Research on the Modernization of Urban Economy in North China

Author: Zhang Limin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: This book focuses its research perspective on the modernization of urban economies in North China, firmly adhering to the view that the development of the market economy is the primary indicator of economic modernization. It systematically reviews and discusses aspects that represent economic development levels—such as foreign trade, commercial networks, commodity circulation, modern industries, financial institutions, and markets—elaborating on their development and evolution, summarizing their characteristics, and aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic development of North China's urban economies after modernization. A prominent feature of this book is its emphasis on the driving role of the market economy in economic modernization. The author argues that the economic development process of late-developing countries like China in the 20th century differs significantly from that of Western developed nations. Western countries, through commodity dumping, capital export, and resource exploitation, facilitated the early prosperity of internal and external trade in some cities of these countries, strengthening their urban economic functions and subsequently leading to the emergence and revitalization of modern industries. In other words, the modernization of urban economies in China began with the development of internal and external trade after aligning with the global market, marked by enhanced commodity trading and distribution functions. The revitalization of modern industries then spurred a transformation in production methods and economic restructuring, further reinforcing the agglomeration capacity of cities. Cities evolved toward modern economies to varying degrees, depending on their specific environments and conditions. Another prominent feature of this book is its exploration of the mutual influence and driving role between the formation of modern transportation systems and the modernization of urban economies.