Over the last two years, the World Bank has been supporting a CIDA-financed research study on urban and regional development trends in the Yangtze Basin (Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan).  The purpose of this Study – conducted by Chreod Ltd. and Dillon Consulting of Canada – has been to define urban and economic growth trends and infrastructure needs at the city and county levels so that World Bank lending can better respond to the development needs of sub-national governments throughout the Basin.  The research has identified unique patterns of urban and regional growth that were not fully expected either by the Bank or its development partners in China.  

Independently from the Yangtze Basin study, the World Bank has recently been exploring various innovative options for improving its effectiveness in the urban sector in China.  Sector work is proceeding with SDPC on urbanization policies, broadening the scope of the Bank¡¯s engagement in the urban sector beyond basic infrastructure.  In partnership with the Cities Alliance, the Bank is now supporting the preparation of City Development Strategies in selected Chinese cities.  New Bank lending instruments are being considered for the urban sector, including more comprehensive program lending in addition to individual project loans.

Against this background, the World Bank, in collaboration with Shanghai Municipal Finance Bureau, held the workshop in Shanghai on March 6 - 7, recognising the city¡¯s strategic importance as a major hub that could contribute to wider regional development in the Yangtze Basin.  The workshop was supported by Canadian International Development Agency, Dillon Consulting Ltd. and Chreod Ltd.

There are three key objectives for the Yangtze Basin workshop: 1) to report to municipal and central government representatives the results of the Bank-supported study on urban and regional development trends in the Yangtze River Basin, and environmental and infrastructure needs in selected cities; 2) to review with Chinese partners recent Bank initiatives in the urban sector, particularly its emerging regional approach; and 3) to provide an informal forum through which municipal and central government partners can communicate to the Bank their current priorities for continuing support from the World Bank for urban and regional development in the Yangtze Basin during this decade.

Invited participants to the workshop included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, State Development Planning Commission, Ministry of Land and Resources, Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Communications and the State Council¡¯s Development Research Center, all provincial governments in the Basin (including Shanghai and Chongqing), and municipal governments from 12 cities in the Yangtze River Basin.