To implement the provincial party committee's strategic deployment for pivot construction, Wuhan strives to take the lead and stay at the forefront in this endeavor. How is the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Construction (hereinafter referred to as the Bureau) driving reforms, promoting balanced development, and improving quality to demonstrate its mission and responsibility in supporting pivot construction? The column "Bearing the Entrustment in Mind and Building a Pivot: Interviews with Department Directors" interviewed Wu Junqin, Party Group Secretary and Director of the Bureau, on June 4.

 Q: This year, the State Council approved the "Wuhan Territorial Space Master Plan (2021-2035)," which proposes the functional positioning of "Five Centers." How do we deepen our understanding of this positioning?

 A: The development of a city requires a clear direction and path. The master plan approved by the State Council assigns Wuhan a higher urban positioning in the new development stage, reflecting deep expectations for Wuhan to grow stronger and fulfill its mission. "Central China's Central City" signifies Wuhan's role as a crucial growth pole in the national development landscape. The "Five Centers"—Central China's Economic Center, Sci-Tech Innovation Center, Trade and Logistics Center, International Exchange Center, and Yangtze River Mid-Reach Shipping Center—further clarify Wuhan's key functional positioning in the mid-reaches of the Yangtze River, highlighting its economic, scientific, educational, and transportation advantages in the region. This provides clear direction and a path for Wuhan's development over the next 15 years. Our Bureau will thoroughly implement the requirements of the state, provincial, and municipal committees, focus on the "Five Centers" goal, strive to enhance the city's energy level and core competitiveness, and plan and build Wuhan into a more livable, business-friendly, and touristic people's city, contributing actively to Wuhan's leading role in the provincial pivot construction.

 Q: Accelerating the construction of the "Five Centers" is essential to meeting people's aspirations for a better life. How do we make Wuhan more livable through planning and construction?

A: Only with comfortable housing can people enjoy their work and lives. To build a "Livable Wuhan," we must first make the city more ecological. As pointed out at the opening of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, "Many cities in China, like Wuhan, integrate with wetlands, making them ecological and livable." As the only "International Wetland City" in the world with a population exceeding 10 million, we will further protect the ecological foundation of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, promote the integration of wetland conservation and urban development, and ensure that residents have access to green spaces within 300 meters, parks within 500 meters, and water bodies within 2,000 meters. Second, we must make the city safer by strictly adhering to the farmland protection red line to stabilize the "vegetable basket" supply for residents. We will also plan energy, municipal, and medical facilities moderately ahead of schedule to enhance urban resilience, public health security, and disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities. At the same time, we will make daily life more convenient for residents by creating all-age-friendly 15-minute life circles that cater to children, youth, and the elderly, and by building a public service facility system accessible to all. Additionally, we will leverage Wuhan’s natural geographical pattern of separation by rivers and lakes to form a multi-center spatial structure, creating 32 clusters with good ecological environments and a balance between jobs and housing. The three towns of Wuhan, as well as areas south and north of the Yangtze River, will be connected by subways and expressways to solve long-distance commuting issues and make commuting more convenient for residents.

 Q: With comfortable housing and enjoyable work, how do we make it easier for residents to find employment through planning and construction?

A: Employment is the foundation of people's livelihoods. To build a business-friendly Wuhan, we must first provide more job opportunities. As Central China's Economic Center, we will develop advanced manufacturing by creating the "World Optic Valley," "World Auto Valley," "China Net Valley," "China Star Valley," and "China Health Valley." We will also build core business districts for an international consumption center in key areas such as Han Zheng Street, Wuchang Riverside, and Hankou Riverside, forming a full-chain job market across 36 industrial categories. Second, we must create a better entrepreneurial environment. As Central China's only Sci-Tech Innovation Center, we have planned and laid out the Optic Valley Sci-Tech Innovation Corridor, Auto Valley Industrial Innovation Corridor, Wuhan Riverside Digital Innovation Corridor, and University Circle Innovation Development Belt to fully meet the needs of innovation and entrepreneurship. Of course, we must also strive to enrich entrepreneurial and employment resources. As Central China's Trade and Logistics Center and the Yangtze River Mid-Reach Shipping Center, Wuhan boasts dual hubs for air passenger and cargo transport. With high-speed rail reaching 80% of the country’s cities within four hours, the flow of international and domestic passengers will become more convenient, promoting rapid growth in the movement of talent, goods, and capital.

Q: A people's city is for the people. How will we make Wuhan more touristic through planning and construction in the next step?

 A: First, we must be more inclusive and open. As Central China's only International Exchange Center, we will continue to enhance brands such as International Wetland City, Global Waterfront Cultural City, and UNESCO City of Design to attract global tourists. Second, we must foster greater cultural vitality. Through the "Path of History," we will connect historical and cultural districts like Wuchang Ancient City and Hankou Historical Style Area with cultural sites such as Yellow Crane Tower, Zhiyin, Three Kingdoms, and Mulan, making the national historical and cultural city more distinctive and vibrant. Third, we must make the city more charming. By creating a world-class waterfront landscape along the "Two Rivers and Four Banks," building charming ecological spaces centered around lakes, and advancing the construction of a Wetland Flower City, we will establish Wuhan as a world-renowned cultural and tourism destination.

     Cities make life better. Taking the "Year of Cadre Quality Improvement" as an opportunity, we will strive to build a service-oriented cadre team capable of achieving excellence, focusing on high standards and high quality to make the city a beautiful place where residents feel a sense of belonging and pride.