City view of Taiyuan [Photo by Liu Ziliang]

By the end of June 2008, six districts in Taiyuan had closed 90 small coal mines producing less than 90,000 tons a year and withdrew from the mining industry. "Closing the mines has caused significant losses," said Zhang, "but in the long-term the move is both necessary and worthwhile. Small-sale coal mining is not only wasteful of precious resources, but also endangers miners and their families.

As the transformation proceeds, the environment in Taiyuan steadily improves. Mayor Zhang considers that the community's facilities, environment and services must all improve if the city is to attract and keep investors and professionals. And as the capital city of Shanxi, Taiyuan must develop a green and healthy image. Zhang sees a change in that Taiyuan has now started to choose its investors instead of being chosen by them. Finally, he emphasizes, Taiyuan also offers a welcome to Hong Kong and foreign investors, especially for any project promoting the "green economy".

(Source: Taiyuan Municipal Government Information Office, China.org.cn January 21, 2009)