Beijing's rising population triggers debate
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Deputies of the Beijing People's Congress Standing Committee have suggested the city adopt measures to limit development of labor-intensive industries and some unorganized small businesses in order to rein in its soaring population, the Beijing News reports.
Labor-intensive manufacturers and small businesses like unlicensed street retailers have triggered a huge influx into a city that has already suffered from worsening shortages of public services and rising difficulties in city management due to a ballooning population, according to a survey conducted by the committee.
The population of Beijing has neared 20 million as of late July, far out of line with its goal of keeping the number within 1.8 million by 2020.
The committee also suggested the municipal government restructure industries to absorb more highly-educated personnel and improve management of migrant groups.
However, the suggestion was opposed by Tang Yun, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He says a better way of dealing with the population overflow is balancing regional development.
"Most of the fluid population in Beijing comes from nearby provinces that are still underdeveloped. They will return home as long as development in their hometowns gets well on track."
Tang also warned a rash eradication of street businesses could result in inconvenience and rising living costs for citizens.
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