招商靠“内卷”，不如练内功

Core Viewpoint - Local governments have relied heavily on investment attraction as a key strategy for economic development, but this has led to unhealthy competition and unfair practices, prompting the need for regulatory reforms to ensure a unified national market [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Attraction Practices - The traditional methods of investment attraction, such as land concessions and tax rebates, have resulted in a "zero-sum game" where local governments engage in aggressive competition that often leads to unsustainable practices [3]. - The implementation of the "Fair Competition Review Regulations" in August 2024 marks a significant shift, prohibiting specific tax incentives and selective financial rewards, effectively ending previous investment attraction methods [3]. - Despite the legal restrictions, some local governments have found loopholes, continuing to engage in competitive practices under different guises, such as lowering land prices or providing indirect subsidies [3][4]. Group 2: Challenges in Investment Attraction - Some regions are still focused on attracting large enterprises without considering their operational viability, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies for businesses [4]. - The phenomenon of "subsidy dependency" has emerged, where companies rely heavily on government support, creating unsustainable business models that may collapse when subsidies are reduced [6]. - Issues such as companies inflating their demands or relocating shortly after receiving subsidies have arisen, highlighting the negative consequences of competitive subsidy practices [7]. Group 3: Underlying Pressures and Governance - The competitive landscape for investment attraction is driven by local government pressures related to performance assessments, fiscal constraints, and regional disparities, which complicate the governance of investment practices [8][10]. - The current assessment systems for local officials often prioritize economic growth metrics, which can lead to a lack of focus on fair competition and sustainable practices [11]. Group 4: Future Directions for Investment Attraction - A shift towards refined service-oriented investment attraction strategies is necessary, moving away from aggressive competition to a focus on quality and sustainability [12][13]. - Local governments need to understand what businesses truly value, such as infrastructure and a supportive business environment, rather than just financial incentives [14]. - Policies should be developed with a focus on fair competition, ensuring that government actions do not undermine market dynamics, and establishing a robust legal framework for investment practices [15]. - Collaborative efforts between regions can create new opportunities for shared economic benefits, as seen in innovative projects that promote cross-regional cooperation [16].