Shanghai district signs co-op letters

By Wang Hongyi (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-07 07:49

SHANGHAI -- The Yangpu district government has signed cooperation letters of intent with 11 cities and districts in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, following the visit last week of UN Habitat officials and an African delegation for the 4th World Urban Forum.

The letters, which focus on urban planning and construction, knowledge and innovation, environmental protection and public health, were signed after Yangpu district Party Secretary Chen Anjie delivered a speech on Tuesday at the ongoing forum in Nanjing.

Anna Tibaijuka, under-secretary-general of the UN, and executive director of UN Habitat, said last year that Yangpu district is "doing rather well in tackling its slum problem" by introducing effective policies on urban planning and construction, and especially the transition from traditional industry areas to innovative knowledge areas.

Zong Ming, Yangpu district chief, said: "Shanghai locals like calling Yangpu 'Great Yangpu', because it's not only the largest urban area in the city but also the main industrial area, in which a large amount of people, factories and squatter settlements formed in the 1960s."

Jossy Materu from UN Habitat said: "It should be highly appreciated and recognized for effort and achievements in renovating Yangpu district and settlements.

"You know the government's policies encouraging and supporting local academic research geared to local development has played a critical role."