Core Viewpoint - The development of small and medium-sized cities and county towns is crucial in China's urbanization process, as highlighted by the recent policy from the Central Committee and State Council aimed at enhancing their carrying capacity [1][2]. Group 1: Urbanization and Development - China's urbanization has shifted to a stable development phase, with large cities becoming saturated in population and industry, while small and medium-sized cities and county towns have not fully utilized their potential to absorb and carry populations [1]. - Many small and medium-sized cities and county towns have urbanization rates significantly below the national average, leading to a situation where rural populations struggle to move to large cities or return to smaller towns [1]. Group 2: Industrial Foundation - The foundation of development for small and medium-sized cities and county towns lies in their industries, which currently face issues such as unreasonable industrial structures and low levels of industry [1]. - There is an over-reliance on traditional industries in some regions, while emerging industries and modern services lag behind, resulting in weak economic growth [1]. Group 3: Infrastructure and Public Services - Infrastructure and public services are identified as significant shortcomings for many small and medium-sized cities and county towns, with inadequate transportation, uneven distribution of educational resources, and insufficient medical services impacting residents' quality of life and hindering talent attraction [2]. - Investment in infrastructure and public services must be increased, optimizing the allocation of educational, health, and cultural resources to enhance the level of public service equality [2]. Group 4: Business Environment - A favorable business environment is essential for improving the carrying capacity of small and medium-sized cities and county towns, as many currently face issues in administrative approval, market regulation, and policy support [2]. - Problems such as complicated procedures and difficulties in financing for enterprises are prevalent, necessitating ongoing reforms to simplify approval processes and enhance service efficiency [2]. Group 5: Collaborative Efforts - Enhancing the carrying capacity of small and medium-sized cities and county towns is a systematic project requiring collaboration among government, enterprises, and society [2]. - It is vital to explore differentiated development paths based on local resource endowments and development stages to stimulate the vitality of these cities and towns effectively [2].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint emphasizes the critical role of small and medium-sized cities and county towns in China's urbanization process, as highlighted by the recent policy from the Central Committee and State Council aimed at enhancing their carrying capacity [1][2] - China's urbanization has shifted to a stable development phase, with large cities becoming saturated in terms of population and industry, while small and medium-sized cities and county towns have not fully utilized their potential to absorb and carry populations [1][2] - Many small and medium-sized cities and county towns have urbanization rates significantly below the national average, leading to a situation where rural populations struggle to move to large cities or return to smaller towns [1][2] Group 2 - The development of small and medium-sized cities and county towns is hindered by inadequate infrastructure and public services, including outdated transportation, uneven distribution of educational resources, and insufficient medical services [2] - Improving the business environment is crucial for enhancing the carrying capacity of small and medium-sized cities and county towns, as many face issues such as cumbersome administrative processes and difficulties in financing [2] - Enhancing the carrying capacity of small and medium-sized cities and county towns requires a collaborative effort from government, enterprises, and society, focusing on differentiated development paths based on local resources and stages of development [2]