中经评论：“促进南北方协调发展”别有深意

Core Viewpoint - The "15th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the need for coordinated development between northern and southern regions of China, addressing the increasing economic disparity and aiming for high-quality growth in the long term [1][3]. Economic Disparities - The economic weight is shifting from the north to the south, with southern provinces dominating in both number and scale, as evidenced by Guangdong and Jiangsu exceeding 10 trillion yuan in GDP, while northern provinces like Shandong and Henan lag behind [2]. - The pace of economic transformation is faster in the south, particularly in innovation hubs like the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze River Delta, while northern provinces face challenges in transitioning from traditional industries [2]. - Population trends show an increase in the south, with Guangdong gaining 740,000 residents, while the northeastern region continues to experience significant population decline [2]. Strategic Importance of Northern Development - The disparity in economic development reflects various factors, including resource endowments and industrial structures, necessitating improved regional coordination mechanisms [3]. - The northern region is crucial for national food security and energy resources, contributing significantly to the country's grain production [3]. Recommendations for Northern Development - The primary task is to promote industrial transformation in the north, focusing on advanced manufacturing, modern agriculture, and energy sectors while fostering emerging industries [4]. - Enhancing the business environment in northern regions is essential, requiring reforms to reduce institutional barriers and costs [4]. - Expanding openness and integrating regional development with international standards are vital for enhancing the north's competitive edge [4]. Conclusion - The goal of promoting coordinated development is not to achieve uniform speed but to leverage each region's comparative advantages through reforms, innovation, and openness, ultimately fostering a high-quality development synergy between the north and south [5][6].