Book excerpt: Under the conditions of market economy, the government is an independent economic entity, whose function is not only to provide services and handle public affairs, but also to coordinate, advance and lead economic development. The dual functions of regional government include providing service and administration at the micro-level on behalf of market economy on one hand and leading, regulating and promoting economic development at the macro-level on behalf of the central government on the other hand. Foresighted leading means giving free rein to the government, especially regional government, in economic guidance, regulation and early warning. It also means that the government is responsible for effectively allocating funds and gaining advantages using market rules, leveraging market forces and other means such as investment, price, taxation, law, and organizational, institutional and technological innovations to promote the scientific and sustainable development of the regional economy.