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Rotterdam and Shanghai

The International Scientific Research Project of 2009 (ISRP 2009) has executed a survey among manufacturing companies in both Shanghai and Rotterdam. In total about 350 companies participated in this survey, distributed about equally among the two locations. Despite of the scientific and statistical limitations that make generalized conclusions impossible, it is quite interesting to take a look at the differences in type of companies and the different business environments they operate in. This way, we hope to find out more about determining factors of successful sustainable business.

 

Shanghai and Rotterdam have been sister cities since 1979. They have a great deal in common. Both cities are located at the mouth of a big river that essentially splits the city into two sections. In addition, both Rotterdam and Shanghai have an extensive port area. Since 2005, Shanghai’s port area is the largest port area in the world, while Rotterdam ranks fourth on the list of largest port cities in the world and is the largest port city in Europe. Furthermore, these cities are of significant economic value to their countries, Shanghai competing mainly with Hong Kong and Rotterdam with Amsterdam. Another remarkable aspect is the fact that despite their location and size, neither one of these cities is the capital of their country.
 
There are differences as well, particularly when it comes to numbers. Whereas Rotterdam has approximately 650,000 inhabitants, the number in Shanghai is multiplied by nearly 30. According to the latest data of the Shanghai Statistics Bureau, the city accommodates approximately 19 million citizens – more than all of the Netherlands together!
 
In both Rotterdam and Shanghai they are active in raising their performance in sustainable development. For instance, the Rotterdam Climate Initiative (RCI) for Rotterdam, and for China the WorldExpo2010 in Shanghai is an example. World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is the occasion for China to bring the world at home, and for the world to feel at home in China. By dedicating a 5.28-square-kilometer area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "BetterCity, Better Life," Shanghai hopes to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. Also the Netherlands will participate by building a Dutch pavilion called the ‘Happy Street’.
 
The RCI is an ambitious climate program in which four parties are involved under the ambassadorship of Ruud Lubbers. It offers a platform where government, organizations, companies and inhabitants cooperate in reducing their CO2 omissions by half.These parties have committed themselves to a unique cooperation: the municipality of Rotterdam, Havenbedrijf Rotterdam NV, DCMR Milieudienst Rijnmond and Deltalinqs. The target of the RCI is the most ambitious in its kind in the Netherlands: 50% less CO2 in 2025 compared to the year 1990. It is a precaution for the threat of climate change and it acts as a strengthening process for the economy of Rotterdam.
 
 

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