CRI听力:Central Government to Further Shift Non-essential Functions out of Beijing

President Xi has reiterated that transferring administrative functions from Beijing to neighboring areas and pushing forward the integration of the capital with Tianjin and Hebei is a huge project.

He says targets are needed in order to map out and accomplish this time-consuming task.

Experts say the president's statements show that the "urban disease" problems plaguing Beijing remain a huge challenge.

Professor Li Guoping is from the Capital Development Institute of Peking University.

"Since last February when President Xi came up with the proposal, Beijing has accelerated its paces in transferring industrial functions out. For example, some factories and automobile plants have been moved outside the city. However, this process takes a lot of time. The 'urban disease' issue is still serious, so this issue was raised again."

The key functions of Beijing are related to its strategic position as a national center of politics, culture, international exchange, and technology and innovation.

So-called "non-capital" functions usually include relatively low end economic sectors and public sectors that are not market-driven.

While shifting Beijing's non-capital functions to neighboring Tianjin and Hebei, it is critical to collaboratively develop the three regions.

Wang Kai is with China Academy of Urban Planning and Design.

"Except for political aspects, actually Beijing can achieve other functional targets like cultural or technological ones jointly with Tianjin and Hebei. For example, as a cultural center, Beijing is pressured with too many colleges and students. If more campuses need to be added, it is possible to locate them in the neighboring regions."

With the continuous process of integration, Tianjin and Hebei will become more attractive places to work and live.

This will provide population relief in the massive capital city.

Professor Li encourages people to look for opportunities outside Beijing.

"Generally speaking, big cities have more opportunities, but at the same time also have many talents. Now it is necessary for people to choose a place according to local industries which can supply more chances. People living in the capital now have so much pressure with high home prices. With convenient transportation and advanced information technology, the integration can supply many job opportunities in Tianjian and Hebei, so it is not necessary to stay in Beijing."

Beijing's popular zoo clothing wholesale market has been moving out of the capital since early this year.

The city's major steelmaker, Beijing Shougang Construction Group, moved its production unit to a neighboring area a few years ago.

For CRI, I'm Wang Wei.