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In recent years, many social organizations have become active in social governance at the primary level, playing an important role. What work has been done by the Ministry of Civil Affairs with promoting the role of social organizations in contributing to high-quality development? What achievements have been made? Thank you.

Lu Zhiyuan:

We will have Mr. Liu Xitang, director general of the General Office of the MCA, answer these questions.

Liu Xitang:

Thanks to this reporter for their questions. Social organizations are an important force for the advancement of socialist modernization. In recent years, the Ministry of Civil Affairs has given top priority to the key task of advancing high-quality development, has taken solid steps to carry out registration and management of social organizations and has guided and encouraged social organizations to take on responsibility, exceling in their work. I can summarize the contributions in four aspects:

The first contribution is to scientific and technological innovation. In response to major national strategies, we actively cultivate and develop scientific and technological social organizations in order to form a dynamic force for building a strong scientific and technologically advanced country. At present, there are about 24,000 social organizations actively participating in the key fields of science, technology and research, of which 530 are registered in the Ministry of Civil Affairs such as the China Association of Agricultural Science Societies and the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association. These are all scientific and technological social organizations that have relatively long histories and play prominent roles. We have conscientiously conducted annual inspections, evaluations and trainings to promote the internal governance of scientific and technological social organizations, improve service capabilities and to gather strength for the achievement of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

The second contribution is to economic development. Modern economic and social development depends on industry associations and chambers of commerce. We have made plans for and carried out special actions for industry associations and chambers of commerce to provide high-quality development, propelling over 100,000 industry associations and chambers of commerce nationwide to be good assistants to the government, good helpers to enterprises and good promoters for the industry, thus contributing to China's economic development with practical actions. According to incomplete statistics, since 2023 industry associations and chambers of commerce at all levels have put forward nearly 65,000 policy recommendations to relevant government departments, provided about 1.7 million consulting services, held about 71,000 exhibitions, expositions and fairs, and have helped enterprises to match up about 33,000 investment attraction projects.

The third contribution is to rural revitalization. Just as Mr. Lu mentioned, we have worked with relevant departments to carry out special campaigns for social organizations to contribute to rural revitalization, mobilizing and guiding willing and capable social organizations to pair up with 160 key counties designated to receive assistance with pursuing rural revitalization. Up to now, we have guided social organizations of various types and at all levels nationwide to participate in the implementation of nearly 30,000 rural revitalization projects, with an investment of more than 35 billion yuan. We have also carried out projects for the central government to support the participation of social organizations in social services for 10 consecutive years. With a continuous investment of 1.7 billion yuan, we have supported social organizations to launch over 3,800 social service projects focusing on underdeveloped regions since 2012.

The fourth contribution is to international cooperation. We have encouraged the establishment of a large number of international science and technology organizations in China, such as the International Panel of Mesoscience (IPM), support international science and technology organizations to expand international science and technology exchange and cooperation, and have engaged in global science and technology governance. For example, work done by the Global Energy Internet Development Cooperation Organization has covered 142 countries and regions, with nearly 60 international cooperation agreements already signed and more than 50 international conferences held. The Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition has supported the implementation of projects such as the Green Silk Road Envoy Program and, in 2023, provided training to over 3,000 people in more than 120 developing countries.

Next, we will work with relevant departments and continue our efforts with the cultivation and guidance of social organizations as well as their regulation and management, so as to enable social organizations to better serve the country, society, the public and the industry. Thank you.