As the nation's capital and political center, the particular economic role of Beijing has been a topic of considerable debate and controversy. The Communist government has designated Beijing as an appropriate center for industrial, commercial, transportation, trade, cultural, and scientific development. However, these multiple roles have sometimes conflicted with one another. Extremely rapid industrial development, for example, occurs at the expense of preserving some of Beijing's historical and cultural landmarks.
Nevertheless, Beijing has become the second largest industrial center in China after Shanghai. The industrial growth extends to outlying towns in the municipality's rural areas; there are now major factories in Shijingshan (a major iron and steel mill), Tongxian (motor vehicles), Fengtai (machinery), and Fangshan (petrochemicals). In the early 1990s more than 2.1 million workers were employed in industry in Beijing. Processed foods, textiles, paints, paper, high-quality lubricants, and electronic products are now produced in Beijing. Construction activity has also increased rapidly. New buildings, factories, and improvements to the infrastructure are widespread. In the early 1990s there were about 684,000 construction workers employed in Beijing.
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Beijing Information info
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