The Rationale, Prospects, and Challenges of China's Western Economic Triangle in Light of Global Economic Crisis

The proposals to develop the Western Economic Triangle (WET) region into the fourth growth pole in China are ambitious; realization will be problematic. Although the local governments are overwhelmingly optimistic regarding future development, it is very unlikely that this region can become as powerful and vibrant as the eastern growth engines in the near future. Implementation of the proposals faces at least two serious challenges. First, the WET region has historically suffered from poor accessibility due to backward interregional transportation facilities. Second, the WET region is governed by three different administrative municipalities. The inherent lack of regional integration and coordination will restrict industrial cooperation within this region.