Published by ChinaMNC · Duanzhou

Zhaoqing Leaders Study Long March Spirit, Reaffirm Development Goals for Foreign Founders

Zhaoqing's municipal leadership studied the Long March spirit and outlined key development priorities, offering foreign founders insight into the city's policy direction and business environment.

Zhaoqing Leaders Study Long March Spirit, Reaffirm Development Goals

On October 26, Zhaoqing's municipal leadership convened a special study session to mark the 90th anniversary of the Chinese Red Army's Long March victory. The meeting, led by Party Secretary and Municipal People's Congress Director Zhang Aijun, focused on implementing the spirit of President Xi Jinping's important speech at the anniversary commemoration. The session aimed to inspire officials to draw wisdom and strength from the Long March's history as they work toward national development and rejuvenation.

For foreign founders considering Zhaoqing as a business location, such ideological gatherings may seem distant from day-to-day operations. However, they signal the local government's policy priorities and development focus, which can directly impact the business environment, regulatory support, and strategic opportunities available to foreign-invested enterprises.

Historical Visit Highlights Zhaoqing's Revolutionary Heritage

Before the meeting, municipal leaders visited the former headquarters of the Ye Ting Independent Regiment, now a memorial hall. They toured an exhibition titled "Pioneers of the Path, Bloody Journey: Ye Ting Independent Regiment and Its Successor Unit, the Red Fourth Regiment, on the Long March." The exhibit traced the regiment's history from its "Iron Army" origins to its role in the Long March and its legacy as a spiritual monument.

Zhang noted that Zhaoqing is the hometown of the Iron Army and a land of revolutionary heritage. He emphasized that the Iron Army's traditions and the Long March spirit are connected and together serve as valuable spiritual wealth for officials. He called for carrying forward these traditions, maintaining close ties with the people, and advancing Zhaoqing's development in the new era.

While these historical references are primarily for domestic political education, they reflect the local government's emphasis on perseverance, discipline, and collective effort—values that can also resonate with foreign entrepreneurs navigating China's business landscape.

Long March Spirit: Core Principles and Modern Application

At the study session, Zhang elaborated on the significance of the Long March, describing it as a monumental epic in revolutionary history and a guiding beacon for the Party and the military. He outlined the key elements of the Long March spirit: placing the fundamental interests of the people and the nation above all; steadfast revolutionary ideals and beliefs; courage to overcome obstacles and make sacrifices; independence, pragmatism, and seeking truth from facts; consideration of the big picture, strict discipline, and unity; and close reliance on the people, sharing hardships with them, and hard work.

For foreign founders, these principles might translate into practical business attitudes: long-term commitment, adaptability, compliance with local laws, and building strong relationships with local partners and communities. Understanding these underlying values can help foreign investors align their corporate culture with local expectations.

Zhaoqing's Development Priorities Under the "15th Five-Year Plan"

Zhang stressed that under the "15th Five-Year Plan," the provincial government has assigned Zhaoqing two key roles: to accelerate its development as a new growth pole in the Pearl River Delta and to serve as a gateway hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area toward the Greater Southwest. He described these as essential missions.

He outlined several priorities for Zhaoqing's development:

• Adhere to Party ideals and purposes: Continuously use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to strengthen convictions and pass on revolutionary traditions.
• Firmly pursue development and improve livelihoods: Fully implement the provincial "1310" specific deployment, focus on key tasks such as Greater Bay Area construction, manufacturing leadership, and the "Hundred-Thousand-Ten Thousand Project," and ensure that reform and development benefits are shared more equitably among the people.
• Dare to struggle and be good at struggling: Better coordinate development and security, and manage Zhaoqing's own affairs solidly.
• Advance national defense and military modernization: Consolidate and develop rock-solid military-civilian relations.
• Strengthen Party leadership and Party building: Earnestly study and implement the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, persistently promote comprehensive and strict Party governance, and maintain a clean political ecology.

These priorities indicate that Zhaoqing is positioning itself as an attractive destination for manufacturing and trade, with a focus on Greater Bay Area integration and infrastructure development. Foreign founders in manufacturing, logistics, or high-tech sectors may find opportunities in these areas, especially if they align with Zhaoqing's goal of becoming a growth pole and gateway hub.

Implications for Foreign Founders

While the study session was an internal Party affair, it reveals the local government's development philosophy and strategic direction. For foreign entrepreneurs, the key takeaways are:

• Policy stability and continuity: The emphasis on long-term plans and Party leadership suggests a stable policy environment, which can be reassuring for foreign investors planning long-term operations.
• Focus on manufacturing and Greater Bay Area integration: Zhaoqing's priorities align with broader national and provincial strategies, potentially offering incentives and support for foreign businesses in these sectors.
• Social responsibility and community engagement: The repeated call to rely on the people and share development fruits may imply that foreign companies are encouraged to contribute to local communities and uphold social responsibility.

However, foreign founders should also note that Zhaoqing, like other Chinese cities, operates within a framework where Party leadership and ideological guidance play a central role. Understanding this context can help in navigating government relations and compliance.

In summary, Zhaoqing's leadership is leveraging historical inspiration to drive modern development, with clear economic goals that may benefit foreign businesses. By staying informed about local priorities, foreign founders can better position their ventures for success in Zhaoqing and the wider Greater Bay Area.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

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