Chen Wenjun:
Thank you, Mr. Wang. We now open the floor for questions. Please identify your news outlet before asking your question.
People's Daily:
As mentioned earlier, Anhui has made historic strides in its economic growth. Its overall GDP has advanced from a middle-ranking position domestically to a leading force. Meanwhile, its per capita GDP has shifted from a lower position to a middle-ranking one. How would you analyze Anhui's current development? What measures should the province take to sustain its growth momentum in the upcoming stage? Thank you.
Wang Qingxian:
I'll take these questions. Currently, Anhui's development demonstrates sufficient growth momentum, strong resilience, and huge potential. Despite numerous challenges, the province has maintained stable and positive overall economic performance. Beyond the general statistics mentioned earlier, I would like to highlight two additional indicators that reflect the province's economic growth. As of this March, investments in Anhui's manufacturing sector had maintained a growth rate of over 18% for 26 consecutive months. The balance of RMB loans in the province had also sustained a growth rate of over 14% for 16 consecutive months, ranking first nationwide during this period. Additionally, Anhui has seen net inflows of technology, capital, talent, and other key factors.
Where did such growth momentum come from? In addition to the general aspects mentioned earlier, I would like to elaborate on some specific aspects.
As we know, Anhui is situated at the intersection of the Yangtze River Delta and the country's mid-western region, and it is inevitably a key pivot in advancing domestic economic circulation and facilitating both domestic and international economic flows. For example, China's high-speed rail network centers around the eight main vertical lines that link the north and south, and eight horizontal lines that connect the east and west. Among these, two vertical and three horizontal lines, as well as 10 transportation arteries, run through Anhui. The region with Hefei at its center, extending within a 500-kilometer radius, is home to approximately 35% of China's population and 40% of its consumer market. Over the years, Anhui's transportation and logistic facilities have rapidly improved. The province leads the country in connecting every city with high-speed railways and providing expressway services to every county. We have also completed the construction of the Jianghuai Canal, the country's second north-south water transportation channel that runs parallel with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The canal has already opened to navigation. These developments have significantly elevated Anhui's position within the country's economic pattern.
How should Anhui leverage its advantages and seize the opportunity? To capitalize on these favorable factors, we need to turn them into driving forces for development. Particularly, in the latest round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation, we should stay committed to spurring industrial innovation by making innovations in science and technology. We must expedite the development of a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the backbone. We are fully confident in achieving this goal. If Anhui's current development is already inspiring, its future prospects are undoubtedly even more promising. Thank you.
