Urbanization and Governance in Zhujiang Delta: Analysis and Policy Implications

Principal Investigator:
Wong, Kwan Yiu

Co-investigator(s):
Chu, David Kim Yee
Shen, Jianfa

Summary:
The Zhujiang Delta region has experienced astonishing growth in recent decades and such development is, in many ways, closely related with that of Hong Kong. In fact, the interaction between the two places is perceived to be so strong that in the recent Territorial Development Strategies Review 1996 of the Hong Kong Government, it is indicated that developments in the Zhujiang Delta and the Guangdong Province must be taken into consideration in formulating Hong Kong's future development strategies.

The pace of development in the Zhujiang Delta is so fast that it is often beyond the expectation of the outside world and even the planners. The process of integration and interaction will undoubtedly accelerate after the return of sovereignty of Hong Kong to China on 1 July 1997. What emerges will be issues and concerns of effective governance and sustainability that will affect the achievement of orderly development in the region, both socially and economically.

Hong Kong and Zhujiang Delta will also face increasing competition from other regions such as Changjiang Delta led by Shanghai and also from neighbouring countries. This research will use both modeling and quality approaches to analyze the process of development and urbanization in the region and to propose recommendations for the orderly development of this emerging world-class metropolitan area.