On the Strategic Opportunity of the 40th—Year Anniversary and “Restarting” for the Shantou Special Economic Zone

Since its establishment in 1980, the Shantou special economic zone has gradually developed into an important modern port city in China, and has achieved relatively good results, which are mainly manifested in economic progress in stability and continuous improvement of the level of urban innovation; obvious advantages in port location and excellent foreign trade performances; the characteristics of “keeping stable in primary and secondary industries and developing fast in the tertiary industry” in terms of industrial structure, and the continuously enhanced synergy; steady growth of the urban population, and the flourishing development of cultural and educational undertakings. However, compared with the other three special economic zones established in China (Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Xiamen), Shantou’s performances are not outstanding. The main reasons are that the reform of the system and mechanism lags behind, and thus the economic vitality is not fully stimulated. Facing the new developmental situations at home and abroad, Shantou’s geographical and cultural advantages continue to emerge, and “restarting” ushers in a historic opportunity. With the Shantou Overseas Chinese Economic and Cultural Cooperation Pilot Zone as the core carrier, Shantou actively builds an important gateway to the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and an innovative platform for the cohesive development of global overseas Chinese, so as to strive for leapfrog development.