The less developed areas should draw lessons from the price paid by others because of improper industrialization, says an article in Nanguo Morning News. The following is an excerpt:

Wuxi of Jiangsu Province, which suffered a shortage of drinking water in early June after algae contaminated Taihu Lake - its main source of drinking water, is now closing down hundreds of small factories that consume heavy energy or discharge waste.

On release of this news, Wuxi attracted numerous delegations from regions across the country. The delegations tried to convince owners, whose factories face closure, to invest in their regions.

Although these factories have contributed to the economic success of the region, they have also harmed the environment, an example, the drinking water shortage.

What happened in Wuxi should be a lesson for other regions who are in blind pursuit of economic growth. But the fact is these factories are viewed as a source of prosperity by decision-makers in other areas. By inviting these polluting factories, the authorities are trying to quench their thirst for economic development at the expense of the people's health.

Admittedly, the less developed areas have many obstacles to overcome in luring investment.

But if they choose a way of development in which the economy, society and the environment move forward in harmoniously, they would achieve sustained prosperity and public approval even if it takes a longer time.

Wuxi has launched a new assessment scheme under which environmental protection receives higher priority over GDP growth. Instead of eying the polluting factories, the areas dispatching the delegations should study this scheme and draw lessons from it.

(China Daily September 11, 2007)