Linda Tsao Yang: desire for changes helped Shanghai through stalemate and challenges

In that year Shanghai launched a comprehensive environment treatment program to rehabilitate Suzhou Creek, with a total investment of 20 billion RMB. Linda made a huge contribution to the success of this project. She secured US$300 million in loans to ensure the successful start and implementation of the project by convincing the ambassadors of Asian countries at the ADB and officials from Washington to approve this program.

The first phase of the project turned out to be a huge success. It has reduced many serious risks to public health and has benefitted more than 3 million people living near the creek. Embankments were also built to provide green space along the creek, thus beautifying the area as well as cleansing it. Linda also followed up on the cleanup work in person during that period.

The desire for change, no matter the building of the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges for the development of Pudong or the efforts to clean up Suzhou Creek, has shown Shanghai's determination to modernise and has helped the city overcome economic stagnation and face-down numerous challenges over the last 40 years.

 Linda Tsao's wishes for China's further reform and opening up

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening up. The next 40 years of reform and opening up will be undertaken by the younger generation today. I want to say to them to never forget that the achievements of today's Shanghai were made by your parents and grand-parents through their hard work against all odds. I hope you make greater contributions to China’s reform and opening up with a spirit of service to communities and the society," Linda said expectantly.

Story by: Lu Yukun

Translated by: Lu Yukun