What kind of policy measures have the nine municipal governments in the PRD formulated to implement these provincial guidelines? Why did they adopt these policy priorities? and (3) How did the provincial and municipal governments advance their respective interests during implementation? This case study of the implementation process will shedlight on the important question of policy design and implementation in south China, one of China’s most economically vibrant regions. It may also contribute to a better understanding of the prospect of intergovernmental coordination, whether in Guangdong or elsewhere, as well.