Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).

I visited Shenzhen around forty years ago, when it was a small village of fishermen. No one could believe a poor village can be developed so rapidly. For developments, the top most prerequisite is considered Capital, where, the poor villagers have no money to invest. The second most important ingredient for development is technology, whereas the fishermen, have only old-styled bamboo boats for fishing merely, lacking any advance technology. The third most important is the appropriate human resource, which was severely lacking in Shenzhen four decades ago. Obviously, based on ground realities, no one had imaged that the fishing village can be transformed a mega, hi-tech, global hub of innovation, a most modern and developed metropolitan of the world. 

Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province, bordering with Hong Kong, has undergone remarkable transformation and development since the late 1970s. The comparison of Shenzhen's status in 1979 and today, backed by facts and figures, demonstrates the impressive progress achieved.  

Evolution Process and Stages

Early Development (1979-1980s)

In 1980, Shenzhen was designated as China's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), marking the beginning of its economic liberalization and opening-up policies. The "Reform and Opening-up" era under Deng Xiaoping paved the way for foreign investments and economic experimentation in the city.

Industrial Boom (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s witnessed a rapid industrialization phase, with Shenzhen becoming a global manufacturing hub, particularly in electronics and telecommunications. The city attracted multinational corporations, fostering the growth of export-oriented industries. This period saw the establishment of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1990, contributing to the city's financial prominence.

Innovation-Driven Growth (2010s-Present)

In recent years, Shenzhen has shifted its focus towards innovation and technology. The city has become a global leader in areas such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and green technology. Policies promoting research and development, coupled with a vibrant startup culture, have led to the rise of tech giants headquartered in Shenzhen.

Status of Shenzhen in 1979 vs. Today

In 1979:

Population: Approximately 30,000

Economy: Predominantly agrarian

Infrastructure: Limited and underdeveloped

Global Presence: Virtually non-existent

Today:

Population: Over 13 million

Economy: One of the fastest-growing in China, contributing significantly to the national GDP

Infrastructure: Modern and well-developed, featuring world-class transportation and urban planning

Global Presence: A major player in the global technology and manufacturing sectors

Facts and Figures

GDP Growth: Shenzhen's GDP has experienced a consistent double-digit growth rate over the past decades, surpassing many global cities.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Shenzhen has consistently attracted high levels of FDI, showcasing its appeal to international businesses.

Innovation Index: The city ranks among the top globally in innovation indices, with a burgeoning technology and startup ecosystem.

Future Prospects and the Way Forward

Shenzhen's trajectory suggests a promising future with a focus on sustainable development and innovation. The city is poised to become a model for smart urban planning, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. Key factors contributing to Shenzhen's future success include:

Innovation Ecosystem: Continued emphasis on fostering innovation through research and development, collaboration with global tech firms, and support for startups.

Green Initiatives: Implementation of eco-friendly practices, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable urban planning to ensure environmental conservation.

Global Integration: Strengthening international partnerships, attracting foreign talent, and expanding its global footprint to solidify Shenzhen's position in the global economy.

Reasons behind rapid developments:

Although Shen Zhen was lacking in Capital, Technology and Human Resource, but, the visionary leadership had a solution to all these de-merits, that is policy incentives. The Great leader Deng Xiao Ping, the architect of modern China, introduced reforms and opening up-policies. Shenzhen was declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with friendly and attractive policy incentives, which has attracted the International Investors. 

Foreign Investors, brought the required Capital and Technology. Solved the problem of shortage of Capital and Modern Technology. Foreign investors, usually bring the latest, and state of the art technology. Which was much need by Shen Zhen at that particular time. Initially, foreign investor brings human resource along with him, but, gradually trains the local human resource and replace gradually. So, Shenzhen was very lucky that its population was trained by foreign investors. 

Within four decades, Shen Zhen generated its own Capita, Technology and Human resource. Today, it has become like a Silicon Valley of China and helping the far flung areas in China like Xinjiang. It is contributing a lot in the developments of several under developed areas in China and catering the thrust of technology globally.

Shenzhen's development journey is a testament to the transformative power of visionary policies and strategic planning. From a modest fishing village in 1979 to a global economic powerhouse today, Shenzhen's success story is a source of inspiration for cities worldwide. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration, Shenzhen is well-positioned for continued prosperity in the years to come. It has emerged a role model for many developing nations and some of them are following this model already.

In Pakistan, Gwadar was a small fishermen village. But, with development of Gwadar Deep Sea port and several development initiative under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the future of Gwadar seems bright. 

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)