Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City

Background On 25 April 2007, On 18 November 2007, when Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Wen Jiabao signed a Framework Agreement to develop the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City. Aims In 2008, the governments of Singapore and China laid out 26 key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the city's future ecological, economic, and social development. The project was driven by a collaborative model involving public and private actors from both countries, with oversight provided by a Joint Steering Council, a Joint Working Committee, and the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Investment and Development Co., Ltd. Construction began with an start-up area which included community centres, an administrative complex, residential zones and industrial developments. The opening of the National Animation Industrial Park in May 2011 marked one of the city's first economic milestones, The development of the city's Central District began in 2019, designed to span and house approximately 58,000 residents. with a new focus on the creation of a mixed-use, human-centred environment through features such as the “Green Smart Hub” and Friendship Garden. Aesthetic and ecological considerations have also been balanced, with both native flora and exotic plants integrated throughout the area, even including artificial foliage in winter months. == Economy ==

The Eco-City is in Binhai New District, which is economically prominent in Tianjin and the Bohai Sea Rim region more generally. The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has emerged as a noteworthy economic hub, fueled by its commitment to sustainable development and strategic partnerships. In 2018, the city government announced the city's collaboration with Huawei, a leading global information and communication solutions provider, has played a vital role in shaping its economic landscape. Huawei's implementation of the "Two Clouds" initiative, comprising the Software Development Cloud and Urban Industry Cloud, has played a vital role in driving the economic growth of the Eco-City. The Urban Industry Cloud, utilizing cloud computing and big data infrastructure, has provided essential support to local governments in fostering an environment conducive to the development of urban industries. This has facilitated the digital transformation and restructuring of emerging digital sectors, serving as a robust foundation for the Eco-City's intelligentization efforts. Additionally, the Software Development Cloud has brought about a revolutionary shift in enterprise operations through its comprehensive cloud-based DevOps platform. This platform has enabled efficient software development, collaboration in research and development, and talent cultivation, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of local businesses and high-end software professionals. Future Goals Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has a set of economics KPIs to be achieved: By 2023, the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City has set several goals to be achieved: • Ensure that all residents in the Eco-City are covered by the comprehensive social security package provided by the Chinese Government, promoting social welfare and security. • Establish a robust research and development (R&D) ecosystem with a minimum of 150 R&D scientists and engineers per 10,000 employed persons, fostering innovation and technological advancements. Looking ahead to 2035, the Eco-City has ambitious targets to further its sustainable development: • Increase the proportion of affordable public housing to at least 20%, addressing the housing needs of the community. • Improve waste management practices with a goal of achieving a recycling rate of at least 70%, promoting a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact. • Drive digital transformation by achieving 100% city management digitalization, enabling real-time monitoring and publication of municipal data for efficient urban governance. • Limit carbon emissions to 100 tons per US$1 million of GDP, contributing to a low-carbon and environmentally friendly economy. • Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging at least 75% of companies to actively participate in innovation activities, driving economic growth and competitiveness. • Create a balanced employment-housing relationship by employing at least 50% of the local employable residents within the Eco-City, supporting the local workforce and enhancing community integration. These goals exemplify the Eco-City's commitment to sustainable urban development, innovation, and resource efficiency. Through these measures, the Eco-City aims to become a model for future eco-friendly cities, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. ==Geography==

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city is located in Binhai, along the Bohai Bay. Prior to the development of the city, the area of the project largely comprised saltpans, barren land, and polluted bodies of water. == Population ==

Early in its construction, the city failed to attract many residents. The city's first residents moved in during March 2012. == Layout ==

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city describes its layout as "1 Axis, 3 Centres, 4 Districts". The "1 Axis" references an "Eco-valley" that cuts through the city, for the purpose of "providing a scenic trail for pedestrians and cyclists". The "3 Centres" refers to the three planned centres of the city: one along the southern banks of the Ji Canal, one to the city's north, and a third in the city's south. Finally, the "4 Districts" refer to the four residential districts in the city's southern, central, northern, and northeastern portions. Each district is made up different neighborhoods with individual commercial centres and public amenities. The city's four districts are further divided into several "Eco-neighborhoods", which each comprise four "Eco-cells", which are basic by blocks. The "Eco-cells" are intended to incentivize walking by minimizing the travel distance, and thereby reducing time poverty. Views of the waterfront are retained by a reduction in building heights. Parks The China-Singapore Friendship Garden serves as the city's main park, spanning an area of along the Ji Canal. == Environmental Goals ==

Natural Environment By 2023, the PM2.5 concentration should not exceed 50 μg/m3, and a 20% improvement rate in ambient air quality. SSTEC also aimed for 100% ecological shoreline retention by the same year. By 2028, SSTEC aimed to satisfy grade II of China's National Ambient Air Quality Grade air quality grade for 85% of the year, and all water body satisfy grade IV of Chinese national standard, as well as 100% wetland protection. SSTEC also aimed for more than 70% of its plant varieties in the to be native vegetation. Additionally, 60% of the Eco-city's water supply will be from non-traditional sources such as desalinated water and recycled water. == Transportation ==

The city's "Eco-valley" serves as a walking and cycling pathway that cuts through the city. A light-rail transit system, supplemented by a secondary network of trams and buses, will be the main mode of transportation in the Eco-city, which developers hope will help to reduce its carbon emissions. A station named Zhongxinshengtaicheng opened on Phase 1, part of the Tianjin Metro. Phase 2 will the city with Binhai Station, and from there to Beijing by the Beijing-Tianjin HSR. == See also ==