Are ’s developing ports mirroring the country’s economic success? Imogen Brewster

This paper is going to explore the development of Chinese ports in conjunction with the country’s economic success. I want to question if that the ports are developing in relation to the economic success of China; or if something different is happening within the nation.

China with its ever growing population and increasing economy makes it appear that port developments are following in the same fashion. However, while the new emerging ports of China continue to attract funding to develop are they use being as successful as their counterparts within the country?

I will be focusing in upon the port developments of Shanghai, , and . These contrasting and controversial port developments within China bring in to perspective the actual result of the ports’ economic success within this great nation.

Introduction China as a country is developing rapidly, so much so you would believe that port success is mirroring this phenomenon. However recent publications imply that it is in fact stalling, the “Chinese shipping industry experienced some down turn” (ICD, 2014) in recent years. ICD (2014) China Shipping Prosperity Report, International Cooperation Department, pg. 2.

There are many reasons for this possible down turn, from seasonal employment to the new transferring of goods. But national and foreign investment continues to be poured into the port developments of China. What factors are involved that drive this? Is this the continuing cycle to attract further investment and drive the economy? Or is it the differing regions of China competing against each other to secure prosperity?

I want to continue to question if this down turn is evident in all ports throughout China or if they are just focused solely on one or two of Chinese ports where investment in infrastructure or surrounding industries has not been matched. Shanghai port development Shanghai port is one of the success examples within China. It is currently driving the country’s aims for economic success especially thanks to the Pearl Delta (Merk et al, 2013, p. 11)where Shanghai’s port growth is exceeding that of Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

The above chart is showing us the rapid growth that Shanghai has experienced since 1998. There are many possible reasons for this development but most of these lead to the ever increasing container volumes within the Pearl Delta. We must always remember that this success in port growth is always relative to the country – they are all interlinked. The maritime connectivity is essential for the growth of a port especially that of Shanghai. The success is a result of the connectivity throughout that nation; the competiveness is the driving force. Is this the reason for the port developments and another way to attract investment?

Dalian Dalian is known as the fastest expanding port in all of China. Dalian has many imports and exports allowing it to become a rapidly developing industrial area. It has connections to states and countries globally. It is now showing its independence. Business scopes of the companies in Dalian include export of ships such as bulk freighters, and barges, export of propellers, diesel engines, deck machinery and components thereof, anchors and anchor chains, export of various castings and machining parts such as iron castings, steel castings and precision castings, export of all kinds of sluice valves and import of various marine and non-marine products. A combination of technology and trade is the business characteristic of the port. With rich-experienced engineers and technicians and quality inspection staff, the company is able to develop and design new products independently or together with customers. It has built good business relations with many domestic producers, foundries and machining factories of marine products, meeting requirements of different customers. The port provides and ensures product quality and timely delivery, showing reasons for its success and reputation. Theport of Dalian has built relations with customers from America, Canada, Germany, England, Denmark, Switzerland, Finland, Poland, Japan, Australia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, etc. This is showing the rapid globalisation of Chinese ports especially that of Dalian.

Tianjin The is a great example to explore in relation to port development. Tianjin as a region also has much to offer from an eco-city to Italian concession era architecture (Lonely Planet, 2014) The Treaty Port area has encouraged many tourists to Tianjin for many years, and may be a contributory factor in encouraging further investment in port development.

From January 2012 to July 2013, the port of Tianjin has increased by over 10% and Dalian has a growth rate of 22.6% (Shanghai Shipping Exchange, 2013). However, ports such as Shenzhen has only a growth rate of 2%, while Shanghai has 3.4%. What are the reasons for these differences? Are the areas officials noticing the benefits of tourism so they must make their port attractive? Or have they simply found a new way to drive economic investment and success in Tianjin opposed to other regions’ ports within the nation?

Dandong The is an interesting example of port development. Dandong has many aspects of export and importation of goods this is a result of container and cargo transportation, passenger traffic and foreign ship maintenance (The Port of Dandong, 2014).

Dandong’s development has been upped in recent months we are able to identify that there are lifeboat services being applied, art competitions and new communications and relationships with different regions, states and countries. We must question whether the strategy being used to promote the development of the port mirrors that of other ports or have they found a winning formula where they are now beginning to see success.

The reasons for port developments in China We know that in the past few decades port development have been booming in China, especially in the south east of the country (Holland in city.org, 2014). These could be a result of foreign investment; where China’s eastern region is seen as a gateway to China and is a hub of the transportation of containers within. There have been billions of pounds invested into the ports and their development plans within China. This investment has major influence over what is exported and imported each year through these ports and can be a significant driver in China’s economy.

How can we use Chinese port development within the British educational system? Chinese port development can be easily incorporated into aspects of the British educational system. We can use this within the GCSE and A level geography scheme of work. This development is so unique to China and is a current and topical issue where it is seen that China will soon be the biggest economy and therefore will have a major influence on the world’s economies. We can use Chinese port development in many areas of the curriculum especially in that of: 1. Process and change in urban society 2. Socio-economic development 3. Cultural and political contexts 4. Global economic development issues 5. Application of geography

I believe that Chinese port development will enhance our knowledge of the change that is happening within China. It is now China’s time and therefore it is time for us to explore and investigate this by incorporating port development into the curriculum?

To read at your leisure http://liaoning.chinadaily.com.cn/dandong/ http://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/tianjin/sights/historic/treaty-port-area http://english.dandongport.com/# http://www.dlport.cn/english/gsjj_gsgk.html http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/details/ships/9456410/vessel:PORT_DALIAN http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25452941 http://www.porttechnology.org/news/china_planning_7.1_billion_expansion_of_dandong_port #.U8PmI8tOW1s

Imogen Brewster, July 2014