Core Viewpoint - The integration of Dongying and Binzhou is a strategic move to streamline administrative levels, reduce costs, and enhance regional collaboration, which is essential for building a unified national market in China [2][3]. Group 1: Strategic Significance of Administrative Merger - The current administrative structure in China has an excessive number of prefecture-level cities, leading to inefficiencies and high administrative costs. The merger of Dongying and Binzhou can simplify administrative frameworks and improve operational efficiency [3]. - Historically, China was intended to have a three-tier administrative system, but the prevalence of prefecture-level cities has complicated governance and increased costs. Merging regions aligns with the trend of flattening governance structures [3]. Group 2: Conditions and Advantages of Dongying and Binzhou Merger - Dongying and Binzhou share historical roots and cultural ties, providing a natural advantage for merger. Their resource endowments and industrial structures complement each other, with Dongying focusing on petrochemicals and marine industries, while Binzhou excels in agriculture and textiles [4][5]. Group 3: Promotion of Unified Market Construction - The merger will eliminate administrative barriers, facilitating the free flow of resources such as talent, capital, and technology. A unified market access standard can be established, enhancing cross-regional business operations [7]. - Optimizing industrial layouts through regional integration can prevent redundant construction and homogenized competition. The synergy between Dongying's petrochemical industry and Binzhou's textile sector can create a comprehensive industrial chain [8]. - The merger will lower management costs and improve resource allocation efficiency by standardizing policy execution across both regions, enhancing public service distribution while respecting local cultural characteristics [9]. Group 4: Implementation Path and Policy Recommendations - The merger should be phased, starting with the establishment of a "Bin-Dong Coordinated Development Office" to promote transportation connectivity and port integration, aiming for tax incentives and innovation zones [10]. - An effective interest balance mechanism should be established, potentially through a "dual center" model where Binzhou serves as the cultural center and Dongying as the economic center [11]. - A legal and policy framework should be developed to support regional integration, including special financial transfers and tax exemptions for a transition period to bolster local development [12].