From Outflow to Inflow, Driven by Improved Business Environment and Talent-Friendly Policies

From Outflow to Inflow

Hebei province, bordering Beijing, has witnessed a significant demographic shift in recent years. After experiencing a long-term net outflow of residents, the province is now seeing a net inflow, indicating an improvement in its business environment and living conditions.

According to the Hebei Provincial Bureau of Statistics, the province recorded a net inflow of 20,000 permanent residents at the end of 2023. This shift is largely attributed to the influx of working-age individuals, with 88.2% of the newcomers falling between the ages of 16 and 59. Notably, males constituted 60.5% of the total inflow.

Kang Hui, director of the Population and Employment Statistics Department of the Hebei Provincial Bureau of Statistics, attributes this trend to the improved business opportunities, housing, and welfare benefits in Hebei, which are now comparable to those in Beijing.

Xiong'an New Area, a state-level development zone established in 2017, has emerged as a key driver of this population shift. Many individuals, including personnel from Beijing, have relocated to this innovation hub. Jia Mengshuang, a 31-year-old employee of China Telecom Digital City Technology Co in Xiong'an, is one such example. She relocated from Beijing in 2021 and has since been joined by her husband and child. The talent card program in Xiong'an has provided her with extensive preferential public services, further enhancing her sense of belonging.

Beyond Xiong'an, other cities in Hebei, including Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, and Baoding, have also implemented talent policies to attract and retain skilled professionals. These policies offer high-quality services and competitive benefits, making these cities more appealing to potential residents.

Similar demographic trends are emerging in other parts of China. Jilin and Liaoning provinces, located in Northeast China, have also experienced a reversal of their long-term net outflows. Jilin recorded a net inflow of 43,400 people in 2023, while Liaoning saw a net inflow of 86,000 people. These shifts are attributed to economic growth and talent-friendly policies implemented in these provinces.

The economic development, improved business environment, rise of emerging industries, and enhanced public services are all contributing to the population inflows witnessed in Hebei and other parts of China. These positive trends indicate a shift towards a more balanced and sustainable population distribution across the country.