Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, minister of industry and information technology

Mr. Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology

Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

July 5, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), as part of the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Jin Zhuanglong, minister of industry and information technology, to brief you on relevant developments and answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology; and Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Jin for his introduction.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First, I would like to thank everyone for your concern and support for the MIIT.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) emphasized that high-quality development is the primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects. It clearly stated that we will basically achieve new industrialization by 2035, and move faster to boost China's strength in manufacturing. General Secretary Xi Jinping has highlighted that the high-quality development of manufacturing is crucial to the high-quality development of the economy, emphasizing the importance of "two guarantees" to maintain grain production capacity and strengthen the manufacturing sector and urging accelerated efforts to develop a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. Last September, the CPC Central Committee held a national meeting on promoting new industrialization, at which General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered important instructions. He pointed out that on the new journey in the new era, achieving new industrialization is a key task for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, emphasizing the need for high-quality development throughout the entire process of new industrialization. His important discourse on new industrialization has clarified the strategic positioning, overall goals, direction, strategic tasks, key areas and methodological principles for advancing new industrialization in the new era, providing us with a clear direction, fundamental guidelines and an action plan.

The MIIT has thoroughly implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and the deployments made during the national meeting on promoting new industrialization. Together with various parties, we have made new progress and achieved new results in new industrialization. Here, I will briefly introduce the overall situation regarding industry.

We have formed unique advantages that can be summarized in three words: comprehensive, diverse and large. "Comprehensive" means our system is complete, with 41 major industrial categories, 207 medium industrial categories and 666 industrial subcategories, covering all industrial categories in the United Nations' industry classification system. "Diverse" refers to a wide variety of products in all kinds of manufacturing industries, with over 220 products among the top global producers out of 500 major industrial products. "Large" signifies our scale, with the total industrial added value reaching 39.9 trillion yuan in 2023, accounting for 31.7% of GDP, and the added value of manufacturing accounting for 26.2% of GDP, about 30% of the global share.

The pace of high-end, intelligent and green development is accelerating. In 2023, high-tech manufacturing accounted for 15.7% of the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size, and equipment manufacturing accounted for 33.6%. The digital transformation of manufacturing is continuously advancing, with the penetration rate of digital research and development (R&D) and design tools in key industrial enterprises reaching 80.1%, and the numerical control rate of key processes reaching 62.9%. AI is deeply empowering new industrialization, with 421 national intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories being cultivated. Green manufacturing is advancing rapidly. During the first two years of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period, the energy consumption per unit of added value for industrial enterprises above designated size cumulatively decreased by 6.8%. From 2021 to 2023, water consumption per 10,000 yuan of industrial added value decreased by 20.3%. In 2023, the comprehensive utilization of major industrial solid waste reached approximately 2.2 billion metric tons, with a utilization rate of 54%.

The capacity for industrial scientific and technological innovation continues to improve. We have established 30 national manufacturing innovation centers, covering areas such as power batteries, humanoid robots and high-performance medical devices. We have also established 23 national independent innovation demonstration zones and 178 national high-tech industrial development zones. Notably, significant innovative achievements have been made in key areas. Six C919 large passenger aircrafts, which you are all familiar with, have already been delivered to China Eastern Airlines, with routes having been opened from Shanghai to Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Guangzhou. A total of 139 ARJ21 regional aircrafts have been delivered, three of which have been delivered overseas. China's first domestically produced large cruise ship Adora Magic City has entered commercial operation. The Chang'e-6 spacecraft collected and returned samples from the moon's far side, with the China National Space Administration hosting a ceremony on June 28 to hand over a total of 1,935.3 grams of lunar samples. China's home-grown super-large-diameter shield tunneling machine "Jinghua" has been put into use, and the intelligent six-row cotton picker has entered mass production.

The strength of enterprises continues to grow. There are over 501,000 industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide and 463,000 high-tech enterprises. Key enterprises in the industrial chain are growing rapidly. Specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce new and unique products are emerging, with over 140,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises of this type being cultivated, including 12,000 "little giant" enterprises with high growth potential, advanced technology and strong market competitive edge, and 1,557 single-product specialists in the manufacturing industry.

In recent years, China's information and communication industry has developed rapidly, achieving remarkable results in high-quality development. We have built a total of 3.837 million 5G base stations, accounting for over 60% of the global share, realizing "gigabit connectivity in all cities, 5G connectivity in all counties and broadband connectivity in all villages." Our total computing power ranks second globally. The industrial internet has initially built five major systems: network, identification, platform, data and security. Five years since the issuance of commercial licenses, 5G applications have been integrated into various industries, achieving large-scale promotion in fields such as industry, power, mining, health care and education.

Despite significant industrial progress, China is at a crucial juncture, transitioning from a large industrial player to a strong one through various trials and difficulties. We face challenges, particularly in core technologies of key fields and basic industrial capacities. Many small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to face considerable production and operational difficulties. Therefore, we will continue to deepen reforms, expand opening-up, and ensure both high-quality development and greater security. We will vigorously promote new industrialization, and strengthen the integration between sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation. Additionally, we will accelerate the development of new quality productive forces and build a modernized industrial system driven by sci-tech innovation and underpinned by advanced manufacturing. By making tangible efforts and taking solid steps to perform and excel, we aim to achieve new milestones in high-quality development, thus making greater contributions toward achieving the Second Centenary Goal.

That concludes my introduction. My colleagues and I are now ready to address your questions. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Now, the floor is open to questions. When asking your question, please begin by stating the media outlet you represent.

Yicai:

Industry is the ballast of the national economy. This year, China’s industrial production has maintained a rapid growth rate. However, there was a decline in May. How do you view the current performance of the industrial sector? What measures will be taken to stabilize industrial growth going forward? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your question. The development of the industrial sector is receiving wide attention. As I mentioned earlier, last year, China's total value added of industry accounted for 31.7% of GDP, serving as a "ballast" in maintaining stable macroeconomic performance. This year, China's industrial sector got off to a good start, sustaining momentum of rebound and improvement. Notably, from January to May this year, the value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size increased by 6.2% year on year, 1.6 percentage points higher than in 2023. In May, the value added of equipment manufacturing enterprises above the designated size and high-tech manufacturing enterprises above the designated size grew by 7.5% and 10% year on year, respectively.

However, we must recognize that China's industrial sector still faces difficulties and challenges in sustaining its recovery momentum. This is due to the current complex and severe external environment, as well as insufficient effective domestic demand. Moving forward, we will focus on integrating the requirements of high-quality development into the entire process of new industrialization. We will take solid steps to further stabilize growth, ensure security, and facilitate upgrading to consolidate and enhance the recovery momentum of the industrial sector. Our efforts will be concentrated in the following key areas:

First, we will continue to focus on the development of the 10 key industries: steel, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, chemicals, building materials, machinery, automobiles, power equipment, light industry, and electronics. These sectors are large in scale, possess strong driving forces, and are highly interconnected, collectively accounting for about 70% of the value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size. Last year, we formulated work plans to stabilize growth in these 10 industries. This year, we will continue implementing these plans and fostering new growth drivers.

Second, we will encourage prominent industrial provinces to take the lead and support them in this endeavor. The combined industrial value added of the 10 major industrial provinces, including Jiangsu and Guangdong, accounts for over 60% of the national total, making them crucial for stabilizing the industrial sector. In the first five months of this year, the growth rates of these 10 provinces all exceeded the national average. Additionally, we are paying particular attention to the 50 prominent industrial cities, more than 10 of which have achieved hard-earned double-digit growth. We will continue to support prominent industrial provinces and cities in consolidating their strengths and taking the lead. We will also support the development and expansion of distinctive and competitive industries in various regions. Beyond major industrial hubs, each province and city boasts its own unique and competitive industrial strengths, and we will provide tailored support to these locales. At the same time, we are mainly focused on nurturing a number of key industrial counties. We will continue supporting the northeastern, central, and western provinces in facilitating industrial relocation and development, enhancing their capacity to absorb relocated industries, and securing a number of major projects.

Third, we will further expand effective investment in manufacturing. We will earnestly implement the measures for industrial equipment upgrades, facilitating advanced equipment renewal, digital transformation, green equipment promotion, and intrinsic safety enhancement. We are also carrying out actions to promote the high-quality development of key manufacturing industrial chains and accelerate the advancement of major national science and technology programs and key national R&D programs. We aim to achieve more substantive and signature outcomes. We will continue to leverage the roles of the national manufacturing industry transformation and upgrading fund, the national integrated circuit industry investment fund, and the national SME development fund. Through these efforts, we aim to guide and attract private capital to key areas and address weak links in developing a modernized industrial system. This approach will help us stay ahead of the curve in future sci-tech and industrial development.

We will also put greater effort into refining the development environment for manufacturing enterprises. To boost the vitality of business entities, we will implement multiple cost-reduction measures for enterprises. Additionally, we'll launch special, effective initiatives to resolve the issue of overdue payments owed to companies. To unlock personal consumption potential, we will launch a nationwide campaign to increase product variety, raise quality, and build product brands. Additionally, we will stimulate spending on high-quality products such as new energy vehicles, green building materials, and smart home appliances in rural areas. To drive industrial upgrading, we will adopt a multi-faceted approach: upgrading traditional industries while consolidating and enhancing competitive industries, nurturing and expanding emerging industries, and planning for future industries with a forward-looking vision.

That's all for my answer. Thank you.

Zhonghongwang.com:

The central authorities have initiated a large-scale equipment upgrading initiative. How will the MIIT seize the opportunity for this new round of industrial equipment upgrading? How will you apply new technologies and equipment to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Mr. Xin will answer this question.

Xin Guobin:

People generally place a lot of importance on the development of strategic emerging industries and disruptive technologies, so thank you for your interest in the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Traditional industries usually refer to those that have been developed for a long time, have a large industrial scale, broad market demand and strong employment absorption capacity, and are primarily labor- and capital-intensive. These industries play a fundamental role in the national economy, and mainly include petrochemicals, chemicals, steel, non-ferrous metals, building materials, machinery, light industry and textiles. The main indicators of these industries, such as added value, revenue, profit and employment numbers, account for about 80% of the entire manufacturing sector. The products they produce are indispensable in our daily lives. Therefore, traditional industries are the foundation of the modern industrial system and the fundamentals of our manufacturing development. We must promote the transformation and upgrading of these traditional industries and absolutely not treat them as "low-end industries" to simply be phased out.

Since last year, the MIIT, together with relevant departments such as the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance, successively issued the Guidance on Accelerating the Transformation and Upgrading of Traditional Manufacturing Industries and the Implementation Plan for Promoting Equipment Renewal in the Industrial Sector. In the coming period, our key task will be to focus on the implementation of these two documents, targeting high-end, intelligent, green and integrated development directions. We will support pilot cities in new technology transformation, implement major technical transformation and upgrades and large-scale equipment renewal projects in the manufacturing industry, and help these traditional industries "sprout new branches," making them important carriers for new quality productive forces.

In terms of equipment renewal, we will focus on key industries, adhere to market-driven advancement and standardization, implement integrated renewal of advanced equipment and software, and eliminate a batch of inefficient and outdated equipment.

In terms of technological upgrades, we will continuously promote technological innovation in industry, encourage research of key generic technologies and demonstration of industrial applications for traditional industries, strengthen innovation and iteration of new technologies and products, and strive to increase varieties, improve quality and build brands.

In terms of digital empowerment, we will implement the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, accelerate the deep integration of traditional industries with digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and 5G, promote the application of intelligent equipment such as industrial robots and intelligent logistics, and support the construction of a batch of smart factories, digital supply chains and parks.

In terms of green development, we will solidly advance energy-saving and carbon-reducing transformations in key industries, accelerate the renewal and replacement of key energy-consuming equipment such as electric motors and boilers, expand the application of solid waste treatment and water-saving equipment, build a batch of green factories, and actively develop green and low-carbon industries.

In terms of safety guarantees, we will accelerate comprehensive technical renovations of old installations in the petrochemical industry, implement the principle of "mechanization, automation and robots replacing humans" in the civilian explosives industry, increase the promotion and application of safety technologies and equipment in the manufacturing industry, and enhance the intrinsic safety level of enterprises.

That is all for my answer. Thank you.

The New Times:

In recent years, information and communication technology has developed rapidly. China has built a technologically advanced 5G network, and both enterprises and the public have experienced its tangible convenience. Could you please brief us on the overall development of China's information and communication industry and the key areas of focus going forward? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your question. As I mentioned earlier, China's information and communication industry has been developing rapidly in recent years, and the commercialization of 5G has achieved good results. I would like to invite Mr. Zhao to answer this question.

Zhao Zhiguo:

Thank you for your question. As everyone knows from experience, in recent years, the development of China's information and communication industry has been rapid, with its strategic, foundational and pioneering roles becoming more prominent. Let me further explain it from the following aspects:

We have built a globally leading information and communication network. Broadband networks have rapidly increased from 10 megabits to 100 megabits, and now to 1 gigabit. All prefecture-level cities nationwide have been built into fiber-optic network cities, achieving "gigabit connectivity in all cities." Gigabit users account for more than 70% globally. We have built 3.837 million 5G base stations, achieving "5G connectivity in all counties," and the 5G user penetration rate has now exceeded 60%. By implementing universal telecom services, all administrative villages nationwide have achieved "broadband connectivity in all villages," and more than 90% of administrative villages have access to 5G. Network resource supply continues to expand, with nearly 20 million national top-level domain name registrations, the highest in the world. China ranks second globally in the total number of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, and our computing power has reached 230 EFLOPS, capable of performing 230 quintillion floating-point operations per second, ranking among the top in the world.

We have formed a comprehensive and competitive industrial system. China's mobile communication industry has explored and developed a model featuring forward-looking research, standards-driven development, system innovation, solid network foundation and application empowerment. Currently, China accounts for 42% of the world's declared standard-essential patents for 5G, and our global market shares of 5G base stations and cellphones both exceed 50%. The resilience of the industrial chain continues to improve, providing strong support for high-quality economic and social development.

We have cultivated a thriving digital consumption market. Some of you may know that China fully connected to the international internet in 1994, with just a single 64 Kbps line, which was very slow. Since April 20, 1994, after 30 years of development, we now have 1.09 billion internet users, forming the world's largest digital consumption market. In 2023, China's online retail sales reached 15.42 trillion yuan, ranking first in the world for 11 consecutive years. Mobile payments, which everyone uses daily, have grown by 239 times compared to 2012. Revenue of the software industry has exceeded 12 trillion yuan, maintaining double-digit growth for 23 consecutive years.

We are committed to creating an innovative and vibrant ecosystem for industry applications. We believe that the creation and development of such an ecosystem is of paramount importance. 5G industry applications have been integrated into 74 major categories of the national economy. We have successfully established 30,000 5G virtual private networks, 300 5G factories, and over 13,000 "5G plus industrial internet" projects. As we all know, 5G itself is an enabling technology, and the industrial internet has wide-ranging applications. Consequently, the synergy of "5G plus industrial internet" has become increasingly prominent. We have established the OpenAtom Foundation, and high-quality open-source projects such as OpenHarmony and openEuler are beginning to gain recognition on the global stage. The basic telecommunications network continues to operate safely and stably. We are constructing and developing security capabilities for new infrastructure such as the industrial internet and the internet of vehicles. Furthermore, we have essentially constructed a data security management system for the industrial sector.

Moving forward, we will focus on "construction, application, and research" to coordinate, promote, and accelerate the high-quality development of the information and communication sector. "Construction" means consolidating network facilities, steadily advancing the construction of 5G and gigabit optical networks, orderly promoting the upgrading of 5G networks to lightweight 5G and 5G-A (5G-Advanced), and solidly promoting the development of the computing industry. As we all know, computing power is now developing rapidly as a resource. At the same time, we are implementing the "signal upgrade" special initiative to further enhance 5G coverage at cultural tourism sites, healthcare facilities, universities, transportation hubs, subways and other locations. "Application" means deepening integrated applications, introducing follow-up policies to develop "dual gigabit" networks and applications, accelerating the construction of 5G factories, and creating an upgraded version of "5G plus industrial internet." "Research" means strengthening technical R&D and coordinating the evolution of 5G-A and 6G innovation. As we all know, 6G development is also accelerating, with advanced planning for ultra-high-speed optical transmission and next-generation optical networks. There is great potential for the development of optical networks in the future. At the same time, we will systematically promote pilot programs to expand the opening-up of value-added telecom services, such as data centers. We will also strengthen exchanges and cooperation with international open-source organizations to jointly create high-quality open-source projects and implement their results.

That is all for my introduction. Thank you.

People's Posts and Telecommunications News:

Recently, a State Council executive meeting reviewed and adopted an action plan for the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector. All localities are actively taking steps to implement this digital transformation. Could you please brief us on the relevant work and the focus for the next stage?

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your question. A few days ago, Premier Li Qiang chaired a seminar on the digital transformation of manufacturing in Jiangsu province. The digital shift in manufacturing is now progressing further. I would like to invite Mr. Xin to address this question.

Xin Guobin:

Thank you for your interest in the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector. This transformation is indeed an important direction for the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. In recent years, with widespread attention and support from all parties, China has made significant progress in digitally transforming its manufacturing sector, creating favorable conditions for promoting high-end, intelligent, and green development. Allow me to share some key sets of data with you. China's installed industrial robot capacity now accounts for more than 50% of the world's total. The industrial internet has achieved full coverage of major industrial categories, and 421 national-level demonstration factories for smart manufacturing have been cultivated, all built according to Chinese standards. As of the end of last year, out of 153 lighthouse factories in the world, 62 were in China, accounting for more than 40% of the total. These lighthouse factories were built by both multinational and local companies. In terms of effectiveness, the product development cycle of demonstration factories in the fields of large aircraft, new energy vehicles, and high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) has been shortened by about 30%. Production efficiency in these factories has increased by nearly 30%. It's fair to say that many manufacturing companies, once equipped with these "digital wings," have been able to fly faster and more efficiently than their counterparts.

Not long ago, a State Council executive meeting reviewed and adopted an action plan for the digital transformation of the manufacturing sector. This plan defines the objectives and pathways for systematically promoting this transformation. The MIIT will collaborate with all localities and departments to implement the action plan, making simultaneous efforts in "dots, lines and fields." We will strive to achieve full coverage of digital transformation for industrial enterprises above designated size in major industrial provinces, cities and key industrial parks by 2027. Moreover, we will build approximately 200 high-standard digital industrial parks. By 2030, we will strive to basically complete a round of digital transformation for all industrial enterprises above designated size. To be specific:

"Dots" means focusing on key enterprises and promoting digital and intelligent transformation. We will prioritize leading enterprises in industrial chains and specialized, innovative SMEs. Our primary aim is to promote digital transformation in equipment manufacturing enterprises, large-scale durable consumer goods manufacturers, and enterprises undertaking large-scale equipment renewal. We will support enterprises with a solid digital foundation to innovate digital integrated applications. Additionally, we'll guide enterprises with a high level of digitalization to construct smart factories in a tiered manner.

"Lines" means focusing on key industrial chains and promoting coordinated digital transformation. We will formulate implementation plans for the digital transformation of key industries, adopt a "one chain, one strategy" approach to carry out coordinated digital transformation across key industrial chains in the manufacturing sector, and promote typical scenarios and solutions for segmented industries. We will support chain leaders and leading enterprises to open data interfaces, guide supply chain enterprises to access these systems and create a number of digital supply chains.

"Fields" means focusing on key industrial clusters and parks, with the aim of building a number of high-standard digital industrial parks. We will launch the construction of high-standard digital industrial parks, streamline the data, innovation, industrial, and supply chains within these parks, and explore pathways for overall digitalization improvements across these parks. We will continue to implement actions to cultivate and improve national advanced manufacturing clusters, promoting national clusters to take the lead and set examples in digital transformation.

That is all for my introduction. Thank you.

CCTV Business Channel:

We have noticed that in recent years, various technological innovations have developed rapidly. Emerging industries like AI and future industries like humanoid robots are receiving much attention. What measures will the MIIT take to promote these industries? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your question. As the reporter mentioned, new fields such as AI and humanoid robots are emerging with the ongoing technological revolution and industrial transformation. Countries worldwide are planning and positioning themselves for the future, and China is actively exploring these areas. Indeed, AI is injecting new momentum into economic and social development, profoundly changing how we live and work. The 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-level Meeting on Global Governance of AI opened in Shanghai yesterday. Premier Li Qiang attended and delivered a speech, and the Shanghai Declaration on Global AI Governance was issued. From the perspective of industry and information technology, we must seize the opportunities brought by the technological revolution and industrial transformation to deeply integrate sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation. By prioritizing green, intelligent, and integrated development, we encourage enterprises to plan for the future and proactively invest, build new advantages for future development, and ensure the deep integration of sci-tech and industrial innovation.

We should cultivate and expand emerging industries. Strategic emerging industries in China account for about 13% of GDP, offering enormous growth space and potential. For advantageous industries like 5G, new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, and lithium-ion batteries, we need to accelerate the strengthening, extension, and supplementation of industrial chains, further enhance technological advantages, expand market scale, and improve the competitiveness of the entire industrial chain. For emerging industries such as new materials, AI, intelligent connected new energy vehicles, new energy storage, hydrogen energy, biomanufacturing, commercial aerospace, and the low-altitude economy, we need to continue leveraging China's vast domestic market and rich application scenarios. We must systematically promote technological innovation, large-scale development, and industrial ecosystem construction to cultivate a batch of leading enterprises with strong dominance across the entire ecosystem and form more emerging pillar industries that can lead to industrial upgrading.

We also need to plan ahead for future industries. In January, in collaboration with the education and science and technology departments, we jointly issued guidelines on promoting the innovative development of future industries. These guidelines focus on six areas: future manufacturing, future information, future materials, future energy, future space, and future health, laying the groundwork for their development. Next, focusing on these six directions — primarily humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, the metaverse, next-generation internet, 6G, quantum technology, atomic-level manufacturing, and deep-sea and space development — we will implement a series of scientific research projects, achieve significant advancements in key core technologies, develop iconic products, achieve landmark accomplishments, and establish enterprise incubators. We will support regions with the necessary conditions to take the lead in developing typical application scenarios, explore the construction of pilot zones for future industries, and cultivate more high-tech enterprises, unicorn enterprises, and innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products.

Thank you.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Dynamic SMEs are an important guarantee of the resilience of China's economy. What are your plans and specific measures to promote SMEs to develop in the direction of using special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your question and your interest in the development of SMEs. General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to the development of SMEs, stating that "SMEs are important to each household and have been a vital force to advance innovation, facilitate employment and improve people's livelihood." He highlighted that "China's SMEs are smart, full of vitality and good at braving challenges and striving for greatness." The general secretary called for nurturing more specialized and sophisticated SMEs that could produce novel and unique products. By the end of June, we had cultivated over 140,000 such SMEs, including 12,000 "little giant" enterprises. We are committed to consolidating and developing the public sector while encouraging, supporting, and guiding the development of the non-public sector, focusing on four key aspects: service, management, development, and support. Specifically, we will continue to emphasize both service and management, as well as development and support. We need to enhance the reputation of "innovative enterprises that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products" to support the high-quality development of SMEs. Here, I would like to highlight four measures:

The first measure is to increase support for nurturing innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. We have issued several measures to support the high-quality development of these SMEs. In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, we support the "little giant" enterprises to create new momentum, tackle new technologies, develop new products, and strengthen their supporting capabilities within the industrial chain. This is because many of these SMEs are involved in the supply chains of large enterprises, which are typically the anchor companies and leading enterprises, these SMEs can play a crucial supportive role in these chains. We have also collaborated with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council and other departments to implement joint innovation actions between large, medium, and small enterprises. Many centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are anchor companies, and we encourage SMEs to participate in these joint innovation actions. Additionally, we have empowered the National SME Development Fund to attract social capital for early, small-scale investments in innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products.

The second measure is to accelerate the digital transformation of SMEs. We have been thoroughly implementing the special campaign for the digital empowerment of SMEs and have launched city pilots for their digital transformation. By 2027, we aim to achieve full digital transformation coverage for "little giant" enterprises and accelerate the digital transformation of innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. We will expedite the provision of digital services, support large enterprises in sharing their resources and capabilities with SMEs, and vigorously develop digital products and solutions that are small, fast, lightweight, and precise. These efforts will help reduce transformation costs and enable more SMEs to undertake, successfully navigate, and excel in digital transformation.

Third, we have focused on cultivating characteristic industrial clusters for SMEs. China has developed 200 national SME characteristic industrial clusters and plans to approve and confirm approximately 100 more this year. Meanwhile, we have encouraged various regions to focus on developing industry-oriented county economies based on their characteristic and competitive industries and to establish provincial-level clusters according to local conditions.

Fourth, we have strived to build an efficient and high-quality SME service system. We are committed to providing quality government services to SMEs and creating a sound development environment for enterprises. We have improved the public service systems, leveraged the role of market-oriented service agencies, and coordinated various factors, including rolling out policies to benefit businesses, improving environment to unleash business dynamism, providing quality services to support businesses, building the strength of businesses through innovation, and relying on talent to support enterprise development. We have accelerated the construction of a nationwide service network for SMEs, facilitating connectivity at national, provincial, municipal, and county levels. We've integrated various service resources, including government and market-based services. This aims to provide SMEs a "one-stop" service, helping them lower costs, improve quality, and increase efficiency in tangible ways. Thank you.

Thecover.cn:

The industrial sector is one of the major carbon emitters. What achievements have been made in saving energy and reducing carbon emissions? How can the green transformation in industry be accelerated? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your questions. Green development is a key direction for industrial growth. Our industrial development focuses on being high-end, intelligent, and green. Mr. Zhao will now address these questions.

Zhao Zhiguo:

Thank you for your interest in the green development of the industrial sector. Industry has consistently been a key area for energy consumption and carbon emissions in China. Green and low-carbon development represents an important trend in the new revolution in science, technology and industry. Promoting green and low-carbon development in the industrial sector is an intrinsic requirement for accelerating new industrialization.

In recent years, we have thoroughly implemented actions to enhance industrial energy efficiency, promoting the reasonable and efficient use of energy by industrial enterprises in accordance with laws and regulations. This has yielded significant results. In the first two years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the energy consumption per unit of added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size nationwide cumulatively decreased by 6.8%. Energy-intensive industries have been transferred in an orderly manner to regions with clean energy advantages. By the end of 2023, we had cultivated 196 national-level green data centers, with the average utilization rate of electricity generated from renewable energy sources increasing from 15% in 2018 to over 50%. Additionally, the energy consumption per 5G base station site has decreased by more than 20% compared to the early stages of commercial use. Meanwhile, the scale and technological level of new energy vehicles and new energy equipment have rapidly improved, with new orders for green ships accounting for 57% of the global total.

Next, we will firmly uphold and act on the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We will implement plans for peaking carbon dioxide emissions in the industrial sector and accelerate the green transformation of the industry. Our efforts will focus on the following three main areas:

First, in promoting green and low-carbon transformation, we will deeply implement energy-saving and carbon-reducing actions, primarily targeting key industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals, petrochemicals, and building materials, as well as key sectors like data centers and communication base stations. We will synergistically advance digital and green transformations to enhance energy utilization efficiency. We will support enterprises in building a number of digital energy and carbon management centers. Additionally, we will accelerate the establishment of a resource recycling system, promote large-scale and high-value utilization of industrial solid waste and renewable resources, and improve the security and assurance of resource supply.

Second, in building a green manufacturing system, we will introduce an action plan for the green and low-carbon development of the manufacturing industry, implement green manufacturing projects, and cultivate green factories and green industrial parks. We will pioneer the development of green supply chains in sectors such as aviation, shipbuilding, new energy vehicles, and energy electronics. We will actively explore effective methods for managing the carbon footprint of industrial products and promote the development of carbon footprint accounting standards for key products.

Third, in cultivating and expanding green industries, we will strengthen the development and supply of green and low-carbon technology and equipment products. We will accelerate the development of green and low-carbon industries such as hydrogen energy, new ways of storing energy, eco-friendly equipment, green intelligent computing, and smart microgrids, continuously creating new competitive strengths for the industry. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

I am particularly interested in the deepening of reforms in the industrial sector. Could you please share what measures the MIIT has implemented in recent years to comprehensively deepen reforms? What are the plans for the next steps? Thank you.

Xin Guobin:

Reform and opening-up is the driving force for the development of China. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the MIIT has faithfully implemented the major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on deepening reforms across the board. We have developed and promoted a series of reform measures, providing strong support for advancing new industrialization. I will now introduce four key aspects of these efforts.

For example, we have accelerated the deep integration of digitalization and industrialization. We have completed a series of top-level design tasks, including the deep integration of next-generation information technology and manufacturing, artificial intelligence-empowered new industrialization, and the digital transformation of manufacturing. We have planned and implemented smart manufacturing projects and the innovative development strategy of industrial internet, promoting the widespread application of next-generation information technology across the entire industry and value chain of manufacturing. The overall effect has been very significant, with new models and formats such as flexible and custom-tailored production, smart factories, and service-oriented manufacturing continuously emerging. The modes of production and the forms of enterprises in the manufacturing industry are undergoing fundamental changes.

For example, we have vigorously promoted industrial technology innovation. By implementing major national science and technology projects and key programs such as rebuilding the industrial foundation and developing important technologies and equipment, we are fully leveraging the advantages of a new system for mobilizing nationwide resources to build a modern industrial system driven by sci-tech innovation. Mr. Jin just mentioned the achievements in the development of large aircraft. Through the development of the C919 large passenger aircraft, we have established a large aircraft industry system centered on the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, in collaboration with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, which spans the entire country and aims at the global market. We steadily advanced the innovative development of mobile communications, explored and formed a development model highlighting advanced research, standardization, system innovation, network development and application utilization, and achieved leapfrog development – in the 2G era, we were merely a follower; in the 3G era, we realized breakthroughs; in the 4G era, we caught up with the world; and now in the 5G era, we are the leader.

For example, we have adhered to promoting reform through opening-up. In the manufacturing sector, China has already announced the complete removal of market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, welcoming foreign enterprises to invest and deepen their presence in China to enjoy China's development opportunities. In the telecommunications sector, we are steadily advancing opening-up. Recently, we have arranged to further expand the opening-up of value-added telecommunication services such as data centers in four regions, including Beijing. By the end of June this year, the number of foreign-invested enterprises operating in China's telecommunications sector had reached 2,037.

For example, we have resolutely implemented the principle of unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector while encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector. We encourage various types of enterprises to compete and complement each other with their own advantages. We are continuously advancing the transformation of government functions and innovating regulatory approaches, making strengthening services for enterprises an important responsibility in industry management. We have established and improved regular communication and exchange mechanisms with manufacturing enterprises and innovative, high-tech SMEs, fully listening to their opinions and suggestions to stimulate their motivation and vitality. We have supported the deepening of reforms to state-owned enterprises in the manufacturing sector to enhance their core competitiveness and core functions, creating important equipment for the development of the country. We have revised the "Law on Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises" and issued regulations on ensuring payments to SMEs, building a mechanism for nurturing high-quality enterprises in tiers, promoting specialized, refined and innovative enterprises, and enabling more high-quality enterprises to stand out.

Moving forward, we will thoroughly study and implement the principles of the upcoming third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. By taking solid steps and delivering tangible results, we will ensure the effective implementation of reforms, continuously adding new momentum for development and expanding new development spaces. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Due to the limited time, we will take two final questions.

CMG Voice of China:

We have noted that at the national science and technology conference held recently, the innovative achievements in the fields of new energy vehicles, BeiDou navigation, large aircraft and high-speed railways were particularly eye-catching. The MIIT has frequently mentioned industrial technology innovation. What measures will be taken to continue advancing these efforts? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your interest in industrial technology innovation. This is of great significance to the development of the manufacturing industry. At the national science and technology conference held recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping fully recognized innovative achievements in fields such as artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles, BeiDou navigation, large aircraft and high-speed railways, pointing out that China had taken new strides in strategic high-tech fields, and emphasizing the promotion of deep integration between innovation in science and technology and industrial innovation so as to help develop new quality productive forces. Focusing on building industrial technology innovation systems, we will improve innovation abilities and solidify the foundation of new-type industrialization. In the field of industry and information technology, we will make efforts in the following four aspects:

We will center on four points in key and core technological breakthroughs. First, we will implement major national science and technology projects, fully leverage advantages of a new system for mobilizing nationwide resources, address shortcomings, strengthen advantages and accelerate breakthroughs in key core technologies. Second, we will effectively implement national key research and development programs, strengthening basic research, frontier technologies and application demonstrations. Third, we will effectively implement the industrial foundation reengineering project to enhance the quality and competitiveness of basic components, basic electronic components, basic software and basic materials. Fourth, we will implement research projects on major technologies and equipment, focusing on making breakthroughs in a number of strategic equipment.

In strengthening the principal role of enterprises in innovation, we will fully leverage the leading role of top-tier technology enterprises and key enterprises in various industrial chains, map out more national innovation platforms at enterprises, and encourage and support capable enterprises to undertake national science and technology innovation projects. We will accelerate the development of high-tech enterprises and innovative SMEs, guide more innovative elements such as talent, capital and technology to gravitate towards enterprises, and encourage and support manufacturing enterprises to closely cooperate with universities and research institutions to jointly conduct scientific research and cultivate scientific and technological professionals.

Regarding platform construction, China has built 30 state-level manufacturing innovation centers, which have played an important role in making breakthroughs in key generic technologies. Next, we will intensify efforts and further optimize the structure, focusing on emerging fields such as biomanufacturing and building more national manufacturing innovation centers. We will concentrate on key areas, including electrical information, fine chemicals, and important equipment, and plan and construct platforms for pilot experiments and application verification. These efforts will provide more robust support for technological iteration, process improvement, and product innovation.

In terms of improving and enhancing sci-tech services, we will issue policies and measures to promote the high-quality development of the sector, expand the market, foster internationalized sci-tech intermediaries, and facilitate the transformation of sci-tech achievements into products and industries. We will implement a project to promote excellence in manufacturing quality, advance the program to improve the standardization of emerging industries and cultivate renowned Made-in-China brands. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

One last question.

Beijing Radio and Television Station:

National high-tech industrial development zones, like Beijing's Zhongguancun and Shanghai's Zhangjiang, have attracted many high-tech enterprises and high-end industries. These zones serve as important examples and guiding forces. I'd like to ask how these high-tech zones are currently performing. Additionally, what are your plans to further promote their high-quality development? Thank you.

Jin Zhuanglong:

Thank you for your questions. People are familiar with these national high-tech zones. They are sci-tech industrial zones approved by the State Council to develop high-tech industries and promote the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. There are 178 national high-tech industrial development zones across the country, with unique advantages in innovation capability, business strength, and industrial competitiveness. I will provide a set of data to demonstrate their strengths. Currently, national high-tech industrial development zones account for more than 20% of total industrial value added in the country. They have gathered 30% of all high-tech enterprises and 40% of “little giant” enterprises with high growth potential, advanced technology and strong market competitive edge. These zones account for 50% of enterprise R&D expenditures and invention patents. They have also gathered 60% of listed companies on the sci-tech innovation board, 70% of national manufacturing innovation centers, and 80% of national key laboratories. These high-tech zones have developed a number of strategic industries, including high-end equipment, new materials, and new-generation information technology, becoming the backbone for fostering national advanced manufacturing industrial clusters.

The core mission of these high-tech zones is to develop advanced technologies and achieve their industrialization. In light of new circumstances and requirements, their key task is to cultivate and develop new quality productive forces. Therefore, to drive high-quality development, national high-tech zones should focus on developing advanced technologies, achieving industrialization, and accelerating the formation of new quality productive forces. We will build upon our good practices, solidify our efforts, innovate, and accelerate the construction of top-class high-tech industrial zones. Our goal is to create hubs of industrial sci-tech innovation. National high-tech zones will serve as good examples of innovation-driven development, vanguards of new quality productive forces, and pioneers of high-quality development. The focus will be on three aspects:

First, we will enhance industrial sci-tech innovation capabilities. We will map out more innovation platforms in national high-tech zones, including national manufacturing innovation centers, large-scale scientific facilities, and key laboratories. We will develop various platforms for pilot experiments and verification and incubators for highly competitive enterprises to attract and cultivate more top-level talents and innovation teams. We will support the undertaking of major sci-tech projects and key R&D programs. We will foster world-class and leading sci-tech enterprises. We will also implement an initiative to promote collaborative innovation between national high-tech zones, universities, and university sci-tech parks.

Second, we will enhance and expand dominant industries. Guided by sci-tech innovation, we will coordinate the development of traditional, emerging, and future-orientated industries. We will accelerate the construction of digitalized and eco-friendly industrial zones to create world-class advanced manufacturing clusters. We aim to create new development opportunities and build industrial coordinated innovation networks. We will develop and open up important application scenarios, and guide suitable high-tech zones to build pilot areas to develop future-oriented industries.

Third, we will improve the operational framework for national high-tech zones. We shall ensure that the principal responsibility of constructing national high-tech zones is effectively fulfilled, coordinating various resources and elements, including science and technology, education, industries, human resources, and financing. We will also further improve the structure of these zones, with plans to elevate a number of provincial-level high-tech zones to national status. We will explore targeted policies for national independent innovation demonstration zones with distinctive features. We will also improve the comprehensive appraisal system for national high-tech zones and establish all-in-one administrative service platforms. Furthermore, we will upgrade the Torch Program for high-tech industry development. That's all I have to share. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Jin. Thank you to all speakers and journalists for participating. The press conference is hereby concluded. See you next time.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Yuan Fang, Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Yanfang, Mi Xingang, Zhou Jing, Yan Bin, Guo Yiming, Li Huiru, Qin Qi, Liu Jining, Liu Sitong, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Bian Zhigang, vice administrator of the China National Space Administration (CNSA)

Mr. Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang'e-6 mission

Mr. Lin Yiming, vice president of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

Mr. Liu Yunfeng, a person in charge of the Department of International Cooperation at the CNSA

Mr. Li Chunlai, deputy chief designer of the Chang'e-6 mission and researcher of the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 27, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). The Chang'e-6 mission has been a complete success. Today, we have invited Mr. Bian Zhigang, vice administrator of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), to brief you on the mission's developments and answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang'e-6 mission; Mr. Lin Yiming, vice president of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; Mr. Liu Yunfeng, a person in charge of the Department of International Cooperation at the CNSA; and Mr. Li Chunlai, deputy chief designer of the Chang'e-6 mission and researcher at the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Now, I'll give Mr. Bian the floor for his introduction.

Bian Zhigang:

Thank you, Ms. Shou. Hello, everyone. I would like to express my gratitude for your interest in and support for and coverage of the Chang'e-6 mission.

Here at the venue, we have models of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe and the Queqiao-2 relay satellite on display. At 2:07 p.m. (Beijing Time) on June 25, the returner of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe landed precisely in its designated area in Siziwang Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, bringing back samples collected from the moon's far side for the first time in human history. General Secretary Xi Jinping extended congratulations on the complete success of the Chang'e-6 mission, noting that this mission marks another landmark achievement in China's endeavor to build a strong country in space as well as in science and technology. All those who participated in the mission have been greatly inspired.

The fourth phase of the lunar exploration program is a major space project personally approved by General Secretary Xi Jinping. It fully demonstrates the high level of regard and care for the country's space industry by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as well as the unique strengths of the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide. As the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee approaches, the Chang'e-6 mission's achievement of the world's first lunar far-side sample return has exhilarated the entire nation and captured global attention. Over the past three months, we, together with the people across the country, have closely followed and eagerly anticipated every step of the Chang'e-6 mission. On March 20, the relay satellite Queqiao-2 was launched to provide Earth-moon communications services. On May 3, a Long March-5 rocket was launched on schedule, successfully sending the Chang'e-6 probe into its predetermined orbit. Over 53 days, Chang'e-6 underwent 11 challenging stages. These included Earth-moon transfer , near-moon braking, and the separation of the lander-ascender combination from the orbiter-returner combination. It then achieved a smooth lunar landing, used a drill to collect subsurface samples, and grabbed surface samples with a robotic arm. The mission continued with lifting off from the lunar surface, rendezvous and docking between the ascender and the orbiter-returner combination, and the transfer of samples. This was followed by lunar orbiting, moon-Earth transfer, and finally, re-entry and recovery. Finally, the Chang'e-6 probe successfully returned to Earth.

This was a journey of exploration. The geological structure, material composition, and early cosmic environment of the far side of the moon are shrouded in mystery. The Chang'e-6 probe landed at the edge of an impact crater known as the Apollo Basin, located in the northeast of the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin on the far side of the moon. The crater is the largest, deepest, and oldest known impact crater on the moon. Scientists will study the subsurface samples collected with a drill and the surface samples grabbed with a robotic arm, hoping to unravel significant scientific mysteries about the evolution of the moon and the solar system.

This was a journey of innovation. The Chang'e-6 mission was the most technically advanced lunar exploration endeavor in China's space history, achieving three major technological breakthroughs and one world first. Specifically, it mastered the technologies of lunar retrograde orbit design and control, intelligent sampling as well as takeoff and ascent from the far side of the moon. Additionally, it successfully accomplished the world’s first automatic sampling and return from the far side of the moon, setting another world record for China's space endeavors. Additionally, the new basalt fiber material and intelligent mobile camera technology, were used to unfurl a Chinese national flag on the far side of the moon. These advancements have broad applications for national economic growth and the public's well-being, contributing to a better quality of life.

This is also a journey of cooperation. This mission involved cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA), France, Italy, and Pakistan in operating four payloads, obtaining valuable firsthand scientific data. Additionally, there was collaboration in the field of telemetry, tracking, and control. Space agencies from several countries, diplomats stationed in China and officials from international organizations were invited to observe the launch. After the success of the mission, heads of those organizations, as well as foreign counterparts and friends, sent us congratulations and spoke of their interest in deepening cooperation with China. I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of the CNSA. We also encourage domestic and foreign scientists to jointly conduct scientific research on lunar samples and data, and strive to obtain more original outcomes.

It is particularly noteworthy that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the CPC Central Committee's decision to implement the lunar exploration program. Over the past 20 years, those involved in the program have strengthened their responsibilities to the mission, kept moving forward until our goals are met, and advanced steadily step by step, leading to successive victories and continually turning the Chinese nation's dream of embracing the moon into reality. The program has brought together thousands of research units and tens of thousands of scientific and technological workers across the country, fostering and refining the spirit of lunar exploration. It has cultivated many outstanding scientific, technical and management talents, formed a successful model for the implementation of major scientific and technological projects, built up China's core capabilities in deep-space exploration, and forged a high-quality and cost-effective path for lunar exploration. Each mission, after achieving its set goals, has conducted extended experiments, laying a more solid foundation for subsequent project tasks. For example, in the field of scientific discovery, scientists from around the world have published over 1,900 research papers based on China's lunar exploration data. Chinese scientists discovered a new mineral using lunar samples collected during the Chang'e-5 mission and named it Changesite-(Y). This is the sixth mineral found on the moon by mankind. Their research also proved that magmatic activities existed on the moon 1.96 billion years ago, extending the "life" of lunar volcanism 1 billion years longer than previously known. The entry of lunar samples into the "Chang'e Era" has greatly enriched humanity's understanding of the moon and the universe.

Ladies and gentlemen, deep space is boundless and infinite, while humanity's quest for knowledge is limitless. The follow-up Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8, and the planetary exploration missions Tianwen-2 and Tianwen-3, are progressing as planned. The CNSA will further conduct various forms of international exchanges and cooperation in the aerospace sector based on equality, mutual benefits, peaceful utilization and inclusive development. We look forward to joining hands with more international colleagues to make new contributions to expanding human understanding, improving human welfare and promoting the construction of a global community of shared future for mankind in outer space.

Thank you. Next, my colleagues and I will take your questions.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Bian. The floor is now open for questions. Please state the name of the media organization you work for before asking your questions.

China Daily:

Yesterday afternoon, the reentry capsule of the Chang'e-6 lunar probe was opened in Beijing. The public is very interested to know, how many grams of lunar samples were retrieved this time? In addition, what challenges and difficulties did you encounter during this mission to the moon's far side? And what innovations were made during the Chang'e-6 mission?

Bian Zhigang:

I'd like to invite Mr. Hu to answer your questions.

Hu Hao:

Just like the Chang'e-5 sampling mission, our plan was to bring back 2 kilograms of lunar soil during the Chang'e-6 mission. The container was designed to hold exactly 2 kilograms, and cannot hold any more. We will have to wait until tomorrow to reveal whether we have achieved this goal, but we are confident that there will be surprises.

Originally as a backup for Chang'e-5, the Chang'e-6 program was intended to fulfill a new mission: working on the far side of the moon. Speaking of challenges faced by the program, I believe they can be summarized in the following aspects: First, were in terms of quality and reliability. Space missions are extremely complex. As a backup, it had been a long time since the Chang'e-6 spacecraft was produced. All products have a lifespan as soon as they are produced, and the lifespan of Chang'e-6 determined how the mission would be completed. How do we handle, replenish and replace these products with longer production times during the implementation? All these were significant challenges.

To successfully complete the Chang'e-6 probe mission, we made some replacements based on spare components for the Chang'e-5 spacecraft. We must ensure that all products sent into space are safe and reliable. The same is true for ground-based products. As the aerospace sector is a large system, only by collaborating between space and ground systems can we accomplish the mission. The quality of ground-based equipment affects the reliability of the entire system. Much of the equipment was manufactured during the Chang'e-1 mission, so before the launch of Chang'e-6, we thoroughly reviewed the quality and reliability of the spacecraft and ground equipment to ensure that the entire system was more robust, healthier and more reliable. This was our first challenge. To complete any mission, we must have a healthy body, so we always follow the principles of putting the condition of the probe and rocket first. 

Second, the challenges brought to us by changes in technological conditions. To land and collect samples on the far side of the moon, we needed to make many compatibility changes and also some adjustments to adapt to the conditions on the moon's far side. As we know, direct communication is not possible with the moon's far side, which required us to add a relay satellite. The probe needed to be adapted to this relay satellite's requirements, which then brought us many challenges. We paid great attention to the challenges brought by the changes in technological conditions. Through thorough verification and full preparation, we ensured these changes in conditions could respond to the requirements of the lunar environment and the entire system.

Third, the challenges in terms of planning. We started the Chang'e-6 mission in August 2022, and launched the lunar probe on May 3, 2024, giving us only around a year and a half for preparation. This was a tense part of the whole project. Moreover, we added international payloads and a relay satellite. We needed to develop the relay satellite from scratch, and our research team overcame multiple difficulties during this short period to carry out numerous experiments and extensive verification work. The current relay satellite was designed not only for the Chang'e-6 mission, but also for subsequent missions. Therefore, we needed to carry out continuous cutting-edge research to ensure it met the needs of both the Chang'e-6 mission and subsequent development. Therefore, we carried out a lot of work in terms of research and development in the past more than one year, which was quite challenging.

Fourth, challenges in terms of international payload cooperation. We promised to carry 10 kilograms of international payloads on both the lander and the orbiter and we fulfilled our promise. We did a good job in carrying the payloads, which were all related to research projects. During this period of more than one year, we needed to work with international teams to jointly complete the mission, which was very challenging. We speak different languages, have different working habits, and follow different standards on research and development programs, therefore, we needed to accommodate each other as we carried out a large number of experiments. The facts show that we successfully fulfilled our mission, or in other words, we successfully addressed these challenges. These challenges are invaluable and we will draw on these experiences to perform more complicated tasks in the future. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

The landform is very complex on the moon's far side, where communication is limited. What advanced technologies or strategies were used to ensure the lander's safe landing and effective sampling during the 53-day intricate mission to explore the moon's far side? Also, how did the research team ensure the high reliability of the probe during the research and development process? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

This really was a huge challenge. I would like to invite Mr. Lin to answer your questions.

Lin Yiming:

Thank you for your questions. Our mission was to enable the Chang'e-6 lunar probe to collect samples from the moon's far side and bring them back. At the beginning of the research and development, we were already aware of the great difficulties, challenges and risks we would face, such as the complex landform on the moon's far side and high requirements for the timing of the sampling. When the probe lifted off from the moon's far side, the ground could not provide support, hence the probe's take-off mainly depended on our monitoring and control of orbit-related calculations. To back up this work, our team made breakthroughs in the design and control of the lunar retrograde orbit, intelligent sampling on the moon's far side, autonomous lift-off on the moon's far side, and other relevant key technologies, completing reliable and safe sampling work and bringing the samples back.

As for how the mission's success was ensured, Mr. Hu has already mentioned related measures. I would like to add a few more.

First, we designed the probe based on system engineering technologies, focusing on the probe's comprehensive integration and optimized design. When selecting the flight orbit, we used our experience from previous missions and took into account the relationship between the Chang'e-6 and Chang'e-5 probes, as Chang'e-6 was originally designed as a backup for Chang'e-5. One of the considerations was on the configuration and layout. Moreover, we overcame various constraints in terms of resources, such as the area for sampling, illumination on the moon's far side, as well as measurement and control conditions, and designed a retrograde orbital flight plan, providing an optimal and highly efficient design plan for the entire system.

Second, emphasis was placed on risk recognition and control throughout the research and development process to ensure the lunar probe's high quality and reliability. Based on the characteristics of the Chang'e-6 mission, we implemented thorough measures for risk recognition and control in both technology and management, utilizing specialized methods for aerospace products. Carrying forward China's space industry's spirit and fine traditions, we adhered to the "zero-defect" management philosophy and maintained a rigorous and meticulous work style. In line with aerospace quality processes, we addressed every doubt, potential issue, or problem to achieve our goal of doing things right the first time. As you know, there are more than one thousand actions during the flight process, and we executed each one precisely.

Third, significant work was done to improve quality management from good to excellent to accomplish the mission. We established a quality management system for China's aerospace science and technology that is scientifically structured, process-optimized, efficient, collaborative, and continuously improving. By managing the quality of all personnel, elements, processes, and data and carrying out a series of activities that included organizational oversight, independent evaluations, credibility building, and verification, major projects, represented by the lunar exploration program, have been successfully completed with high quality and efficiency.

The complete success of the Chang'e-6 mission is a historic achievement made under the strong leadership, close attention, and dedicated care of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It is also a remarkable fruit achieved by leveraging the strengths of the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide to realize greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. Looking forward, we will bear in mind our mission of building up China’s strength in aerospace, promote the spirit of China's space industry and lunar exploration program, and continuously implement the country's major space projects, including deep space exploration. This will enable us to contribute more to boosting China’s aerospace strength and advancing national rejuvenation. Thank you.

AFP:

U.S. laws prohibit space cooperation with China. What are your comments and views on this? Will American scientists participate in the research of the new lunar samples collected by Chang'e-6? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

Thank you for your questions. China has always maintained an open mind regarding aerospace exchanges and cooperation with the U.S. We have previously established working groups for space cooperation in earth and space sciences with the U.S., and we have also once established a civil space dialogue mechanism with the U.S. government. At the request of the U.S., we also created an exchange mechanism for orbital data of Mars rovers, so that the two countries could jointly assess collision risks and ensure the smooth and sustained progress of both sides' Mars exploration programs. However, U.S. domestic laws, such as the Wolf Amendment, have become obstacles impeding aerospace cooperation between the two countries.

Over six decades of space endeavors, China has made great achievements in this area, and all these accomplishments are the result of the hard work and wisdom of the Chinese people. While the Wolf Amendment has hindered normal Sino-U.S. aerospace exchanges, it cannot impede the rapid progress of China's space development.

As for your question, I believe that U.S. scientists are willing to participate in the study of the new lunar samples. If the U.S. genuinely wants to engage in normal space exchanges with China, it should take concrete measures to remove the obstacles.

In the future, China will advance its space plan at its own pace and for peaceful purposes, while maintaining an open-minded and inclusive attitude to embrace equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Thank you.

Cover News:

We know that the previous 10 lunar sampling missions were conducted on the moon's near side. Why did the Chang'e-6 probe choose to collect samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon this time? How does collecting soil from the far side differ from collecting it from the near side? What potential scientific advancements could this bring to our research? Thank you.

Li Chunlai:

Thank you for your questions. The decision to land Chang'e-6 in the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon was based on a combination of scientific and technological considerations. Technologically, as Mr. Hu mentioned, direct communication with Earth is not possible from the far side of the moon. Therefore, sampling and landing on the far side require overcoming this obstacle by launching a relay satellite to facilitate communication for sampling and landing operations on the far side of the moon. This is an important validation and enhancement of deep space communication technology. Additionally, the far side of the moon has a much more complex terrain and topography compared to the near side. Successfully landing and collecting samples in such an area involve overcoming many difficulties, but it also helps to advance the technological level of lunar exploration missions, laying a foundation for future operations under complex exploration conditions.

In terms of scientific research, the South Pole-Aitken Basin is the largest, deepest and oldest basin discovered on the moon so far. Studying its geological composition, material makeup and evolutionary history can help us understand the primary geological evolution of both the moon and the Earth. To date, all the lunar samples collected by humans from previous 10 trips, including those from the Chang'e-5 mission, have been collected from the moon's near side. Chang'e-6 brought back samples from the far side of the moon for the first time, which will hopefully provide crucial insights into the dichotomy of the moon and help us gain a more complete understanding of its history. Samples from the South Pole-Aitken Basin might include materials from the moon's deep interior or even its mantle, offering valuable data for studying the moon's internal composition. Therefore, landing and sampling on the far side not only represent a significant scientific breakthrough, but also advance lunar exploration technology, highlighting the multifaceted significance of the Chang'e-6 mission.

The samples collected from the far side of the moon, and from the South Pole-Aitken Basin in particular, might exhibit significant differences in terms of mineral chemical composition compared to those from the near side. These differences will soon be revealed. Studying these samples will help reveal the unique geological structures and material compositions of the moon's far side, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the moon's geological evolution history. In other words, with the samples collected previously, we have only understood half of the moon. The Chang'e-6 sampling site is located in a vast impact basin, which may have ejected materials from the depths of the moon. These materials which were ejected during early impacts, are extremely valuable and also difficult to obtain. This offers a great opportunity to understand the internal structure and composition of the moon. The South Pole-Aitken Basin, being a massive impact crater, can provide insights into early impact history and even the early impact processes on Earth, helping us to understand the history of the early evolution and impacts of the solar system, and advancing comparative planetology research. Thank you.

Hu Hao:

I would like to add something. Mr. Li has provided a very professional introduction, so I will offer a "less professional" perspective. During the sampling process, we noticed that the soil from the far side of the moon seems different from that of the near side. The soil from the near side is relatively soft and loose, while the soil from the far side seems different. Therefore, we have high expectations and hope that scientists will make significant new discoveries. Thank you.

Television Broadcasts Limited:

This mission took a total of 53 days and marks the first time that humans have collected lunar soil samples from the far side of the moon. What were the most difficult and challenging parts of the entire mission? A team from Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the development of the sampling equipment for the Chang'e-6 mission. How did their design help the team overcome these difficulties? Will there be more collaborations of this kind in the future? Thank you.

Hu Hao:

The lunar sample collection received special support from PolyU, as the Surface Sampling and Packing System used in this mission was jointly designed and developed by professor Yung Kai-leung 's team at the university. The process was quite challenging because the school does not traditionally engage in aerospace design and manufacturing. Despite this, they overcame numerous difficulties. The team was outstanding, diligent and meticulous, ensuring that the system was flawless before launch. This was true for both the Chang'e-5 and Chang'e-6 missions. In fact, I believe the Chang'e-6 sampling operation went even more smoothly than Chang'e-5, collecting more samples than anticipated. The results are promising regarding the amount collected. Moreover, we hope that more of our Hong Kong compatriots can get involved. During the initial phase of research, many universities and research institutions in Hong Kong applied for and received lunar samples. We also hope that these participating institutions and schools in Hong Kong will produce excellent results. The outcomes of the Chang'e-6 mission look very promising, and we encourage their enthusiastic participation.

Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

We understand that the lunar soil samples collected by Chang'e-6 come with high expectations. What is the research and application mechanism for these samples? Are foreign scientific research teams eligible to apply? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

I will invite Mr. Liu Yunfeng, who oversees international cooperation, to answer this question.

Liu Yunfeng:

The acquisition of samples from Chang'e-6 has garnered significant attention. China has been actively promoting international cooperation since the beginning of lunar and deep space exploration. To foster effective joint research and applications in the field of lunar and deep space exploration, and to facilitate the international sharing of scientific achievements, the CNSA has formulated the lunar sample management regulations and the Rules for Management of International Cooperation in Lunar Samples and Scientific Data. These regulations detail the application process for lunar samples research and provide specific information on international cooperation. China welcomes researchers worldwide to apply according to the relevant procedures and share the benefits. Thank you.

CGTN:

This year marks the 20th anniversary of China's lunar exploration program. Over the past 20 years, we have made remarkable achievements, from taking photos of the moon to the first landing on the far side of the moon and bringing back lunar samples. Looking ahead, what are China's plans for deep space exploration? What key projects will be prioritized in China's space program? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

In the future, China's deep space exploration will focus on two aspects: lunar exploration and planetary exploration. In terms of lunar exploration, following the complete success of the Chang'e-6 mission, we will proceed with the Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8 missions. The Chang'e 7 mission is mainly to survey resources at the lunar south pole , while Chang'e 8 will conduct technical verification of the in-situ utilization of lunar resources. In the future, we plan to collaborate with international partners to build an International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) , promoting shared use and benefit from our lunar exploration results. In terms of planetary exploration, China has approved four missions to be accomplished within 10-15 years. Among them, the Tianwen -1 Mars mission, which was a complete success in 2021, marked China's advancement beyond lunar exploration. Our future missions will include asteroid exploration, a Mars sample return mission, and the exploration of other planetary systems. These missions aim to advance our understanding of the origin and evolution of the solar system, study the impact of small celestial bodies and solar activity on Earth, and search for signs of extraterrestrial life, among other scientific goals.

Around 2025 , Tianwen-2 will embark on its main mission of asteroid exploration. It will aim at a near-Earth asteroid for companion flight and sample retrieval. The Tianwen-3 Mars mission, set for around 2030, aims to return samples from Mars to Earth. Tianwen -4 is scheduled to explore the Jupiter system by around 2030. Currently, we are intensively working on the key technologies and the detailed implementation plans for both the Tianwen-3 and Tianwen-4 missions. Additionally, we are also deliberating major national science and technology projects, including heavy-lift launch vehicles and reusable space transport systems. In the future, we will also strengthen basic research, accelerate the R&D of key and core technologies, and promote the innovative development of space science, space technology, and space application.

I think we may have several more press conferences here over the next 10 years. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

As we eagerly anticipate the exciting discoveries that the Chang'e-6 lunar probe will bring back, I would like to inquire about the findings from the 1,731 grams of lunar samples retrieved by Chang'e-5 in December 2020. Over the past three and a half years, what progress has been made in researching these lunar samples? Have we uncovered any secrets about the moon? Thank you.

Li Chunlai:

It has been over three years since the Chang'e-5 mission retrieved lunar samples, specifically basalts collected from the near side of the moon. Since then, Chinese scientists have conducted systematic research on these samples and achieved numerous breakthroughs, many of which have been published in major academic journals such as National Science Review, Science Bulletin, Nature and Science. More than 100 high-quality journal articles have been published in this short period, covering topics such as the moon's geology, geochemistry, lunar chronology, space weathering, lunar impact glasses, and the utilization of lunar soil. One of the most significant discoveries is that the basalts retrieved by the Chang'e-5 probe were found to have been formed by volcanic eruptions approximately 2 billion years ago. Distinct from the research results on older samples returned by the Apollo missions, this discovery has extended the known period of lunar volcanism by nearly 1 billion years. In addition, the Chang'e-5 samples have been identified as a new type of basalt, formed from a previously unknown magmatic activity. This discovery fills the gap in lunar sample studies conducted by the United States and the former Soviet Union. Moreover, a special mineral named Changesite-(Y) was also discovered in the Chang'e-5 samples, and other chemical features of these samples indicate that volcanic activity during the moon's geological evolution may have occurred in a unique environment. Chinese scientists have also thoroughly studied the glass materials in the Chang'e-5 lunar regolith samples, detecting a variety of space-weathered hydroxyl radicals and iron nanoparticles. Therefore, the research results have been quite fruitful. Thank you.

Liu Yunfeng:

Allow me to share an additional update. China has initiated the first application and review process for international participants to study Chang'e-5 lunar samples. We will inform the media at the appropriate time once the results are available.

China Media Group:

My question for the spokesperson: General Secretary Xi Jinping noted in his congratulatory message on the complete success of the Chang'e-6 mission that over the past 20 years, all those involved in the project have embarked on a path of high-quality and highly effective lunar exploration. How do you define "high-quality" and "highly effective" in the context of lunar exploration? What are the specific examples? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

I believe this is evident in every aspect of our work. Our lunar exploration project has been ongoing for 20 years. Over the past two decades, we have faced this momentous project head-on and completed the engineering and scientific tasks beyond the set targets, all within the specified timeframe and budget. I'll leave more details to Mr. Hu.

Hu Hao:

I have been involved in this project for quite some time, so I'll break it down for you. China's lunar exploration project started relatively late, as multiple countries had already launched their projects before us. Around the time of the Chang'e-1 probe, other countries had already conducted more than 100 lunar exploration activities. Therefore, it was a late start for China. However, we made sound plans, drawing upon the experiences of other countries, and made appropriate arrangements in accordance with China's national conditions. We proposed a three-step lunar exploration strategy at that time: "orbiting, landing, and returning." This has advanced the country's overall space exploration technology, nurtured a group of talented individuals, and improved our understanding of the moon. With reasonable costs and a comparatively short period, this project has yielded significant results. Today, the reason why some foreign experts and institutions have taken the initiative to work with us in exploring the moon is our hard work over the past two decades. Our success has ensured our credibility and boosted the confidence of all participants.

In addition, we are also witnessing improvements in technological capacities and their enabling conditions. At the time of the Chang'e-1 probe, we lacked the Chinese Deep Space Network , the measurement techniques related to the re-entry corridor , and the ability to conduct high-speed re-entry and return at escape velocity. However, these challenges have been overcome in the past two decades. China has not only landed on the moon but also reached Mars. Over this period, we have forged a path, developed a skilled team, and achieved numerous accomplishments. Thank you.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus: 

The Chang'e-6 spacecraft carried international payloads from France, Italy, the ESA, and Pakistan. Could you provide details on these collaborations? What additional international cooperation projects are planned for future lunar and deep-space exploration missions? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

As you mentioned earlier, China is committed to collaborating fully with global peers in aerospace exploration. I'll pass the floor to Mr. Liu Yunfeng for further details.

Liu Yunfeng:

Thank you for your question. The situation of the international payloads on Chang'e-6 has been of great interest to everyone. Mr. Bian has already introduced that there were a total of four international payloads. I will introduce them one by one. On May 8, the cube satellite from Pakistan successfully separated from the Chang'e-6 probe after the near-moon braking maneuver, captured images of the moon, and transmitted them back, thus successfully completing its mission. On May 10, the CNSA handed over the data from the cube satellite to the Pakistani side. On June 2, after the lander and ascender module landed on the moon, France's lunar radon detector, and the lunar surface negative ion analyzer of the ESA, smoothly carried out scientific explorations. Italy's laser retroreflector is working normally; the radon detector operated on the lunar surface for 32 hours, and the lunar surface negative ion analyzer functioned for 3 hours and 50 minutes. It should be said that the performance of these international payloads has been outstanding.

China has always adhered to the principles of equality and mutual benefit, peaceful use, and inclusive development, actively carrying out international cooperation in space. In the Chang'e-4, Chang'e-5, Chang'e-6 and Tianwen-1 missions, China has conducted various forms of international cooperation with space science and technology institutions in many countries, including payload carrying, measurement and control support, orbital data exchange, and joint research on lunar samples. For the upcoming Chang'e-7 mission, six international payloads have been selected. Last year, the announcement for international cooperation opportunities for Chang'e-8 was released, offering around 200 kilograms of payload space to the international community, while more than 30 cooperation applications have so far been received. In the ILRS project, the CNSA has signed cooperation agreements with more than 10 countries. Currently, China is formulating feasibility studies and will collaborate with partners on various aspects such as tasks, project design, joint implementation and scientific data sharing for future projects. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Let's continue with the questions. Two journalists have raised their hands. These will be the last two questions.

Now TV:

The China Manned Space Engineering Office (CMSEO) previously announced the completion of the selection process for the fourth batch of reserve astronauts, including a payload expert from Hong Kong. Has this selected individual started training? When do you estimate that she will begin participating in the country's space missions? Are there any plans to recruit more Hong Kong compatriots to participate? Thank you.

Bian Zhigang:

Thank you for your questions. The related work is currently in progress. Please follow the official updates from the CMSEO for further information. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

The last question.

The Poster News APP:

In this Chang'e-6 mission, during the processes of launching, orbiting, landing, sampling, ascending and returning, what eye-catching small details did you meticulously design? What are the stories behind them, and could you share some with us? Thank you.

Hu Hao:

I'll share one detail that everyone is very interested in. During the launch, we did not expect such heavy rain, which made the Long March 5 rocket experience significant rain right from the start. This was unexpected. We initially thought the weather would be fine, but it ended up raining heavily. However, a rainbow later appeared, which was a pleasant surprise.

Additionally, another point of great interest is the work conducted on the moon. There were questions earlier about the pattern left on the moon's surface during the sampling process. This is a matter of interpretation; it was not done deliberately but has indeed sparked people's imaginations. The way it was formed led many to speculate whether it was intentional. However, it was not. Nonetheless, it is indeed very interesting. This is something subject to interpretation, and please appreciate the mystery behind this.

That is all from me. Thank you, everyone.

Lin Yiming:

The question raised by the journalist just now was particularly good. After the lander and ascender touched down on the lunar surface, we took a photograph of the whole scene. But how was this photo taken? Our researchers are very clever. As previously mentioned, the lunar exploration project is of high quality and high efficiency. We installed a very nimble, short-term use camera where the probe's counterweights were placed. After the main mission was completed, the camera detached from the lander and took a complete photo of the lunar surface. That's all from me. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to all the speakers and the journalists. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Ma Yujia, Zhou Jing, Lin Liyao, Qin Qi, Yan Bin, Zhu Bochen, Zhang Rui, Huang Shan, Li Huiru, Liu Qiang, Wang Yanfang, Yuan Fang, Liu Sitong, Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Zhang Jianhua, administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA)

Mr. Li Fulong, director general of the Department of Development and Planning of the NEA

Mr. Du Zhongming, director general of the Department of Electricity of the NEA

Mr. Li Chuangjun, director general of the Department of New Energy and Renewable Energy Sources of the NEA

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 20, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), as part of the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Zhang Jianhua, administrator of the National Energy Administration (NEA), to brief you on relevant developments and answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Li Fulong, director general of the Department of Development and Planning of the NEA; Mr. Du Zhongming, director general of the Department of Electricity of the NEA; and Mr. Li Chuangjun, director general of the Department of New Energy and Renewable Energy Sources of the NEA. Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhang for his introduction.

Zhang Jianhua:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. I am pleased to meet with friends from the media to brief you on implementing the new energy security strategy and promoting high-quality energy development.

Energy is a crucial material foundation and driving force for economic and social development, directly impacting the people's livelihoods and national security. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), General Secretary Xi Jinping has placed significant emphasis on energy work. In June 2014, he proposed the new energy security strategy, featuring reforms in four main aspects and comprehensive international cooperation, which provides a fundamental guideline for China's high-quality energy development in the new era. Over the past decade, we have vigorously promoted revolutions in energy consumption, supply, technology and institutional frameworks, and strengthened international cooperation in all aspects, achieving historic milestones in energy development. These efforts have strongly supported the building of a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way and the new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects.

We have actively embraced the concept of green development, fully leveraging the driving role of the transformation on the consumption side. Our energy consumption structure has continuously improved, and green and low-carbon energy development has reached new heights. From 2013 to 2023, the proportion of coal consumption decreased from 67.4% to 55.3%, a cumulative decline of 12.1 percentage points. Non-fossil energy sources, such as wind power, solar power, hydropower, nuclear power and biomass, increased their share from 10.2% to 17.9%, a cumulative increase of 7.7 percentage points. Profound changes have taken place in energy use across industries, transportation, construction and daily life. The quality of petroleum products has been upgraded from "China III" to "China VI" emission standards, significantly contributing to improved air quality. Additionally, we established the world's largest charging infrastructure system, significantly enhancing the environmentally friendly aspects of economic development.

We have adhered to a holistic approach to national security, focusing on enhancing domestic resource production capabilities to ensure our energy independence. The stability and security of our energy supply have reached new heights. From 2013 to 2023, total primary energy production increased by 35%. Raw coal production capacity continued to strengthen, crude oil production remained at 200 million metric tons, and installed power generation capacity and natural gas production doubled. Wind power installed capacity grew from over 76 million kilowatts to more than 440 million kilowatts, increasing nearly fivefold. Photovoltaic power installed capacity expanded from over 19 million kilowatts to over 600 million kilowatts, growing more than thirtyfold. In 2023, the newly installed renewable power generation capacity exceeded half of the global total, with the cumulative installed capacity accounting for nearly 40% of the global share. The capacity for west-to-east electricity transmission exceeds 300 million kilowatts, supporting about one-fifth of the electricity demand in central and eastern China. The total length of long-distance oil and gas pipelines increased from over 100,000 kilometers to 190,000 kilometers, an approximately 80% growth. Per capita household electricity consumption nationwide increased from 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to nearly 1,000 kWh, doubling over the period, effectively meeting the energy needs of 1.4 billion people.

We are committed to innovation-driven development, accelerating self-reliance and strength in energy science and technology. Traditional energy industries have been transformed and upgraded, while we fostered competitive advantages in new energy sectors. Our energy technology has reached internationally advanced levels. We developed independent intellectual property rights for third-generation domestically developed pressurized water nuclear technology, including the Hualong One. The commercial demonstration project of the world's first high-temperature gas-cooled reactor in Shidaowan, Shandong province, was completed and put into operation. Breakthroughs were made in unconventional oil and gas exploration and heavy-duty gas turbine development. We maintained a world leading position in technologies like ultra-high voltage power transmission and high-parameter coal-fired power generation. The wind power industry established a comprehensive industrial chain from equipment manufacturing, development and construction to operation and maintenance. The conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells has set multiple world records, and the costs of wind and solar power generation decreased by 60% and 80%, respectively. Our hydropower industry leads globally, exemplified by the Baihetan hydropower station, which has the world's largest single-unit capacity. The industrialization of cutting-edge technologies like new energy storage and hydrogen energy accelerated.

We continue to deepen reforms, promoting better interplay between efficient markets and well-functioning government. We have improved the legal framework for energy, accelerated the development of the energy market, and enhanced the effectiveness of energy governance. Reforms in key energy areas and critical sectors remain ongoing. Laws and regulations on energy have been strengthened, with a draft energy law undergoing review by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and the revision of the laws on electricity, coal and renewable energy progressing in an orderly manner. A unified national electricity market system is rapidly developing, with over 60% of electricity consumption now subject to market-based transactions. The oil and gas market system is taking shape, and mechanisms for medium- and long-term coal contracts and market pricing are continually improving. The dividends of energy reforms continue to drive vitality among various business entities, providing powerful momentum for high-quality energy development.

We are committed to the vision of building a global community of shared future, expanding high-standard openness in the energy sector, boosting pragmatic international cooperation, and increasing involvement in global energy governance. Energy cooperation with the global community has expanded in all dimensions. Overseas oil and gas cooperation zones and import channels have been further strengthened. Several landmark projects have been completed and started operation, such as the Belo Monte ultra-high voltage (UHV) direct current (DC) transmission project in Brazil and the first overseas Hualong One nuclear reactor in Pakistan. We have achieved electricity interconnection with seven neighboring countries. We established two important diplomatic mechanisms, the Belt and Road Energy Partnership, and the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership. A total of six regional energy cooperation platforms have proven beneficial, including those with ASEAN and the League of Arab States. China has become an increasingly important force in the global energy governance system.

Chinese-style modernization raises new and higher requirements for energy development. We will continue to implement the new strategy for energy security and accelerate the planning and development of a new type of energy system, fully promoting the high-quality development of the energy sector. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Zhang. The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the news agency you represent before raising questions. 

Shenzhen Satellite TV:

I have noticed that developing a new energy system has become a hot topic on the internet regarding the energy sector. I'd like to ask, what specifically makes this energy system "new?" What is the current progress in implementing it? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for the questions. I will answer them. Developing a new energy system is essential for ensuring national energy security. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress outlined the important strategic decision of moving faster to plan and develop a new energy system. The Central Economic Work Conference has made specific arrangements in this regard for two consecutive years. This is also the overall objective and a strategic task of energy development in the new era. In the past two years, the NEA has thoroughly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, made greater efforts to ensure both high-quality development and greater security, deepened understanding of the new energy system in terms of its core meaning and distinctive features, and implemented various tasks and measures through solid efforts. We have made progress in developing the new energy system, encompassing four aspects:

First, the energy landscape has seen a significant shift towards cleaner sources. In recent years, we've rapidly increased our non-fossil energy supply. During the first three years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, annual growth outpaced that of the 13th Five-Year Plan period by 40%. The share of clean energy in total energy consumption rose by 0.7 percentage point each year. Notably, the installed capacity of non-fossil energy power generation has now surpassed that of thermal electricity for the first time.

Second, the energy supply side has become more resilient. In 2023, production of primary energy resources - including coal, oil, and gas - reached 4.83 billion tons of standard coal equivalent. Currently, the country's total installed power generation capacity exceeds 3 billion kilowatts. In recent years, crude oil production has held steady at 200 million tons annually. Natural gas production has increased by more than 10 billion cubic meters each year for seven consecutive years since 2017. Additionally, our capacity to manage energy reserves has continued to improve.

Third, the industrial system has been more advanced. China's new energy power generation technologies now lead the world. The "new three," including photovoltaic cells, have become the new hallmark of China's foreign trade exports. The country also constructed and commissioned its first commercially operated high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Innovative modes and formats continue to emerge. Smart microgrids have enabled the integrated development of power sources, grids, electricity loads, and energy storage. Meanwhile, virtual power plants are effectively guiding consumers to participate willingly in demand response initiatives.

Fourth, the foundation for energy governance has been strengthened. The draft Energy Law has been submitted to the National People's Congress for deliberation. A multi-layered, unified electricity market system is being developed step by step. The regulatory system for natural monopolies in the energy sector has been improved. Key policies and mechanisms have been fully implemented, including the issuance of green power certificates and the renewable energy consumption responsibility weighting system.

Next, we will intensify our efforts to build a new energy system, prioritizing energy security and rapidly developing a diverse energy supply system. We will focus on reshaping the energy demand and supply model, creating synergy in transforming consumption patterns, and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces in the energy sector.

Red Star News:

As the meteorology agency predicts, most parts of China will experience higher temperatures this summer than previous years. It will likely be a challenge to ensure power supply and meet peak demands on hot summer days. What is your plan for ensuring a stable power supply during extreme weather? How will you satisfy residential electricity demands? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Mr. Du, please answer these questions.

Du Zhongming:

Thank you for the questions. As you have seen, many parts of China have recently endured higher temperatures. Since the beginning of this year, electricity consumption has continued its rapid growth momentum. From January to May, total electricity consumption reached 3.84 trillion kilowatt-hours, up 8.6% year on year. This summer, the electricity load of the whole country will increase rapidly, and the maximum load is expected to rise by more than 100 million kilowatts year on year. After comprehensive analysis, we project that during the peak summer season, the overall power supply in the country can be ensured. However, certain areas may face tight supply during peak hours. Extreme weather events or natural disasters could further exacerbate this situation.

The NEA aims to ensure a flexible and reliable power supply under normal conditions, with measures to address short-term local shortages and contingency plans for extreme situations. We will work to ensure that all those involved fully shoulder their share of responsibilities and strive to maintain a safe and stable power supply during peak summer periods. We will take the following measures:

First, we will strengthen monitoring and early warning. We have released the forecast for electricity supply and demand during the 2024 peak summer season. Additionally, we will introduce province-specific policies, guiding key provinces and related enterprises to prepare in advance. Currently, we monitor daily electricity consumption, coal supply, and power generation capacity nationwide and in key regions, promptly addressing any issues that arise. This approach proved effective last year. In May 2023, through full efforts in organization and coordination, Yunnan's coal power plants under central dispatch operated at full capacity, achieving the highest monthly electricity generation in a decade. This strategy effectively offset the drought-induced hydropower shortages, securing a stable power supply in the lead-up to the flood season.

Second, we will fully utilize the power system's capacity during peak demand periods. We will guide power grid companies in optimizing their dispatch and operation schedules, ensuring smooth transmission from power plants to users. By leveraging regional differences in peak electricity hours, we can balance supply and demand across areas and provinces, enabling regions with surplus power to support those experiencing shortages. Additionally, we will optimize the coal power capacity pricing assessment mechanism to fully incentivize coal power plants to increase electricity generation as needed, ensuring they operate at maximum capacity and stability to meet peak demand requirements.

Third, we will accelerate the development of supporting power sources. We are pushing for supporting power projects, such as the second phase of the Banji Power Plant in Anhui and the fifth phase of the Dalad Power Plant in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to be completed and put into operation on schedule. 

Finally, we will guide local governments in refining their work plans. We will enhance and precisely implement load management measures to avoid power cuts, ensuring that everyone's basic daily electricity needs are consistently met. Thank you.

CCTV:

We recognize that economic and social development across all sectors is inextricably linked to how we utilize energy. Considering our dual carbon goals, how can we coordinate the high-quality development of our energy sector, and which key areas should we focus our efforts on? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. As you mentioned, energy acts as the fundamental material prerequisite for economic and social development. China's energy supply has grown by nearly 20% since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, effectively supporting the rapid growth in energy demand for the economy and people's livelihoods. With the advancement of new industrialization and urbanization, China's energy demand is expected to continue rising, which requires a reliable energy supply. At the same time, energy development must adhere to the dual carbon goals, including increasing the share of non-fossil energy consumption in primary energy consumption to around 25% by 2030 and lowering carbon emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% compared to 2005 levels. The fundamental task for high-quality energy development in the coming period is to accomplish the dual carbon goals in an orderly and steady manner while effectively safeguarding reasonable energy needs for economic and social development.

To achieve these goals, we will coordinate energy security and low-carbon transition, working on both the supply and demand sides to promote high-quality energy development. First, on the demand side, we will focus on energy-saving and carbon reduction. We will implement the action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction during 2024-25. Efforts will be made to reduce fossil energy consumption, replace it with alternative energy sources, and strictly control coal consumption. We will continue to promote the transformation and upgrading of energy use, deeply advance the adoption of clean electricity in industries, construction, transportation, and agriculture, and enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure. By 2025, we aim to build around 12 million charging stations nationwide and increase the electrification rate of terminal energy use to about 30%. Second, on the supply side, we will focus on increasing the quality and quantity of non-fossil energy. We will intensify the development of non-fossil energy sources, coordinating the development and utilization of nuclear power, hydropower and new energy. We will optimize the regulation capability of the power system to improve the grid's ability to accept, allocate, and regulate clean energy. At the same time, we will facilitate the issuance and trading of renewable power and green electricity certificates to promote the growth of green power consumption. Efforts will be made to ensure the increase in energy demand is increasingly met by non-fossil energy sources, with an aim to increase the share of non-fossil energy consumption by 1 percentage point each year.

Bloomberg:

I have two questions about solar power. My first question is about solar power companies. They have been handling some financially difficult times. Some, including, Trina Solar, have asked for the government intervention to help control capacity expansion in this industry. Is there anything that the government can do to help out that important industry? Secondly, China has added so much solar power in recent years that certain regions are seeing higher curtailment rates. Is there anything that the government is doing to try to increase solar adoption, whether through power market reforms or other measures? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

This question goes to Mr. Li.

Li Chuangjun:

Thank you for your question. As a clean energy source, solar energy is gaining increasing attention worldwide. Currently, competition in China's photovoltaic (PV) industry is indeed very intense. To guide the healthy development of the industry, we will take the following measures:

First, we will consolidate the newly installed domestic PV power generation market. A stable domestic market is the bedrock and anchor for the sustainable and healthy development of China's PV industry. We will focus on both centralized and distributed development. On the one hand, we will strengthen the construction of large-scale wind power and PV bases in desert, Gobi, and barren regions. On the other hand, we will steadily implement the "Light Up Thousands of Households Initiative," vigorously developing distributed PV power generation. Additionally, we will accelerate the construction of new energy infrastructure networks to enhance the grid's capacity to accommodate, allocate, and regulate new energy power generation, including PV power.

Second, we will enhance interdepartmental coordination to regulate the PV power generation industry. We will work with relevant departments to organize industry associations to quickly release information about industrial scale, capacity utilization rates, and market demand. This will help guide the construction and release of upstream PV production capacity, avoiding repetitive low-end capacity construction and creating a healthy market environment.

Finally, we will continue to enhance PV technology innovation capabilities. We will fully leverage the leading role of the national energy research and development innovation platform, directing resources to support the research and innovation of advanced technologies and capacities. This includes promoting breakthroughs in key technologies for high-efficiency solar cells and advancing technology upgrades in key basic materials. Additionally, we will work with relevant departments to strengthen the development of the PV industry standards system. Through reinforcing standards and promoting innovation, we hope to promote the healthy development of the industry.

Regarding your second question, it is true that with the large-scale and rapid growth of new energy, including PV power generation, the transition to clean and low-carbon energy has accelerated in recent years. However, the characteristics of energy supply and demand have also changed. To better promote new energy development, we will actively advance the construction of the electricity spot market to facilitate the generation of time-based price signals that more accurately reflect electricity supply and demand. Six regions, including Shanxi, Guangdong, Shandong, Gansu, western Inner Mongolia, and Hubei, have implemented measures to guide users to consume more electricity during peak new energy production periods through price signals. Additionally, we will further expand spot market coverage, steadily and orderly promote the participation of new energy in the electricity market, and encourage new energy consumption and the sustainable, healthy development of the new energy industry through effective market mechanisms. Thank you.

South China Morning Post:

As China progresses towards the dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 and the objective of building a new power system with new energy as the mainstay, the proportion of new energy in the power grid system is gradually increasing. However, this also brings various challenges, including the excessive distributed PV installations in some regions. This leads to reverse power flow and affects grid stability. What measures will be taken to promote the utilization and integration of renewable energy power generation? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your question. I will invite Mr. Du Zhongming to answer it.

Du Zhongming:

Indeed, the issue you raised is very important, and we are continuously strengthening monitoring and conducting in-depth research. As Mr. Zhang Jianhua mentioned, China's installed power capacity has reached 3 billion kilowatts. Last year, the installed capacity of non-fossil energy in China exceeded 50%, historically surpassing the installed capacity of fossil energy. With the further acceleration of new energy development, by the end of April this year, the cumulative installed capacity of wind and PV power generation in China exceeded 1.1 billion kilowatts, a year-on-year increase of about 38%, significantly increasing the demand for utilization and integration. To improve the power system's ability to accommodate new energy, we need to accelerate the construction of supporting grid projects for new energy and urge grid companies to optimize grid connection processes. This year, we are focusing on promoting the construction and commissioning of 33 key projects, including the Sichuan-Chongqing 1,000kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) alternative current (AC) project and the Qinghai Hongqi 750kV transmission and transformation project. Additionally, we will accelerate the construction of 37 key projects, including the Shaanbei-Anhui UHV direct current (DC) project and the Gansu-Zhejiang UHV DC project, to provide strong support for new energy consumption. Furthermore, we are actively promoting the adjustment of system regulation capabilities and the coordinated development of grid sources. We will maximize the role of the power grid as a resource allocation platform, flexibly adjust the mode of dispatch and operation, and enhance inter-provincial mutual assistance and resource-sharing capabilities. In addition, we have optimized the new energy utilization rate targets, allowing for more flexible targets for some areas with favorable resource conditions, but generally not lower than 90%, and we conduct dynamic assessments based on the annual consumption situation. While enhancing the consumption capacity of the power grid, we have also proposed measures to improve the comprehensive carrying capacity of the distribution network. Regarding the distributed PV challenges you mentioned, they mostly occur on the distribution network side. To meet the requirements of large-scale development of distributed new energy, we will strengthen the construction and transformation of the distribution network, build a strong and flexible grid structure, enhance the level of intelligence, and improve the dispatch operation mechanism. By 2025, the distribution grid will be able to accommodate about 500 million kilowatts of distributed new energy.

Next, we will focus on constructing a new power system. We will guide local energy authorities, power enterprises, and various dispatched agencies to earnestly implement relevant requirements. We will adopt multiple measures to ensure the effective accommodation of new energy power, promote the construction of a new energy supply and consumption system, and provide solid support for the high-quality development of new energy.

Thank you!

Jinan Times:

Coal is currently the mainstay of China's energy supply, serving as a crucial guarantee for energy security and a key raw material for industrial production. As the world's largest energy producer and consumer, could you please provide an update on the high-quality development of coal in China? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

I will hand this question to Mr. Li Fulong.

Li Fulong:

Thank you for your important question. Coal remains the main energy source in China, playing dual roles as a significant fuel and industrial raw material. Use of coal provides a solid footing for ensuring national energy security. Over the past decade, we have balanced development and security, continued to develop digital and smart coal mines, rationalized the expansion of advanced capacity, and strengthened the clean and efficient utilization of coal. The high-quality development of coal industry has been cemented, providing a solid foundation for ensuring national energy security. 

This is reflected in four aspects:

First, coal supply security has been continuously enhanced. Coal development has increasingly gravitated towards resource-rich and competitive western regions. Raw coal production in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang increased significantly from 2.59 billion tons in 2013 to 3.83 billion tons in 2023, with the share in national output up 11.8 percentage points, playing a leading role in coal supply. Large-scale modern coal mines now dominate production, reducing the number of mines from over 10,000 to about 4,200.

Second, there have been notable achievements in green and intelligent coal development. Environmentally friendly coal exploitation technologies have been widely applied, leading to marked improvements in ecological conditions at mines. The mine water comprehensive utilization rate and land reclamation rate both rose by more than 10 percentage points. The intelligent construction of coal mines has entered a new phase of accelerated and deepened development. As of the end of May 2024, investments in intelligent coal mine construction have exceeded 112 billion yuan. Nationwide, 1,993 intelligent coal mining faces and 2,232 intelligent heading faces have been developed, effectively reducing manpower while improving safety and efficiency. Preliminary statistics show that key coal mines have reduced single-shift personnel at smart mining faces by more than six people, with work efficiency increasing by over 20%, marking a significant transformation in coal production methods.

Third, clean and efficient coal utilization has seen continuous improvements. Efforts have been made to enhance coal washing and dressing capabilities. The commercial coal quality evaluation and management criterion have been improved continuously, prompting steady upgrades of coal quality. Meanwhile, in the electricity sector, which is the primary field of coal consumption, efforts to phase out outdated coal-fired units have been coordinated with reforms to save energy, reduce carbon emission, improve flexibility, and renovate heat supply system. As of the end of last year, over 95% of coal-fired units have achieved ultra-low emissions, and China has established the world's largest clean coal-fired power supply system. Key breakthroughs have also been achieved in coal-to-oil and coal-to-gas technologies and equipment, continuously optimizing related operation indices.

Fourth, there has been leapfrog development in coalbed methane (CBM), or coalmine gas, exploitation and utilization. The coal industry has continued to promote comprehensive CBM governance, demonstrating significant economic, social, and ecological benefits. The CBM industry has realized large-scale development. Two major industrial bases have been established in the Qinshui Basin and the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin. National CBM production reached 11.77 billion cubic meters in 2023, nearly quadrupling the 2013 level, serving as a significant supplement to the natural gas supply. Thank you!

Cnr.cn:

My question is still about renewable energy. Mr. Zhang just mentioned that China's contribution exceeded half of the newly installed global renewable energy capacity in 2023. Furthermore, China's wind power and photovoltaic products have been exported to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide. I'd like to ask: What experiences have we gained in promoting the utilization of renewable energy? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you. I'll invite Mr. Li Chuangjun to answer this question.

Li Chuangjun:

Thank you for your question. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has on many occasions made important instructions on the development of renewable energy. Guided by the new energy security strategy of "Four Revolutions and One Cooperation," our country's renewable energy development has achieved leapfrog progress, moving from small-scale to large-scale, and from catching up to leading the way. China's renewable energy development has garnered worldwide attention. Here are the main experiences we've gained:

First, we have benefited from vast market potential. As the world's largest energy producer and consumer, our country has enormous power demand and a strong need for new installed capacity. This vast space has provided ample opportunities for renewable energy development in China. As Mr. Zhang mentioned, of the 510 million kilowatts of the global renewable energy capacity additions in 2023, China's contribution exceeded 300 million kilowatts, surpassing the rest of the world combined.

Second, we have benefited from proactive policy support. Since the implementation of the Renewable Energy Law, a comprehensive policy support and regulatory system for renewable energy has been gradually established, encompassing laws and regulations, strategic planning, industrial policies, standard systems, and supervision and management.

Third, we have benefited from timely policy adjustments. We have promptly adjusted and improved support policies. In the early stages, we reduced the price of on-grid electricity for new energy generation projects annually based on technological advancements and cost reductions in wind power and photovoltaics. For example, the benchmark on-grid electricity price for photovoltaics in Class III resource areas in 2020 was 0.06 yuan lower than in 2019. In recent years, we have gradually shifted the development of the new energy industry from policy-driven to market-driven, vigorously promoting wind power and photovoltaics into a new development stage and having achieved grid parity through competitive allocation.

Fourth, we have benefited from extensive market participation. New energies like wind power and photovoltaics enjoy a high degree of marketization, with an open market environment, diverse market entities, active private enterprises, sufficient market competition, and vibrant innovation. Taking photovoltaics as an example, there are over 100 listed companies in China's photovoltaic industry.

Fifth, continuous technological innovation has been key. Our country's renewable energy industry has consistently pursued technological innovation, satisfying ever-changing market demands through accelerated iterations of technology and products. Currently, China's wind power sector has reached an internationally advanced level in areas such as large-scale turbines and floating units. Crystalline silicon photovoltaic technology continues to upgrade, further consolidating and enhancing China's leading position internationally. Thank you.

Tide News:

Recently, we've heard some Western countries hyping up the issue of "overcapacity" in China's new energy sector, claiming that China's new energy exports are impacting international markets. Could you please comment on this from the NEA's perspective?

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your question. Mr. Li has just introduced some data on our country's new energy development, from which I believe many conclusions can be drawn. China's new energy industry has proven its true capabilities through open competition and represents advanced production capacity. It has not only enriched global supply and alleviated international inflationary pressures but also made significant contributions to global climate change mitigation and green transformation. This achievement has been fully recognized by the global energy industry. From both the perspectives of comparative advantages and global market demand, China's new energy industry does not face the so-called "overcapacity" issue.

In the context of economic globalization, we should adhere to the principles of a market economy and the law of value when addressing issues of production capacity. The balance between supply and demand is inherently relative, often characterized by imbalance as the norm. This dynamic is common in market economies, where moderate oversupply can drive technological advancement and industry-wide cost reductions. The primary solution to addressing these issues lies in allowing the market to adjust in accordance with the law of value.

Take photovoltaics as an example. On one hand, the global photovoltaic industry is experiencing a prosperous growth cycle, with companies eager to expand their production capacities. According to estimates by the International Renewable Energy Agency, to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the cumulative global installed capacity of photovoltaics is projected to surpass 5.4 billion kilowatts by 2030, nearly quadrupling the capacity installed by 2023. Therefore, the development prospects are very promising. In China, the upstream photovoltaic industry is predominantly composed of highly competitive private companies. Due to optimistic expectations for future market growth, these companies are actively expanding their production capacities. On the other hand, the adoption of new technologies and the phase-out of outdated capacities require time. Technological advancements in the photovoltaic industry have been rapid, stabilizing new technological pathways since 2023 and notably reducing investment costs in production capacity equipment. Companies are continuously commissioning advanced capacities to maintain overall market competitiveness. Meanwhile, outdated capacities still exist on a large scale and need to be gradually phased out. During the transition period of technological pathways, the coexistence of new and old capacities has also increased the overall industry capacity. Additionally, some companies need to enhance their core competitiveness. In the context of the industry's continuous technological development, some companies have gradually lost market competitiveness due to a lack of ability to continuously optimize processes and upgrade production lines. Moving forward, we will proactively collaborate with relevant departments to regulate the orderly development of the photovoltaic industry and promote its healthy and sustainable growth.

Furthermore, I would like to emphasize that the essence of international cooperation lies in complementary advantages and mutual benefits. There are broad common interests and significant international cooperation opportunities among all parties in the green transition. Therefore, China aims to collaborate with all parties to uphold the basic principles of fair competition and open cooperation in a market economy. Together, we strive to enhance our clean energy industry and supply chains, share knowledge and experiences, and contribute significantly to the global green and low-carbon transition. Thank you.

Nanfang Daily:

Recently, the State Council issued an action plan for energy conservation and carbon reduction during 2024-25. Could you please provide us with an update on the progress made in promoting energy conservation and carbon reduction within the energy sector? What are the key measures planned moving forward? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

I would like to invite Mr. Li to answer this question.

Li Fulong:

Thank you for your question. The issue you have raised is very important. Energy conservation and carbon reduction are vital steps in actively and steadily achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, comprehensively advancing the Beautiful China Initiative, and promoting the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. Over the past decade, under the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping's new energy security strategy of "Four Reforms and One Cooperation," which focuses on energy consumption, supply, technology and system reforms and international cooperation, China has significantly improved its energy utilization efficiency, positioning itself as one of the world's leaders in reducing energy intensity. At the same time, we must recognize that China faces significant pressure from energy demand, and the challenges of energy conservation and carbon reduction are formidable. Currently, China's per capita energy consumption is only about two-thirds of the average level of OECD countries, and energy demand will continue to grow steadily in the foreseeable future. According to the requirements of balancing energy security and low-carbon transformation, we need to continue to make coordinated efforts from both the supply and consumption sides to promote energy conservation and carbon reduction with greater intensity.

On the one hand, we need to increase the supply of non-fossil energy on the supply side. This involves accelerating the construction of large wind power and photovoltaic bases, actively and safely developing nuclear power in an orderly manner, promoting offshore wind power development and construction, and coordinating the integrated development of hydropower, wind power, and photovoltaic power in major river basins. We also need to vigorously develop distributed renewable energy systems. Additionally, we will advance the construction of new energy infrastructure networks to improve the grid's ability to accept, allocate, and regulate clean energy. By 2030, 70% of the increase in energy consumption will be met by non-fossil energy.

On the other hand, we will enhance the level of green and low-carbon energy use on the consumption side. This includes supporting key industries in implementing energy conservation and carbon reduction measures, innovating energy supply and consumption models in industrial parks, and continuing to vigorously expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We will also take various measures to promote the electrification of sectors such as industry, construction, and transportation. By 2025, the electrification level of terminal energy consumption is expected to reach approximately 30%. We will continue to enhance the issuance of green certificates and strive to ensure green certificates are available for all renewable energy projects, including wind power, solar power, and biomass power, as early as possible. Additionally, we will enhance the green certificate trading mechanism to promote the expansion of green energy consumption across society. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

You have just mentioned the continuous increase in the installed capacity of new energy. We believe that developing new ways of storing energy is also very important. The Report on the Work of the Government this year also, for the first time, proposed the creation of new energy storage methods. Could you please provide an update on the current progress of new types of energy storage projects? What additional work is needed to further develop new types of energy storage across China? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

We will have Mr. Li Chuangjun answer this question.

Li Chuangjun:

Thank you for your question. New types of energy storage are a crucial component of both new power and new energy systems. They are key supporting technologies in China's efforts to build these new systems. Their development can drive the growth of upstream and downstream industrial chains and promote scientific and technological innovation, talent cultivation, and investment and employment. They have become one of the new growth drivers for the development of new quality productive forces.

As of the end of May this year, China's installed capacity of new energy storage projects that had been constructed and put into operation exceeded 38 million kilowatts, with an average storage duration of 2.2 hours. There are 12 provinces and regions with an installed capacity of over 1 million kilowatts. New energy storage technologies continue to emerge, with a diverse range of technological approaches flourishing. Currently, lithium-ion battery storage still holds the dominant position and is widely applied in new energy power stations, substations and industrial parks. In addition, technologies such as compressed air energy storage, flow battery energy storage, and flywheel energy storage are also developing rapidly. Several large-scale projects are under accelerated construction, including 300,000-kilowatt class compressed air energy storage projects, 100,000-kilowatt class flow battery storage projects, and megawatt-level single-unit flywheel energy storage projects. New technologies, such as gravity energy storage, liquid air energy storage, and carbon dioxide energy storage, are also being implemented. Overall, the field is demonstrating a trend of diversified development.

Next, the NEA will strengthen the tracking of new types of energy storage pilot demonstrations and advance innovation in new energy storage technologies. We will enhance the mechanisms for grid connection, dispatch and operation of new energy storage systems while promoting their regulatory role. We will proactively plan and strengthen top-level design, promote the scientific and efficient allocation of new energy storage in new energy bases, and promote the high-quality development of the new energy storage industry. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

One last question, please. 

The Poster News APP:

When it comes to energy, the general public is most concerned about whether there's enough electricity and natural gas for their homes. What specific measures has China taken to ensure energy supply for people's basic needs since the proposal of the new energy security strategy? Thank you.

Zhang Jianhua:

Thank you for your question. People's direct experience of high-quality energy development is that their energy needs have been met, and the quality of energy use has improved. In recent years, the NEA has upheld a people-centered approach, safeguarding energy supply for basic needs and continuously improving people's sense of fulfillment.

The quality and level of general energy services have greatly improved. China's natural gas consumption rose from 170.5 billion cubic meters in 2013 to over 390 billion cubic meters in 2023, ensuring natural gas supply for people's basic needs. The construction and upgrading of rural power grids have been vigorously advanced. By the end of 2015, all people in China had gained access to electricity, with China leading developing countries in achieving universal electricity access. By the end of 2020, the large power grid covered all counties nationwide, and villages within its coverage were provided with three-phase power, effectively ensuring power supply for rural production and life. Priorities have been given to ensure power supply for people's basic needs. We have guided local governments to unlock potential in demand response from the supply side and optimized power curb measures based on industrial structures, ensuring that electricity use for people's basic needs and important users is not affected. According to the World Bank's Business Enabling Environment assessment, China ranks 12th globally in the "Getting Electricity" indicator.

We have actively responded to people's expectations and needs for energy use in green living. We've promoted clean winter heating in northern China, tailored to local conditions, rapidly increasing the proportion of clean energy heating and significantly improving residential heating conditions. Charging infrastructure has developed rapidly, with nearly 10 million charging points for electric vehicles built. More than 95% of expressway service areas are now equipped with charging facilities. China has developed a charging infrastructure system with the largest number of facilities, the widest range of services, and the most complete types of charging facilities, supporting the energy needs of over 20 million new energy vehicles in China.

Energy projects have contributed to poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. Projects featuring comprehensive and complementary utilization of diverse energy sources, including photovoltaics, biomass energy and energy storage, have been built in agricultural industrial parks and villages where conditions allow. Poverty-alleviation photovoltaic power stations have been constructed and put into operation, with a total installed power-generating capacity of 26.36 million kilowatts. These stations generate an annual revenue of 18 billion yuan and benefit 4.15 million households that were lifted out of poverty.

Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to Mr. Zhang, all the speakers, and our friends from the media. Today's briefing is now concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Zhang Junmian, Cui Can, Zhang Rui, Yan Xiaoqing, Xiang Bin, Wang Ziteng, Huang Shan, Liu Caiyi, Zhou Jing, Xu Kailin, Li Huiru, Liu Sitong, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Chen Min, vice minister of water resources

Mr. Wu Wenqing, chief planner of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR)

Mr. Yu Qiyang, director general of the Department of Water Resources Management of the MWR

Mr. Chen Mingzhong, director general of the Department of Rural Water and Hydropower of the MWR

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 18, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), as part of the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Chen Min, vice minister of water resources, to brief you on relevant developments and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Wu Wenqing, chief planner of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR); Mr. Yu Qiyang, director general of the Department of Water Resources Management of the MWR; and Mr. Chen Mingzhong, director general of the Department of Rural Water and Hydropower of the MWR. 

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Chen for his introduction. 

Chen Min:

Ladies and gentlemen, first of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the friends from the media and people of all walks of life for your long-term interest in and support for China's water conservancy undertakings. 

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that to promote Chinese modernization, it is essential to consider water resources issues, and water conservancy modernization is an integral part of Chinese modernization. Water conservancy is a fundamental support and vital driving force for achieving high-quality development. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), General Secretary Xi Jinping, with a strategic vision of ensuring the sustainable development of the Chinese nation, has proposed the water management strategy of "prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, taking systematic approaches, and giving full play to the roles of both government and market." In this way, a national "river strategy" has been formulated, drawing a grand blueprint for the country's water network. Thoroughly implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's water management strategy and the guiding principles of his important discourses in this regard, the MWR has coordinated high-quality development with high-level security and protection, and taken a holistic approach to the management of water-related disasters, water resources, water ecology and water environment. The MWR has committed itself to deepening water conservancy reform, aiming to enhance the intrinsic motivation for high-quality development. We have constantly improved the capacities for flood and drought prevention, efficient and intensive use of water resources, optimal allocation of water resources, and ecological conservation of rivers and lakes. These reforms have been consistently integrated into our work, effectively ensuring China's security in terms of flood prevention, water supply, food and ecology. 

We have continued to put people first to ensure the utmost protection of people's lives and property. We have accelerated the improvement of the river basin flood prevention project system, rainwater monitoring and forecasting system, and flood and drought prevention system. As a result, China's overall capacity for flood and drought prevention has significantly increased, with flood losses as a percentage of GDP falling from 0.51% in the previous decade to 0.24%. In the past three years, we have successfully managed several major historic floods, including the worst autumn flood along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River since the founding the People's Republic of China, the "23-7" super large flood in the Haihe River Basin, and the worst flooding of the Beijiang River in the Pearl River Basin since 1915. These efforts have ensured peace for the people and social stability by maintaining the tranquility of rivers and lakes.

We have prioritized water conservation to enhance the capacity for efficient and intensive use of water resources. We have conducted the national water conservation campaign and refined related systems and polices, tightening rigid constraints on water resources. Over the past decade, while nearly doubling the GDP, China has achieved zero growth in total water consumption, maintaining it below 610 billion cubic meters. Our water consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP and per 10,000 yuan of industrial value added have decreased by 41.7% and 55.1%, respectively. Notably, the water use efficiency of agriculture, the largest water consumer, has continuously improved, with the average water consumption per mu (around 0.07 hectare) of irrigated farmland falling to below 350 cubic meters, a reduction of nearly 13% compared with 10 years ago. As a result, the irrigated area and grain production have steadily increased while water consumption has remained stable. 

We have adhered to the principle of balancing spatial distribution to promote comprehensive improvement of water resources allocation. Focusing on networking, supplementation and chain enhancement, we have advanced the implementation of national key water network projects, as represented by the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. We have coordinated the high-quality development between regional water networks and provincial, municipal and county-level water networks, substantially intensifying the water resource support for the implementation of national strategies. Over the past decade, the newly added water supply capacity of water conservancy projects nationwide has reached around 200 billion cubic meters, three times that of the previous decade. Additionally, the irrigated farmland area has expanded by about 87 million mu, bringing the total area of effectively irrigated farmland to 1.06 billion mu. Tap water coverage in rural areas has reached 90%. 

We have always taken systematic approaches to maintaining the health and vitality of rivers and lakes to higher standards. We have emphasized harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, and continuously taken a holistic and systematic approach to the protection and conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems. The river chief and lake chief systems have been fully established, with 1.2 million river and lake chiefs at the provincial, municipal, county, township and village levels performing their duties. We have launched a mother river revival initiative, resulting in continuous water flow along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal for three consecutive years after a century of interruption. Beijing's mother river, the Yongding River, has seen year-round water flow throughout its entire course after 26 years of interruption. The groundwater levels in the over-extracted areas of north China have significantly risen. Over the past decade, we have managed soil erosion across 620,000 square kilometers. As a result, more rivers and lakes are experiencing increased water volumes, improved water quality and more beautiful landscapes.

We have adhered to the principle of leveraging both government and market roles, making integrated efforts to ensure law-based management systems and mechanisms for water resources. We have promulgated and implemented the Yangtze River Protection Law and the Yellow River Protection Law, as well as regulations for managing groundwater and conserving water. Moreover, we have ensured the implementation of two mechanisms: one for coordinating water resources administrative law enforcement and criminal justice and another for cooperation between water resources law enforcement and procuratorial public interest litigation. Intensified efforts have been made to enhance the overall planning, improvement, distribution, and management of river basins. We have deepened reforms of market-based trading of water use rights, water pricing, and water conservancy investment and financing systems. Moreover, an ecological product value conversion deal for soil and water conservation was signed in Anji county, Zhejiang province. China's first carbon sink trade agreement for soil and water conservation projects was signed in Changting county, Fujian province. Additionally, Sichuan province and Ningxia Hui autonomous region completed China's first cross-provincial water use rights transaction. A water conservancy investment and financing mechanism has taken shape, combining fiscal funds, government bonds, financial credit, and private capital. Investment in water conservancy facilities nationwide has surpassed 1 trillion yuan for two consecutive years.

Historic achievements and transformative changes in China's water resources management have proved that General Secretary Xi Jinping's water governance perspectives represent a correct approach to water governance that has led to significant achievements in China's practices. They have contributed to China's growing strengths, promoted the country's national rejuvenation, integrated Chinese philosophy and wisdom, pursued inclusive development for both humanity and the world, and carried both Chinese characteristics and global significance. The Chinese and English versions of "Water Governance in China – Perspectives of Xi Jinping" have elicited a positive response since their publication, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to address global water security challenges. 

In a new era and on a new journey, the MWR will further implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, and resolutely practice General Secretary Xi Jinping's water governance perspectives and important expositions on water governance. Our focus is on advancing high-quality development in the water sector and enhancing the ability to safeguard water security for building a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieving national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization. 

That's all for my introduction. I will now answer questions from journalists. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Chen, for your introduction. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.

Economic Daily:

The Outline of the National Water Network Construction Plan has been in place for over a year now. What progress has been made in building this network? How has it benefited people's daily lives? Thank you.

Chen Min:

This is indeed an issue of great concern to many. I'll now invite Mr. Wu to address your questions.

Wu Wenqing:

Thank you for your interest in the construction of our national water network. Since the CPC Central Committee set major strategic arrangements to accelerate the construction of the national water network, the MWR has focused on the following targets. We aim to create a well-developed system that is safe and reliable, intensively and efficiently managed, green and intelligent. This system must also feature smooth circulation and orderly regulation and control. Intensified efforts have been made to advance the building of the national water network. This aims to ensure the country's water security more broadly and at a higher level, while providing strong support for promoting high-quality development and enhancing people's well-being.

First, we have expedited the improvement of the core framework and vital arteries of the national water network. The first phase of the eastern and middle routes of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project have cumulatively transferred more than 72.9 billion cubic meters of water. This has become an important water source for 44 large- and medium-sized cities along the routes, benefiting 176 million people. For example, the middle route provides water for over 75% of Beijing's population and almost 100% of urban Tianjin. We've also stepped up efforts to promote the high-quality development of follow-up projects. Construction has begun on the middle route project to channel water from the Yangtze River to the Hanjiang River. We're also expediting the groundwork for the western route and follow-up projects for the eastern route. Furthermore, we will establish a water source security and quality system for the middle route. We'll intensify efforts to protect water sources and ensure that water transferred from south to north remains clean.

Second, we have bolstered the construction of key national water network projects. Since 2022, several mega cross-basin and cross-regional water transfer projects have been completed and put into operation. These include water diversion projects from the Yangtze River to the Huaihe River, from the Hanjiang River to the Weihe River, and water resource allocation projects in the Pearl River Delta. We've begun construction on several major projects, such as the Beibu Gulf Rim water resources allocation project and key water network projects in Jilin province. Moreover, we have started building 26 major large-scale water management projects. These include the Linhai Reservoir in Heilongjiang province, Xiangyang Reservoir in Chongqing municipality, Taoyuan Reservoir in Yunnan province, Changtang Reservoir in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, and Huatanzi Reservoir in Guizhou province. These projects will provide a solid foundation for water security during the implementation of major national strategies. These include the development of the western region, the rise of the central region, the comprehensive revitalization of northeast China, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They will also promote the optimization and adjustment of population density, economic layout, and territorial space utilization patterns.

Third, we have coordinated the planning and development of water networks at the provincial, city and county levels. To date, all provincial-level water network development plans have been approved and implemented, while 72% of city-level and 40% of county-level plans have been formulated. The MWR has initiated the construction of water network pilot areas at the provincial, city, and county levels, fully leveraging the role of pilot areas in boosting the development of water networks at all levels by actively drawing from local experience. At the same time, we have enhanced collaboration and integration of water networks at all levels and strengthened the coordinated development of water networks and related industries. We've also developed digital twin water networks and accelerated the development of a national water network system. This system aims to integrate urban and rural areas and improve interconnectivity. By doing so, we have bolstered the high-quality development of our economy and society while continuing to improve the well-being of our people.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

In recent years, global and regional climate change has become increasingly extreme, exerting great pressure on flood and drought prevention efforts. Could you outline the measures the MWR has implemented to prevent flood and drought disasters? Thank you.

Chen Min:

In recent years, extreme weather events have occurred frequently. Flood and drought disasters have grown more unpredictable and sudden. The MWR has acted on the principles proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief. Specifically, this means giving priority to disaster prevention while combining prevention, response and relief efforts; integrating routine disaster reduction with emergency disaster relief; shifting the focus from post-disaster relief to pre-disaster prevention; transforming our approach from responding to single disasters to comprehensive disaster reduction; and changing our strategy from reducing disaster losses to mitigating disaster risks. To achieve these goals, the ministry has focused its efforts on three areas:

In terms of the river basin flood prevention project system, we have actively promoted the construction of reservoirs, river channels, levees, and flood storage areas. Some of our key flood control projects include reservoirs like Yaojiaping in the Yangtze River Basin, Dongzhuang in the Yellow River Basin, and Datengxia in the Pearl River Basin. We've also focused on flood control in the lower reach of the Yellow River and along the Wusong River near Taihu Lake, as well as the construction of the Phase II of the Huaihe River sea channel and national flood storage and detention areas. Additionally, we've implemented large-scale projects to harness small- and medium-sized rivers, reinforce dilapidated reservoirs, and prevent and control mountain floods. Over the past decade, we've increased storage capacity by 163.2 billion cubic meters and added about 60,000 kilometers of grade 5 or higher levees. Over the past two years, we've made significant progress in constructing key levees along the main channels of major rivers and lakes, ensuring they meet the required standards. As a result, all levees around Taihu Lake meet the required standards, and all those along the Liaohe River's main channel will meet these standards within this year.

In terms of rainfall and water condition monitoring and forecasting systems, we have accelerated the construction of "three lines of defense" comprising weather satellites and rain radars, rainfall stations, and hydrological stations, to ensure both longer flood forecast periods and higher accuracy. We have established a modernized system for rainfall and water condition monitoring and forecasting in the Guanting Valley section of the Yongding River, which is the first of its kind to consider the river basin as a unit. The number of all types of hydrological stations across the country has increased from over 70,000 in 2012 to more than 120,000 at present. Monitoring and early warning platforms for mountain flood disasters have been set up in 2,076 counties and districts with disaster prevention and control responsibilities. Water condition monitoring and forecasting capabilities have continuously improved, with the accuracy of flood forecasting for major rivers rising to over 90% in the south and over 70% in the north.

In terms of the disaster prevention and control system, we have consistently focused on the following goals: no casualties, no dam failures at reservoirs, no breaches of important levees, and no impacts on critical infrastructure. Additionally, we guarantee the safety of urban and rural water supplies. We have coordinated responses to storms, floods, dangers and disasters. We have also enhanced forecasting, early warning, disaster drills and preparedness. We have strictly performed our functions in flood prevention and drought relief according to the law, taken thorough actions to identify and address risks and potential dangers, updated various response plans on a rolling basis, and strengthened the unified coordination of water conservancy projects in river basins. By doing so, we have effectively responded to major floods and severe droughts. This year, the Beijiang River in the Pearl River Basin experienced an exceptionally large and early flood compared to previous years. Through effective prediction and forecasting of water conditions and scientific coordination of flood prevention projects, we greatly alleviated the severe flood situation in the Beijiang River. This ensured flood safety for key protected areas in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Next, the ministry will stay prepared to deal with worst-case and extreme scenarios and accelerate the construction of a safe and reliable system to protect against floods and droughts, steadfastly safeguarding the bottom line of safety.

Thank you.

BRTV:

In recent years, the environment of our rivers and lakes has been improving. As a result, people have more places to enjoy water-related activities. What has the MWR done to improve the environment of rivers and lakes? What areas will the ministry focus on in its next steps? Thank you.

Chen Min:

These questions will be answered by Mr. Yu from the Department of Water Resources Management of the MWR.

Yu Qiyang:

Thank you for your question. The ecological environment of rivers and lakes is of great concern to everyone, as it's closely related to economic and social development and directly impacts people's quality of life. The MWR places great importance on protecting the ecological environment of rivers and lakes. We adhere to the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, continuously deepening our approach to river ethics. We consistently view rivers as living entities and focus on adjusting values, moral standards, responsibilities and behavioral norms concerning the relationship between humans and rivers. We have vigorously promoted the ecological restoration of rivers and lakes, resulting in significant improvements in the condition of our country's rivers and lakes.

We have made further efforts to revitalize our mother rivers. As everyone knows, the Yangtze River and Yellow River are our nation’s mother rivers, and each region has its own mother river. However, economic and social development, global climate change, and natural endowment constraints have led to rivers running dry and lakes shrinking and drying up in many regions. To address these challenges, we have implemented a series of measures to restore and protect the ecological environment of our rivers and lakes. First of all, we initiated a nationwide restoration project focusing on 88 mother rivers and lakes (79 rivers and 9 lakes) across various regions. For each river and lake, we implemented protection and restoration measures through "one river, one policy" and "one lake, one policy" approaches. These measures include ecological water replenishment, optimizing water resource scheduling and comprehensive management. For example, since 2018, we have continuously carried out ecological water replenishment actions in north China. Since 2022, we have continuously implemented water replenishment actions for the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. These actions have increased the length of rivers with water and the area of rivers and lakes with water, achieving positive results. Of the 88 mother rivers and lakes, 56 rivers have achieved full-length flow at least once, while restoration efforts on other rivers continue to show progress. All nine lakes have either reached their ecological water level targets or met their water replenishment goals. As Mr. Chen mentioned earlier, Beijing's mother river, the Yongding River, which had been cut off for 26 years, has now flowed its full length for four consecutive years. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which had been cut off for 100 years, has achieved full-length flow for three consecutive years, achieving positive results.

The second measure is to effectively ensure ecological water flow in rivers and lakes. Ecological flow is an important indicator of the degree of ecological water protection for rivers and lakes. To this end, we have comprehensively strengthened the management of ecological flow. Since 2020, we've established ecological flow targets for 171 major interprovincial rivers and 546 provincial rivers and lakes, implementing regulatory measures to ensure these goals are met. Currently, a comprehensive ecological flow guarantee system for important interprovincial rivers has been established nationwide, significantly improving the degree of ecological water protection for rivers and lakes. Monitoring indicates that over 90% of rivers consistently meet their ecological flow targets, effectively safeguarding the water ecosystems of rivers and lakes. Among other important rivers and lakes, the Yellow River has flowed uninterrupted for 24 years, while the East Juyan Lake at the Heihe River's end has maintained water for 19 consecutive years. This is quite remarkable.

The third measure focuses on intensifying efforts to treat groundwater overextraction. In recent years, we have continuously strengthened the dynamic monitoring and management of groundwater. For key areas and issues, the MWR, together with relevant ministries, has continuously carried out rectification actions. For example, in water receiving areas of the first phase of the eastern and middle routes of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, diverted water was used to reduce ground water extraction. In north China, two groundwater overextraction treatment actions have been implemented, targeting 10 key areas, including the Sanjiang Plain and the Huang-Huai Plain. The main measures include water saving and controlling to reduce groundwater use, replacing groundwater extraction with surface water, and optimizing water resource allocation and scheduling. The results have been significant. For example, north China, especially in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, saw significant groundwater recovery in 2023. Compared to 2020 levels, shallow groundwater rose by an average of 2.71 meters, while deep confined groundwater increased by 6.42 meters.

Moving forward, the MWR will continue to intensify the protection and restoration of rivers and lakes. We will firmly promote the revival actions of mother rivers, strengthen comprehensive treatment of groundwater overextraction, enhance the optimization and unified scheduling of water resources, continuously implement ecological water replenishment for rivers and lakes, improve the guaranteed degree of ecological flow, and promote the continuous improvement of the ecological environment of rivers and lakes.

Thank you.

CCTV:

Over the past seven years of implementing the river chief system, what measures has the MWR taken, and what progress has been made? How have the conditions of the rivers and lakes changed? Thank you.

Chen Min:

I will take this question. First, I would like to thank you for your interest in the river chief system, which is a major institutional innovation. Over the past seven years since the implementation of the system, the MWR has taken a series of measures and achieved significant results.

We achieved results in building a system of responsibility. The system of responsibility resting with the Party and government officials is the cornerstone of the river chief responsibility system. The 31 provincial-level river chiefs are mainly figures from Party committees and government. Over 1.2 million river and lake chiefs have been appointed across the five tiers of province, city, county, township and village to ensure that every river is under management. A dynamic adjustment and responsibility replacement mechanism has been established to ensure the continuous accountability of river chiefs. 

We made progress in terms of improving the working mechanisms. Provincial-level river chief joint conference mechanisms have been established for the seven basins of the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Huai River, Hai River, Pearl River, Songhua River-Liaohe River and Taihu Lake, coordinating joint prevention, control and treatment efforts upstream and downstream, on both sides of the rivers, as well as the main streams and tributaries. The "river chief plus police chief" and "river chief plus prosecutor" mechanisms have been effectively utilized to strengthen the connection between water administration enforcement and criminal justice, and to collaborate with public interest litigation by prosecutors, thereby addressing key issues in water administration enforcement.

We yielded results in advancing protection and management. The advantages of the river chief system have been fully leveraged to tackle issues with rivers and lakes. Over 240,000 cases of illegal occupation, mining, piling and construction have been addressed. Illegal constructions of 146 million square meters have been demolished, 98 million metric tons of garbage cleared, and over 18,000 illegal sand dredging ships dealt with. Various specialized actions for river and lake protection have been carried out, such as the Yangtze River shoreline utilization cleanup project, restoring 162 kilometers of the Yangtze's shoreline, and greening 12.25 million square meters. The specialized management of Danjiangkou Reservoir has restored 14.48 million cubic meters of flood control capacity and removed 24,400 square meters of net cages.

We delivered results in creating "happy" rivers and lakes. Happy rivers and lakes refer to modern rivers and lakes that meet the requirements of high-quality development in the new era — safe, clean, healthy, ecologically livable, harmonious, prosperous and beneficial to the people. So far, more than 9,800 health assessments on rivers and lakes have been completed, and health records have been established. In cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, support has been provided for 62 happy river and lake construction projects, leading to the creation of over 3,200 such rivers and lakes nationwide. As a result, the rivers and lakes around the people now flow more smoothly, and are cleaner, greener and more beautiful, enhancing the sense of gain, happiness and security.

Thank you. 

Phoenix TV:

My concern is regarding water supply issues in rural areas. Rural water supply is closely related to rural production and life. In recent years, the MWR has taken many measures to promote high-quality development of the rural water supply. Could you please elaborate on this? Thank you.

Chen Min:

I would like to invite Mr. Chen to answer this question.

Chen Mingzhong:

Rural water supply is closely related to the production and lives of rural residents. In recent years, the MWR has advanced high-quality development of the rural water supply, released guidelines on promoting high-quality development of the rural water supply, and clearly outlined the development path and next steps. The path involves implementing the "3+1" standardized construction and management model. The "3" refers to prioritizing urban-rural integrated water supply, scaling up centralized water supply, and standardizing and renovating small-scale water supply projects according to local conditions. The "1" refers to prioritizing project management and promoting county-level unified management. In May, the MWR held an on-site meeting in Guyuan, Ningxia, to deploy this work across the region. 

First, we prioritized advancing the integration of urban and rural water supplies. We confirmed that by leveraging existing major water resources and main connected pipeline networks, particularly along large water diversion projects and around large and medium-sized reservoirs, especially in the suburbs of cities, the goal is to connect, expand and merge networks wherever possible. Many regions nationwide have made significant progress in the urban-rural integrated water supply. For example, Shanghai and Jiangsu achieved urban-rural integrated water supply, and even Guyuan in Ningxia, once known for its water scarcity and poverty, has achieved urban-rural integrated water supply, with the same source, network, quality, regulation and service covering both urban and rural areas.

Second, we will vigorously promote the scaling-up of centralized water supply. In areas where it is difficult to extend coverage of urban pipelines, we will adhere to the principles of "building large, merging medium and reducing small systems" to develop centralized water supply on a larger scale. "Building large" refers to constructing rural water supply projects that can provide for more than 10,000 people and handle over 1,000 metric tons of water daily. "Merging medium" refers to encouraging the networking, connection, alignment and combination of medium-sized centralized water supply projects. "Reducing small" involves downsizing small-scale and decentralized water supply systems. In densely populated townships, we aim to plan and build large-scale water supply projects capable of providing for over 10,000 people and handling over 1,000 metric tons of water daily, using these as hubs to extend services to scattered users, thereby maximizing the reach of the large-scale water supply. For areas where large-scale projects are not feasible, we will implement standardized construction and renovation of small water supply systems. For remote and sparsely populated areas that cannot be integrated into larger systems, we will promote standardized construction tailored to local conditions, ensuring no household or individual is left out. The MWR has issued standards and norms for the standardized construction of small water supply projects, which include a set of standardized procedures and models to guide these renovations. For instance, as Zhejiang province has many mountainous areas and a relatively dispersed population, it initiated the renovation of 8,828 single-village water stations, transforming them into standardized systems to ensure no village or individual is left behind, thus achieving the goal of uniform water quality across urban and rural areas.

Finally, we will promote county-level unified management of the rural water supply. Using counties as units, we will select professional organizations to establish and improve specialized rural water supply management platforms, achieving unified management, monitoring, operations and services within each county, to ensure that professional management achieves full coverage. These efforts have produced significant results over the past few years. A total of 72.8 billion yuan has been allocated for construction of rural water supply projects this year, with over 3,500 projects completed, thereby improving the water supply security for 17.51 million rural residents. The coverage rate of tap water in rural areas has surpassed 90%, up by 10 percentage points compared to 10 years ago, providing more than 100 million additional rural residents with access to tap water. Going forward, we will continue to promote this progress following the "3+1" model, continuously enhancing the high-quality development of the rural water supply.

Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

Investment in water conservancy construction has exceeded 1 trillion yuan for the past two years. What is the situation regarding water conservancy investment this year? And what measures will be taken to maintain the scale of water conservancy investment and raise funds in the sector? Thank you.

Chen Min:

This is a very good question, and one that has attracted considerable public attention. I would like to invite Mr. Wu to answer.

Wu Wenqing:

Thank you for your interest in water conservancy construction. In the past two years, water conservancy investment has been continuously strengthened. In 2023, investment in water conservancy construction reached 1.1996 trillion yuan, setting a new record, and having surpassed the 1-trillion-yuan mark for the first time in 2022. Since the beginning of this year, the national water conservancy system has focused on post-disaster reconstruction and made every effort to promote the construction of water conservancy infrastructure. From January to May, both construction investment and project implementation exceeded the levels of the same period last year.

In terms of investment implementation, a total of 924.6 billion yuan has been invested in water conservancy construction nationwide, an increase of 274.3 billion yuan and up by 42% year on year. A total of 26 provinces have invested more than 10 billion yuan each, among which Hebei, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Sichuan, Hubei, Beijing, Anhui and Henan have each invested more than 40 billion yuan, strongly guaranteeing the demand for large-scale water conservancy construction funds.

In terms of investment completion, a total of 421.3 billion yuan has been invested in water conservancy construction nationwide, an increase of 17 billion yuan and up by 4.2% year on year. Among these, Guangdong and Hebei have each invested more than 30 billion yuan, and Zhejiang, Shandong, Fujian, Sichuan, Anhui and 11 other provinces have each invested more than 10 billion yuan. Funds for water conservancy projects from the additional issuance of national bonds have reached 147.6 billion yuan. The construction of water conservancy projects has created 1.295 million jobs, up by 7.2% year on year, among which 1.038 million rural laborers have been employed, up by 16% year on year, effectively playing a crucial role in stabilizing growth and employment.

In terms of project implementation, 34,000 water conservancy projects have been implemented nationwide, up by 22.5% year on year. Among these, 1,340 new water conservancy projects with a total investment of over 100 million yuan have started construction, up by 52% year on year.

This year, the tasks for water conservancy construction are serious and the demand for investment is large. Next, the MWR will guide local departments and project entities to adhere to a two-pronged approach. This means that while making good use of the additional issuance of national bonds, we will continue to strive for special local government bonds, bank loans and social capital investments. On the basis of ensuring quality and safety, we will accelerate project construction, create more tangible work output, further strengthen the foundation of water security, and make contributions to consolidating and enhancing the trend of economic recovery and improvement.

The Paper.cn:

Large - and medium-sized irrigation areas play a crucial role in ensuring national food security. What progress has the MWR made in the construction and renovation of these irrigation areas ? Thank you.

Chen Min:

I would like to invite Mr. Chen Mingzhong to answer this question.

Chen Mingzhong:

Thank you for your question and concern. Grain production, with farmland as the fundamental element, is supported by water conservancy systems. As just mentioned by the journalist, large- and medium-sized irrigation areas play a crucial role in ensuring national food security. The MWR attaches great importance to the construction and transformation of large- and medium-sized irrigation areas and continues to strengthen and expand water conservancy infrastructure to support food security. This is evident in the following aspects:

First, we are continuously improving irrigation and drainage systems and effectively increasing irrigated areas. We have been promoting the development and renovation of irrigated zones for two to three decades. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), 200 billion yuan from central budget will have been allocated to modernize and upgrade more than 2,500 large- and medium-sized irrigation areas, further enhancing the irrigation and drainage system. The size of our irrigated farmland has increased by more than 87 million mu (5.8 million hectares) compared with 10 years ago, equivalent to eight Dujiangyan irrigation areas. The total irrigated farmland area has reached 1.055 billion mu, producing 77% of China's grain and more than 90% of its cash crops.

Second, we are vigorously promoting agricultural water-saving irrigation and continuously enhancing agricultural water use efficiency. In China, agriculture accounts for 62% of total water consumption, making it the sector with the greatest potential for water conservation. The MWR insists on prioritizing water conservation, planning land use based on water resource availability, strengthening the permit system for water withdrawal, strictly managing total water usage and quotas, and vigorously upgrading water-saving facilities in irrigation areas. We are promoting water conservation through engineering improvements and better management practices. By the end of 2023, the effective utilization coefficient of farmland irrigation water in China had reached 0.576. This represents an annual water-saving capacity increase of approximately 30 billion cubic meters compared with 10 years ago.

Third, we are improving management efficiency through reform and technology. We are focusing on comprehensive reform of agricultural water pricing as a key strategy. Through this, we are innovating investment and financing systems in irrigation areas and promoting the modernization of these areas. The National Development and Reform Commission, together with the MWR and several other departments, have jointly promoted the comprehensive reform of the pricing for water used in agriculture. At present, the reform covers more than 900 million mu of irrigated farmland. The MWR has made significant progress through these reforms in achieving modern management of irrigation areas. Last year, we launched 21 pilot projects, and this year, we've initiated a second batch of pilot projects. We've implemented a two-pronged funding approach to provide tailored policy support for various irrigation areas which feature surface irrigation, high-lift irrigation from the Yellow River or groundwater irrigation, as well as for areas growing grain or cash crops. In addition to central funds, we widely attracted social capital, some bonds, and bank loans to invest in the modernization of irrigation areas. These 21 pilot projects attracted 7.2 billion yuan of investment last year, of which financial and social capital accounted for 80%. With sufficient funding, the development of irrigation areas was promoted in accordance with the standards of modernization. At the same time, we've selected 49 irrigation areas to pioneer the implementation of digital twin technology. Through the development of digital twin pilot projects, irrigation has become more precise and efficient, significantly improving the level of intelligent management. As a result, this year's spring irrigation water supply cycle has been significantly shortened, and overall irrigation efficiency has increased by more than 10%.

Moving forward, we plan to develop and upgrade several water-saving and ecologically friendly irrigation zones, providing strong water conservancy support to ensure national food security.

Thank you.

Cover News:

The MWR is vigorously promoting the construction of a digital twin system for water resource management. What is the current progress? What role does this work play? Thank you.

Chen Min:

As you said, the MWR is vigorously promoting the development of the digital twin water resource management system. We view this as an important pathway for cultivating new quality productive forces and promoting high-quality development in water conservancy. By combining cutting-edge technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence with water resource management, we're creating real-time digital maps of rivers, lakes, and water conservancy projects. This provides a smart "brain" for water management tasks, enabling accurate forecasts, early warnings, rapid simulations, and emergency planning for flood prevention and control and water resource management. Over the past three years, we've been developing digital twins for river basins, water networks, and water resource management projects.

In terms of digital twin river basins, we accelerated the establishment of digital twin platforms for the MWR and seven major rivers including the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, to support flood control management in these river basins. For example, during the "23-7" super large flood in the Haihe River Basin last year, we comprehensively utilized meteorological, hydrological and hydrodynamic models to simulate the runoff yield and flood routing in advance, so the Yongding River flooding was accurately forecasted, and preparations were made for the opening of Dongdian and other flood detention and storage areas three days in advance.

Regarding digital twin water networks, we have enhanced the capacity of water resource allocation by building the middle route of the South-North Water Diversion Project as well as seven provincial-level water network monitoring and dispatching platforms. For example, through electronic fences and a remote control system, we conduct real-time monitoring of more than 1,300 kilometers of channels along the middle route of the South-North Water Diversion Project, and accurately adjust and control more than 60 sluice gates to ensure the security of the project, water supply and water quality. In addition, the digital twin of the water diversion project in eastern Zhejiang province has realized dynamic analysis of the regional water resource situation for the coming 15 days, ensuring a clean water environment and a sound aquatic ecosystem for the Hangzhou Asian Games.

As for digital twin projects, we have built a number of digital twin systems of key water conservancy projects, improving the level of project operation and management. For example, to establish the digital twin Three Gorges project, we advanced simultaneous interactive images for the physical project and its digital twin project, effectively boosting the comprehensive management capacity of the Three Gorges project and delivering more benefits. As mentioned earlier by Mr. Chen, digital twin irrigation areas are also a practical effect of the application in the field of digital twin engineering.

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Two more journalists have their hands raised. These will be the last two questions.

National Business Daily:

In recent years, both the area and intensity of water and soil erosion in China have continued a downward trend. What measures have been taken in water and soil conservation and what plans do you have for the future? Thank you.

Chen Min:

I would like to invite Mr. Chen to answer your questions.

Chen Mingzhong:

Thank you for your interest in water and soil conservation. Last year, the general offices of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued opinions on strengthening water and soil conservation in the new era, clarifying relevant work requirements. Over the past year, the MWR has thoroughly implemented the opinions and requirements, and achieved remarkable results in conserving water and soil resources. As the reporter just mentioned, the achievements can be manifested in two sets of data in 2023. One is that the area of water and soil erosion decreased to 2.6276 million square kilometers, and the other is that the water and soil conservation rate jumped to 72.56%. Our efforts have played an important role in conserving water sources, reducing sediment and non-point source pollution, as well as boosting the carbon sink capacity of the ecosystem, while enriching the public's sense of gain, happiness and security.

Regarding the system and mechanism for water and soil protection, we have subdivided the targets of water and soil conservation rate between different counties, and established a four-level target system at the national, provincial, municipal and county levels. River basin authorities have established a mechanism for joint prevention, control and treatment of water and soil erosion. Twenty-seven provinces have established a mechanism of joint conferences on water and soil conservation. A network on water and soil protection has been established under the leadership of the Party committee, with the government taking charge, various departments working together, and the whole society participating. 

In terms of supervising human-induced water and soil loss, we have revised and issued measures for the management of water and soil conservation plans for production and construction projects. We have also issued relevant standards for spatial control of water and soil conservation, credit evaluation, and guidelines for the prevention and control of water and soil erosion in agricultural and forestry development activities. We promoted the establishment of a new regulatory mechanism with remote sensing supervision as the basic approach, key supervision as the supplement and credit supervision as the basis. We examined and approved 115,000 plans for water and soil conservation in production and construction projects in accordance with the law. Additionally, 13,300 illegal projects were investigated and handled according to the law, and 1,345 were dealt with through filing cases. New human-induced soil erosion has been effectively controlled.

In terms of key areas for soil erosion control, the focus is on the upper and middle reaches of major rivers, the black soil region of northeast China, and the karst areas of southwest China. Using small watersheds as units, we've implemented comprehensive and systematic management. This has effectively improved the prevention and control of soil erosion in key areas covering 32,000 square kilometers, creating 505 eco-friendly small watersheds. This has enriched agricultural production conditions and the rural living environment, and increased the supply of high-quality ecosystem goods and services.

Regarding the improvement of management capabilities and standards, a comprehensive and coordinated system of soil and water conservation planning at the national, basin and provincial levels has been improved. We have been accelerating the construction of a reasonably structured and fully functional soil and water conservation monitoring system. New breakthroughs have also been made to realize the market value of ecosystem goods and services from soil and water conservation. As Mr. Chen mentioned, successful carbon-sink trading was conducted at the soil and water conservation project in Changting, Fujian province. Meanwhile, a successful contract was signed to convert the market value of ecosystem goods and services from soil and water conservation in Anji, Zhejiang province. The policies and systems for carbon absorption standards and realizing the market value of ecosystem goods and services are gradually improving. Further efforts have been made to strengthen the academic discipline construction, monitoring,, promotion of information technology, and standard system work related to soil and water conservation.

In the next step, the MWR will fully implement the relevant decisions and plans of the Party Central Committee and the State Council. We will focus on prevention and protection to control new issues, comprehensive treatment to reduce existing problems, and strengthened management to improve quality. These efforts aim to enhance soil and water conservation and increase the supply of ecosystem goods and services, supporting harmony between humanity and nature.

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

One last question.

CNR:

On May 1 this year, China unveiled regulations on water conservation, the first of its kind in the country. May I ask what measures the MWR has taken to promote the conservation and efficient use of water resources? Thank you.

Chen Min:

I would like to invite Mr. Yu from the Department of Water Resources Management to answer this question.

Yu Qiyang:

Thank you for the question. China has a large population but limited water resources, with low per capita water availability. Relative water scarcity is a fundamental issue in China. Therefore, improving water use efficiency and promoting water conservation are crucial for achieving high-quality development. In terms of managing and using water resources, we mainly take the following measures.

First, we adhere to the dual control of regional water use volume and intensity. We control the total volume of water used in regions and have established a water use volume control index system covering provincial, municipal, and county-level administrative regions. This ensures that the national total water use volume will be controlled within 640 billion cubic meters by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period. We also control water use intensity and have formulated water quota standards for different industries. A national water quota standard system has been established covering over 80% of all water use.

Second, we strictly manage water abstraction and use. Water abstraction directly from rivers, lakes, and underground sources in China is subject to water abstraction licensing management. We have comprehensively implemented electronic license management for water abstraction permits to ensure scientific, convenient, and efficient management. So far, 630,000 such electronic licenses have been issued. This means that information on any legitimate and compliant water abstraction that requires a license can be accessed online. To strengthen the management of water abstraction and use, we launched a three-year initiative starting in 2020 to crack down on water abstraction and use that violated regulations. This initiative has clarified the situation of various water intakes nationwide and addressed a series of issues related to unlawful water abstraction. At the same time, we have accelerated the construction of a water abstraction monitoring and measurement system, with the online measurement rate of water abstraction above the designated scale nationwide reaching 88%.

Third, we strengthen the implementation of water-saving measures. We have deeply implemented the national water conservation action, promoting a joint effort among various departments. We continuously encourage water conservation in key areas by improving water-saving and efficiency in agriculture, reducing water use and emissions in industry, and cutting water waste in urban areas. We also enhance the utilization of unconventional water sources, achieving relatively good results. Currently, the leakage rate of urban public water supply networks has dropped to below 10%, and the annual utilization of non-traditional water sources has reached 21.23 billion cubic meters.

Going forward, the MWR will work with relevant departments to fully implement regulations on water conservation, accelerate the implementation of the rigid regulation system for water resources, improve the water resources monitoring and measurement system, strengthen the supervision and management of water abstraction and use, accelerate the implementation of water-saving measures, encourage and support the development of water-saving industries, and further enhance the level of water resources conservation and intensive utilization. These efforts ensure that limited water resources can better support high-quality development.

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to Mr. Chen, all the other speakers, and the journalists present. Today's press briefing will conclude here. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Gong Yingchun, Huang Shan, Li Xiao, Zhou Jing, Liu Caiyi, Yuan Fang, Liu Jianing, Li Huiru, Mi Xingang, Ma Yujia, Yan Bin, Zhang Junmian, Zhang Tingting, Wang Wei, Wang Ziteng, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Li Bingjun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guizhou Provincial Committee and governor of Guizhou province

Ms. Zhang Jingping, vice governor of Guizhou province

Mr. Luo Qiang, vice governor of Guizhou province

Mr. Qiu Zhenguo, director of the Guizhou Provincial Development and Reform Commission 

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson for the SCIO

Date:

June 14, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 31st press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are pleased to be joined by Mr. Li Bingjun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guizhou Provincial Committee and governor of Guizhou province, who will brief you on promoting high-quality development and building a thriving economy, better living standards and sound eco-environment in Guizhou, and answer your questions. Also present today are Ms. Zhang Jingping, vice governor of Guizhou province; Mr. Luo Qiang, vice governor of Guizhou province; and Mr. Qiu Zhenguo, director of the Guizhou Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Li Bingjun:

Good morning, everyone. I am delighted to have this opportunity to share with you the progress of Guizhou's high-quality development. Thank you for your interest in and support for Guizhou.

Guizhou, with its beautiful mountains and rivers, pleasant climate, abundant resources and hardworking people, is a dazzling pearl in southwestern China. Once, Guizhou was characterized by its rugged terrain and extremely inconvenient transportation. Now, with countless bridges spanning its landscape, it is well-connected in all directions. Once, Guizhou was one of the poorest regions in the country. Today, the fight against poverty has transformed its impoverished and backward appearance, and it is embarking on a new journey of high-quality development.

In February 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Guizhou and urged us to prioritize high-quality development in all aspects. He entrusted us with the important mission of pioneering new paths in boosting the development of China's western region in the new era, and blazing new trails in rural revitalization, the development of the digital economy, and eco-environmental conservation. In recent years, we have shifted our focus from consolidating poverty alleviation achievements to promoting high-quality development. To fulfill our important mission, we are steadfastly pursuing new industrialization, new urbanization, agricultural modernization, and tourism industrialization. While consolidating our poverty alleviation achievements, we have accelerated the transformation of our growth model, moving away from an investment-driven growth model. By finding our position in the new development pattern, we have effectively pursued higher-quality economic growth and appropriately increased economic output. Our economic aggregate has reached a new milestone of 2 trillion yuan ($275.18 billion), with high-quality development becoming the main theme of Guizhou.

In recent years, we have continued to consolidate and expand our poverty alleviation achievements and carry forward rural revitalization. We are committed to increasing rural residents' incomes, with rural per capita income growth consistently outpacing that of urban residents and the overall economic growth rate. We have maintained the bottom line of preventing large-scale return to poverty. We are dedicated to developing rural industries, and now, tea gardens, orchards, fields and forests can be found all over the province. Guizhou's distinctive industries and non-timber forest-based economy are also rapidly developing. "Lao Gan Ma" chili sauce, among other brands, has been sold worldwide. The tea grown in our misty mountains is clean, healthy and naturally pollution-free. Our green and black teas are well-received in the market, and our matcha is exported to over 40 countries. We are committed to improving the rural environment, learning from the Green Rural Revival Program, and accelerating the construction of livable, business-friendly and beautiful rural areas. The lives of our people are more convenient, and the rural environment is more beautiful, with mountains and rivers visible everywhere.

In recent years, we have utilized our natural resources to build a modern industrial system. Guizhou is the only province in the country without plains, yet it is rich in mineral resources, with reserves of 49 types of minerals all ranking among the top 10 nationwide. In recent years, leveraging our resources, we have vigorously promoted "efficient mining," which means accurately identifying, effectively exploring and efficiently using our mineral resources. We are accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system that reflects local features and holds a significant position in the national industrial layout. Guizhou has focused on developing six major industrial clusters at the provincial level, with each city and county developing their own leading industries. Our industrial sector has contributed 43.8% to economic growth, becoming the primary driving force for development. Meanwhile, we have been actively promoting the quality enhancement of distinctive mountain agriculture and tourism, and the core structure of Guizhou's modern industrial system has begun to take shape.

In recent years, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting Guizhou's lush mountains and clear waters. Here, I'd like to share an interesting story. In the main urban area of Guiyang city, there is a place called Qianling Mountain. It boasts an excellent ecological environment and dense green forests. Thousands of wild macaques live there, and tens of thousands of birds roost there. Every day, 30,000 to 40,000 residents and tourists come here for leisure and sightseeing. Some residents have even formed bonds and friendships with the macaques, vividly illustrating the harmonious coexistence between the people of Guizhou and nature. In recent years, we have continued to strengthen ecological protection and restoration. The forest coverage rate across the province has reached 63%. Guizhou boasts the highest number of World Natural Heritage sites in the country, ranking third nationally in terms of the variety of plant and animal species. The air quality in the province's major cities remains excellent, and the water quality at the boundaries of its major rivers is also outstanding. Each year, Guizhou provides over 100 billion cubic meters of high-quality water to the Yangtze and Pearl rivers. It can be said that Guizhou's beautiful mountains, rivers, and landscapes, along with its fine liquor, tea and quality of life, make it an ideal place for nurturing the body, mind and health.

Over the years, we have strived to make the lives of our people increasingly happier. We have consistently increased our input in projects related to people's wellbeing, dedicating nearly 70% of our fiscal spending to this cause every year. Last year, we added 186,200 school places of various types. Five regional medical centers at the national level began operation, and the medical system at the provincial, city, county, township and village levels was rapidly improved. Guizhou's educational and medical conditions are improving at an accelerated pace. We are making great efforts to build Guizhou into a model province for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, resulting in greater unity and harmony among all ethnic groups in Guizhou.

Today, Guizhou is making every effort to write its chapter in pursuing Chinese modernization, aiming for economic prosperity, improved living standards, and a beautiful ecology. 

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli: 

Thank you for the introduction, Governor Li. Now, let's proceed to the Q&A session. Before asking a question, please state the news organization you represent.

Phoenix TV:

Earlier, Mr. Li mentioned that Guizhou has abundant mineral resources, with reserves of 49 types of minerals ranking in the top 10 nationally. How does Guizhou leverage these mineral resources to build a distinctive modern industrial system? Thank you.

Li Bingjun: 

Thank you for your question. I'll address it. Building a modern industrial system is crucial for promoting high-quality development. Guizhou possesses abundant mineral resources. To harness the economic value of these resources, we have identified leading industries based on our comparative advantages, resource endowments, and industrial foundations. We have accelerated the construction of six major industrial bases: an intensive processing base for resources, a new energy power battery and material R&D production base, a national computing power guarantee base, a baijiu production base, a new comprehensive energy base, and an advanced equipment manufacturing base. In short, we focus on projects where we have advantages, whether in mineral resources, industrial foundations, or comparative advantages. These six industrial bases align with the country's overall interests and leverage Guizhou's unique strengths. They involve both the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries as well as the innovative development of emerging and future industries.

In recent years, Guizhou's traditional industries, such as coal, electricity, tobacco, and liquor, have accelerated their transformation, upgrading, and quality improvement, revitalizing old industries with new growth. For instance, we have increased production capacity and enhanced safety levels through large-scale operations and smart technologies in the coal industry, bolstering our reputation as the "Coal Sea in Southern China.

Simultaneously, we have extended industrial chains, vigorously promoting the integrated development of the coal chemical and phosphorus chemical industries. Guizhou's coal has become a crucial raw material for modern chemical industries. In terms of electricity, while conventional thermal power dominated with 300,000 kilowatt units in the past, ultra-supercritical units of 660,000 kilowatts now lead the way. Moreover, we strive to develop clean energy, with clean energy installations accounting for over 56%, achieving a synergy of hydro, thermal, wind, solar, and storage energies. Guizhou not only meets its own electricity needs but also contributes to national energy security by supplying electricity to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and surrounding provinces.

Additionally, by seizing opportunities, we have accelerated the development of emerging and future industries such as new energy batteries, new materials, intelligent computing, and advanced equipment. While ensuring a stable fertilizer supply and national food security, Guizhou's phosphorus chemical industry is expanding into the new energy battery materials industry. We have attracted leading enterprises and promoted the dual-track development of "power batteries and energy storage batteries." One in every three electric vehicle batteries in China contains phosphorus from Guizhou. For example, in big data, we are vigorously developing the computing power and artificial intelligence industries, building on our data storage center foundation. Huawei Cloud and China Telecom have established intelligent computing centers here, making Guizhou one of the regions with the most abundant and powerful computing resources nationwide. Our computing power will provide strong support for the computing needs of the eastern regions and even the entire nation.

Today, Guizhou's industrial development shows promising momentum and a bright future. Thank you, everyone!

Cnr.cn:

We know that the Cun BA (Village Basketball Association) basketball tournament and the Village Super League football games in Guizhou have been consistently popular, and we are all paying close attention. As grassroots events spontaneously organized and participated in by villagers, these rural competitions have not only attracted active participation from local residents but have also garnered widespread attention from audiences nationwide. What makes Guizhou's rural sports events unique? What are the next steps being considered? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your questions. I would like to invite Ms. Zhang to answer. 

Zhang Jingping:

The reasons behind Cun Chao and Cun BA receiving much attention and making Guizhou go viral lie in their unique features. I would like to share three keywords with you here: 

The first keyword is happiness. When you go into a Cun Chao or Cun BA arena, you are greeted by a joyful atmosphere. There are no empty seats in the grandstands for around 10,000 people, and you can hear shouting, cheering and applause. These are all heartfelt expressions of happiness brought about by sport. This happiness vividly reflects the deep and fundamental changes, unseen in a millennium, to people's spiritual and material lives after comprehensively winning the battle against poverty. It can be said that people of all ethnic groups in Guizhou have become more confident and self-reliant on the new journey in the new era. 

The second keyword is culture. Cun Chao and Cun BA are not only sporting events, but also cultural banquets. On the sidelines of these events, various folk performances, including Lusheng performances, wooden drum performances and the Kam Grand Choir of the Dong people, take turns to showcase various elements of Guizhou's colorful culture. Meanwhile, inside and outside the sites of competition, people in ethnic costumes can be seen singing and dancing. The prizes for the events are also our local specialties, and the whole process of the events integrate many aspects of our ethnic culture. People travel long distances to attend Cun Chao and Cun BA events and personally experience the cultural elements contained in them, while also being fascinated by Guizhou's unique ethnic customs. Guizhou, a magical land, has nurtured a colorful culture, enriching these sporting events with rich cultural connotations, and acting as a steady source of motivation for us to continue strengthening the construction of a colorful Guizhou as a cultural powerhouse.

The third keyword is rural style. Cun Chao and Cun BA were born in the countryside and are rooted in the countryside. Local villagers are the mainstay for organizing the events. They decide all the details themselves, and local Party committees and governments offer support to ensure the smooth running of the events. The organization and implementation of the events fully respect the principal role and pioneering spirit of the people, and constantly stimulate everyone's enthusiasm, initiative and creativity, reflecting the local essence of Cun Chao and Cun BA.

Currently, we are actively encouraging and supporting local areas to give full play to their natural and cultural resources and innovatively create brands for public sporting events. We believe that more sporting events with Guizhou characteristics will become a calling card of the beautiful province. We would also like to sincerely invite you all to travel to Guizhou, experience sport events, visit scenic areas, and appreciate up close the colorful ethnic customs and the charm of culture and sports. Thank you.

Cover News:

As Mr. Li mentioned just now, the forest coverage rate in Guizhou has reached 63%. As such, it can be said that the lucid waters and green mountains have become a blessing for the Guizhou people. What positive explorations has Guizhou made in ecological improvement in recent years? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Qiu to answer it. 

Qiu Zhenguo:

As you said, the lucid waters and green mountains have become a highlight of colorful Guizhou and a blessing for the Guizhou people. In recent years, we have worked on two aspects, firmly safeguarding the two bottom lines of development and ecological protection.

On one hand, we are committed to promoting green development. We are committed to building a colorful Guizhou and preventing pollution. In terms of industrial development, we do not engage in any business that does not meet the requirements of ecological and environmental protection, no matter the economic benefits, and firmly adhere to the "green threshold." We are accelerating green and low-carbon development, promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries such as the phosphorus chemical industry and coal chemical industry, improving the level of clean and efficient utilization of coal, vigorously promoting the construction of "electric Guizhou," and further emphasizing eco-environment protection and carbon reduction in the process of development. 

On the other hand, we are unswervingly strengthening environmental protection and ecological improvement. We are strictly combating pollution and working hard to prevent and control pollution. A large number of ecological and environmental issues that were strongly reflected by the public have been resolved. What Guiyang citizens feel most deeply is that the Nanming River, which used to overflow with sewage, now flows smoothly through the city with clean water, enhancing their sense of gain and happiness. We have strengthened the governance and ecological improvement of the Wujiang River and other key river basins. Some prominent problems have been effectively managed and controlled, ensuring that rivers flow east with clean water. We have vigorously promoted the construction of "green Guizhou," and the area of rocky desertification has been halved in the past decade. We have promoted institutional innovation for promoting ecological progress, promulgated regulations on promoting ecological progress, established environmental courts, set up a trading center for ecological products, innovated mechanisms for realizing the value of ecological products, and carried out trials of carbon sequestration and carbon tickets for forestry. We have promoted the concept of ecological civilization, held 12 sessions of Eco Forum Global Guiyang, and continually transmitted China's voice on ecological civilization construction to the world. In Huawu village of Qianxi city in Guizhou, villagers have teamed up to regularly patrol and protect the river, safeguarded the Wujiang River's clear water, and developed rural tourism along the river. The environment is becoming increasingly beautiful, attracting more and more tourists. The dividends brought by lucid waters and green mountains are increasing the incomes of rural residents.

We will adhere to the principles of prioritizing eco-environment conservation and pursuing green development, safeguarding the sound eco-environment – the most inclusive benefit to people's wellbeing. We will strengthen ecological protection in the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Pearl rivers, aiming for new achievements in enhancing ecological conservation. Thank you.

CCTV:

In recent years, Guizhou has actively promoted various welfare projects in areas such as employment, education, and medical care. Could you please specify what concrete actions have been taken? Have these efforts effectively addressed the public's pressing concerns and needs? What further measures are planned for the future? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your question. I'll answer it now. We have taken meeting the people's expectations as the goal of our governance. We have consistently acted on the people-centered development philosophy. Ensuring and improving the people's wellbeing are the core focus and foundation of all our work. We strive to make people's lives more prosperous and better. Let me provide an overview from several perspectives.

We strive to ensure stable employment for more people, promoting local job opportunities. Last September, Shi Chuanying, an embroiderer from Taijiang, Guizhou, showcased her exquisite Miao embroidery at Milan Fashion Week, demonstrating her exceptional craftsmanship. There are over 500,000 trained embroiderers in Guizhou like her. Many Guizhou natives working elsewhere are now finding opportunities back home. For instance, Zheng'an county in Guizhou has attracted talent to develop its guitar industry, earning the nickname "Hometown of Chinese Guitar Manufacturing" and creating jobs for 14,000 people. In recent years, Guizhou has added 600,000 urban jobs annually, organized labor exports, and maintained around 6 million workers outside the province under its "Six-Six Employment Stability Plan."

We strive to make travel more convenient for people. Every city and prefecture in the province now has airports and high-speed railways. Highways connect counties, and villages have cement roads. Industrial roads go directly to farmlands, and courier packages are delivered to farmers' doorsteps. People can now easily take buses right from their doorsteps, making isolated transportation a thing of the past. The transportation improvement in Guizhou has made travel more convenient and brought profound changes to people's thinking, production conditions, and way of life. Building roads connects not just vehicles, but hearts as well.  

We strive to provide people with access to quality medical resources. We have established five national and regional medical centers, allowing people in Guizhou to benefit from the high-quality medical resources found in developed regions. Recently, the Guizhou Branch of Shanghai Children's Medical Center successfully performed liver tumor resection surgery on a baby just 6 days old, setting a national record for the youngest patient to undergo this procedure. At the same time, we are accelerating efforts to decentralize high-quality medical resources, allowing more people to receive excellent healthcare closer to home.

We strive to enable more young people in Guizhou to attend university and receive a better education. Currently, higher education in our province has entered a stage of universal access. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), we plan to add 154,000 higher education seats. At the same time, we are enhancing the development of scientific and engineering universities, colleges and as well as disciplines to meet the demands of economic and social development, particularly industry needs, and accelerating the development of vocational education. Last year, spending on education accounted for one-fifth of our government expenditures.

We are deeply committed to providing safeguards to enable extremely vulnerable groups to meet their basic living needs. For people living on subsistence allowances, children in welfare institutions, and people with disabilities, we are gradually raising social security standards in line with economic and social development. This ensures that everyone can share benefits of high-quality development.

Next, we will continue to implement more initiatives that deliver real benefits to the people to their satisfaction, ensuring that the people of Guizhou can enjoy a safer and better quality of life. Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

We understand that Guizhou is one of the first regions in China to develop big data and is currently constructing a national-level computing power support base. Could you share what considerations Guizhou has in nurturing and expanding emerging digital industries? Thank you.

Luo Qiang:

Guizhou has been implementing its big data strategy since 2014, marking a decade of progress. As the first national comprehensive pilot zone for big data, Guizhou's big data industry has grown from scratch and achieved vigorous development.

In recent years, we have attracted a group of industry-leading enterprises such as Huawei, Tencent, and the three major telecommunications operators to establish big data centers in Guizhou. The province now has 47 key data centers operational or under construction. We have completed a series of new landmark digital infrastructure projects, including the operation of national internet backbone access points and international internet data dedicated channels. Last year, China Mobile completed the world's first 400-gigabit computing channel in Guiyang, enabling data transmission to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in just 10 milliseconds and to Hangzhou in 16 milliseconds. Additionally, we have developed important platforms like the Guiyang Big Data Science and Technology Innovation City and hosted international events such as the Big Data Expo. Guizhou's big data initiative continues to shine brighter on the global stage.

Today's Guizhou has become one of the eight national computing hubs of the country's east-data-west-computing project. Guiyang city and Guian New Area are sparing no effort to build the "data valley" of China. As China has decided to build Guizhou into a national digital economy development and innovation zone, the province will take this opportunity to advance emerging industries, like artificial intelligence, focusing on the three key areas of computing power, empowerment and industry development. In terms of computing power, Guizhou will expand intelligent computing center clusters to improve its capacity as well as create a globally competitive intelligent computing base. As for empowerment, the province will leverage Huawei Cloud's Pangu model to promote the intelligent transformation of industries, create new tourism scenarios and advance rural digital construction, thus empowering various industries with digital capabilities. In terms of industries, Guizhou will develop three 100-billion-yuan-level industrial clusters, namely data centers, intelligent terminals and data applications, so as to improve the industrial ecosystem and accelerate progress down the new path of the digital industry.

Guizhou has the foundation, advantages and confidence to build a computing power support base that serves the whole country. We will create the best environment for development and explore the blue ocean of digital economy alongside our friends from home and abroad. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

We have noticed that the State Council last year approved Guizhou's comprehensive reform plan for advancing the large-scale development of the western region. How has Guizhou implemented this plan? What progress and achievements have been made so far? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your questions. These questions will be answered by Mr. Qiu Zhenguo, director of the Guizhou Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Qiu Zhenguo:

After the State Council approved Guizhou's comprehensive reform plan for advancing the large-scale development of the western region, the country has given Guizhou greater power in carrying out reform. We have made full use of this opportunity to propose a series of specific reform measures focusing on market-oriented reform. We have encouraged bold experiments and breakthroughs, as well as proactive reforms in key areas including investment and financing, state capital and state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and market-based allocation of production factors, which have achieved substantial results. Here I will give some examples.

In terms of investment and financing system reforms, we have regulated government investment management more strictly. We issued a "1+3" policy system, with "1" representing the regulations on the management of government investment projects and "3" representing three supporting measures involving decision-making evaluation, preliminary estimate management and fiscal budget assessment. Through reforms of these policies, we have enhanced management of government investment projects at all stages. It has become a consensus throughout the province to track the performance of investments and hold to full account wasteful investments. At the same time, we have innovated the way we use fiscal funds and have established industrial funds to advance new industrialization, new urbanization, agricultural and rural modernization, and the cultural tourism industry. With a shift from the government's direct investment to market-oriented fund investment, we have mobilized private capital and non-governmental investments, better leveraging the guiding role of fiscal funds.

In terms of state capital and SOE reforms, we have improved their core competitiveness and core functions. Take Guizhou Phosphate Chemical Group as an example. Through reform and reorganization, we merged two phosphate chemical enterprises in the province into one group, promoting full integration of resources, technologies, management and market layouts. Both the size and profits of the enterprise have been significantly increased, and the reform has had a remarkable outcome. We also carried out reform and reorganization of SOEs in the areas of energy, tourism and trade logistics, which has obtained significant results.

In terms of production factor allocation, we have ensured more effective use of resources. Among China's first group of provinces to carry out local trials for the development and use of public data resources, Guizhou has become a front-runner in transactions with data circulation. Data products from all over the country covering categories such as meteorology, electricity, and telecommunication have been traded at the Guiyang Big Data Exchange. We established a water price reform system covering water reserves, water supply and sewage discharge based on a user-pay mode, ensuring returns to investors and attracting private capital into the building of Guizhou's grand water network. We also adopted a time-of-use power price policy to stagger production times of industrial enterprises, effectively securing the steady supply of energy and lowering their electricity costs. During this year's Spring Festival holiday, we ensured consecutive production for enterprises.

Reform is the driving force for development. We will fully implement the new plans and requirements of the central authority for deepening reform as well as intensify reform efforts to explore a new path for making further progress in the large-scale development of the western region. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

Across the whole country, Guizhou has the largest population of individuals who have been lifted out of poverty and who are relocated from inhospitable areas. The province must have faced challenging tasks in both consolidating poverty alleviation achievements and promoting rural revitalization. For the next step, what will Guizhou do to better align its efforts to consolidate and expand poverty alleviation achievements with efforts to promote the revitalization of rural areas, so as to advance all-around rural revitalization? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your question. This question will be answered by Mr. Luo Qiang, vice governor of Guizhou province.

Luo Qiang:

Since Guizhou won the battle against poverty, we have focused on preventing large-scale relapses into poverty by monitoring and assisting those lifted out of it. Guizhou implemented a three-year action to increase residents' income. By the end of last year, the population with an annual per capita net income of less than 10,000 yuan had been essentially reduced to zero. After securing the bottom line, we have drawn on and applied the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang province to further enrich the rural development program initiated in 2001 that focuses on prosperity, education, happiness, and beautified environment, to better implement the grand strategy of rural revitalization.

To achieve rural prosperity, we focus on employment and industries to continuously increase farmers' income. On the one hand, we have stabilized the scale of migrant workers, enabling 6 million people to find stable jobs outside their hometowns. On the other hand, we have continued to develop the county economy and expand rural industries to create local jobs, helping farmers earn money and secure a promising future without leaving home. For example, we have built over 1,300 employment assistance workshops in nearly 1,000 relocation communities across the province, helping 120,000 people increase their income through local employment.

In terms of rural education, we ensure farmers get the education they need, acquire useful knowledge, and achieve something from what they have learned. In recent years, we have focused on inspiring confidence and improving education, strengthening basic education in rural areas, and implementing vocational skills training programs to cultivate technicians and Guizhou cuisine chefs. This ensures that rural children can attend school and receive a good education while more farmers can acquire skills and rely on their own efforts to sustain a good life.

A happy rural life lies in civilized customs and effective governance. Nowadays, the spiritual outlook of Guizhou's villages is improving, and farmers' daily lives are no longer limited to traditional farm work. The thriving of Cun Chao and Cun BA, village football and basketball tournaments, vividly portrays the new life of Guizhou farmers. Consequentially, an increasing number of city dwellers are eager to experience the charm of rural life.

To create a beautiful countryside, we leverage Guizhou's natural mountains and rivers to enhance the rural living environment. This effort aims to create a livable rural environment that is clean and tidy, and with picturesque landscape. Today, Guizhou is home to many beautiful villages like Xijiang Miao Village and Zhaoxing Dong Village.

We continue to strive for beautiful landscapes, vibrant villages, and happy smiles from the villagers. We will continue to explore, work tirelessly, and make long-term efforts to accelerate urban-rural integration and promote comprehensive rural revitalization. Thank you.

China News Service:

Guizhou vows to become a world-class tourist destination. How confident are you in achieving this goal? What measures will Guizhou take to enhance the tourist experience and promote high-quality development in the tourism industry? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your question. This gives me a chance to talk about Guizhou's tourism sector, which is very competitive and promising. This spring, it became a fashion to visit the province for mountain views. Guizhou is also a nice choice for avoiding summer heat thanks to pleasant weather during the season. Take Guiyang as an example. In the summer, the maximum temperature is about 30 degrees Celsius, and these days, it is about 27 or 28 degrees Celsius. You don't need to turn on the air conditioner at night. "Colorful Guizhou" and "Cool Guiyang" are not just empty words. When I first came to work in Guizhou, an old comrade once told me that no matter how hot it is in summer, I should bring a coat when I travel for work. I think this advice comes from years of experience. Remember to bring a coat if you come to Guizhou in the summer.

Currently, we are focusing on creating a group of world-class tourist attractions. In Guizhou, there are six most representative scenic spots. First is Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Asia, renowned both at home and abroad. I'm sure it's quite familiar to all of you. Second is Xiaoqikong scenic area in Libo county, known as the "emerald on the earth's belt," with crystal-lucid water resembling a green gem. Third is Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, the world's largest and best-preserved Miao village. Fourth is Chishui Danxia, the largest Danxia landform in China, featuring the spectacular Chishui Waterfall. Fifth is the Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks. Xu Xiake once wrote, "There are many mountains in the world, but you will find a peak forest only here." So you can imagine its grandeur. Sixth is Fanjing Mountain, the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains, an isolated peak in a vast ancient forest, and also a Buddhist shrine. You might have seen Fanjing Mountain in the promotional video just now, with its towering thumb-shaped peak as if giving a thumbs-up to our great motherland. This showcases the unique charm of Guizhou's landscapes and is the most popular tourist destination in the province. Guizhou has many other great places, but I won't introduce them all due to time constraints. I'll just mention a few names: Zhijin Cave, Shuanghe Cave, Malinghe River Canyon, Qingyan Ancient Town and Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Guizhou is known as a "park province", with many more scenic places to explore.

We have inherited and developed Guizhou's colorful culture. The culture of ethnic minority groups is diverse with 18 ethnic minorities having lived in Guizhou for generations and 312 Chinese ethnic featured villages scattered all over the province. Due to inconvenience with transportation in the past, ethnic culture in Guizhou has been well preserved. Guizhou is the origin of Yangmingism. Wang Yangming attained enlightenment in Longchang, Guizhou, and his concepts of "the unity of knowledge and action" and "the extension of innate knowledge" have become influential Eastern philosophies worldwide. Historical sites like Wanyiwo and Yangming Cave are well preserved to this day and are worth visiting. The Zunyi Conference and the Four Crossings of the Chishui River led to heroic verses such as "idle boast the strong pass is a wall of iron; with firm strides we are crossing its summit."

We have vigorously promoted the integration of sports and tourism. Guizhou has over 300 days a year suitable for outdoor activities. Known as "the museum of world bridges," the province is home to nearly half of the world's top 100 tallest bridges. Visitors to Guizhou can enjoy marathons and cycling amidst lush mountains and clear waters, or indulge in activities like gliding, bungee jumping and rafting among high bridges and canyons. Unique ethnic sports such as single bamboo drifting and dragon boat racing are also available. The Guiyang Marathon will start the day after tomorrow, offering a rare opportunity to run a marathon in the cool summer breeze.

We welcome everyone to Guizhou for a joyful journey. You can experience a "Village Super League" or "Village Basketball Association" game, cheer alongside local communities and sing "Mrs. Shexiang" to feel the vibrant ethnic culture. You may attend a roadside concert to enjoy a combination of elegant and popular performances amidst the crowd. You can partake in a long table banquet to savor the tangy, sweet and spicy flavors of Guizhou cuisine. You can enjoy a cup of fragrant liquor to relish the idyllic lifestyle. This is the journey everyone dreams of, a journey of pure joy. I believe visiting Guizhou will be an unforgettable experience. Thank you!

Southern Daily:

All regions are currently placing great emphasis on technological innovation. We have noticed that Guizhou is developing a number of national-level innovation platforms. Could you please elaborate on Guizhou's approaches and considerations regarding technological innovation? Thank you.

Li Bingjun: 

Thank you for your question. Let us invite Mrs. Zhang to answer this question.

Zhang Jingping:

Guizhou has always attached great importance to technological innovation. Through continuous efforts, our technological capabilities have been consistently strengthened, and the achievements of our innovation efforts are unceasingly developing. I will introduce our efforts in the following aspects. 

Firstly, we advance technological innovation by serving and supporting national strategic scientific capabilities. As we all know, a number of national scientific innovation teams, such as the "China Sky Eye" (FAST) and the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are based in Guizhou. The "China Sky Eye" has made continuous breakthroughs in the number of new pulsars discovered, and the Institute of Geochemistry released a highly accurate geological "photo album" of the moon. These high-level teams are continually setting new records in their respective fields. While providing robust support services, we also learn from and adopt advanced innovation concepts from these exemplary teams, fostering Guizhou's technological strengths and laying a solid foundation for technological innovation.

Secondly, we promote technological innovation by leveraging our resource endowments and industrial structures. Mr. Li has already introduced Guizhou's resource endowments and industrial layout. We are committed to utilizing our resource advantages and industrial base, stimulating the vitality of enterprises as innovative main entities and aligning technological solutions with industrial demands. We are implementing six major strategic technological initiatives, which includes nurturing strategic scientific capabilities, achieving breakthroughs in mineral exploration, advancing mineral processing technologies, transitioning the energy industry to green and low-carbon development, supporting modern, efficient mountain agriculture and empowering industries through digitalization. By maintaining our continuous efforts, we have achieved new results. For instance, our breakthroughs in mineral exploration technology have enabled Guizhou to play a more crucial role in ensuring national resource and energy security as well as enhancing the resilience of supply chains and industrial chains.

Additionally, we focus on competitive strengths to advance technological innovation. We coordinate technological platforms, technologies, personnel, funds and policies, working to increase the quality and efficiency of technological innovation. Currently, we are integrating and reorganizing previously scattered technological platforms, and building a number of high-level technological innovation platforms. The national key laboratory for green pesticides established in Guizhou has made significant progress, especially in talent aggregation, technological breakthroughs, new product development and the transformation and industrialization of scientific achievements. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen the construction of platforms. 

At the same time, we recognize that our existing technological capabilities are insufficient to support the modernization of Guizhou's industrial system. Going forward, we will continue to advance major initiatives such as "Introducing Science and Technology to Guizhou," "Academicians' Trip to Guizhou," and "East-West Collaboration," actively introducing high-quality innovative resources from various fields to jointly contribute to Guizhou's technological innovation and high-quality development. We sincerely appreciate your interest and support for Guizhou's technological endeavors and hope you will continue to follow our technological innovation efforts. Thank you! 

Shou Xiaoli:

Let's continue with the questions. Okay, two more journalists have raised their hands. These will be the last two questions.

Farmers' Daily:

Specialty high-quality agricultural products from Guizhou have established a strong reputation and competitive edge in the market. Could you please tell us what work Guizhou has undertaken and what progress has been made in developing rural industries with local features and promoting the strengthening of the province's agriculture? Thank you.

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your questions. Mr. Luo Qiang will answer these questions.

Luo Qiang:

Guizhou has a unique mountainous, vertical climate, leading to longer growth cycles for our agricultural products, making them exceptionally flavorful and healthy. The distinct taste of the meat and vegetables here is deeply loved by consumers. In recent years, we have fully leveraged this advantage, targeted market demands and selected a number of key industries to develop based on our existing industrial base. We have witnessed the remarkable transformation of our "local specialties" into a new engine for promoting rural revitalization.

We have focused on variety, quality and brand to promote the expansion of industries with local features, improve quality and efficiency, and achieve better development. For instance, Guizhou Matcha, which Mr. Li Bingjun just mentioned, already holds more than 60 patents and has passed over 500 EU tests. Jiangkou County, situated at the foot of Fanjing Mountain and a former national-level poverty-stricken county, is now known as the "World Matcha Super Factory" thanks to matcha, helping nearly 100,000 local tea farmers increase their incomes.

We have made significant efforts to cultivate and strengthen business entities. Leveraging the advantages of leading enterprises in terms of capital, talent, technology and information, we have focused on the cultivation of varieties at the front end and market sales at the back end to promote a comprehensive upgrading of our agricultural sector. By the end of last year, we have cultivated 12 national-level leading tea enterprises, ranking second in the country. Over the past five years, the number of our edible fungi-related enterprises has doubled, the annual average growth of the comprehensive output value for cacti has exceeded 30% and chili products have occupied nearly 70% of the domestic market share.

We insist on maintaining farmers' primary role in planting and breeding. We are ensuring that farmers take the lead in areas where they excel to reduce production costs. By unleashing their initiative, we make industrial development more sustainable. In the next few days, the honey plum from Liuma Town in Zhenning County, Guizhou, will hit the market. It has transitioned from an unknown "countryside fruit" to a "star" in the fruit world. This is the result of farmers choosing and expanding the right industry. Now, residents of the village enjoy modern homes and cars. Liuma Town has also proudly joined the ranks of China's towns with a characteristic industry generating an annual output value of at least 1 billion yuan.

Among the agricultural products from Guizhou, its beef has become well-known, its tea leaves have gone international, its small chili peppers have become a major industry and its honey plums have let farmers experience the "sweet taste of success," making people's lives increasingly prosperous. We will continue to work hard to grow and strengthen these industries with local features, leading more people to increase their income and become wealthy. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Alright, last question.

China Daily:

It is understood that Guizhou is constructing a new high ground for an open inland economy, which is also a positioning given to Guizhou by the central government. As an inland province in western China, how will Guizhou promote high-level domestic and international opening-up as well as better serve and integrate into the new national development pattern? Thank you!

Li Bingjun:

Thank you for your question, I will answer this. As an inland province in western China, Guizhou, which is not along a river, the sea or the border, has relatively lacked in objective conditions for opening-up in the past. However, with the deep implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, especially the opening of the China-Laos Railway and the accelerated construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, Guizhou's opening-up pattern has fundamentally changed. Now, westward from Guizhou, through the China-Laos Railway to Vientiane, Laos, we can reach ASEAN countries; northward, through the China-Europe freight train and China-Central Asia freight train, we can reach Central Asia, North Asia and Europe directly; southward, through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Guizhou-Guangdong transportation channels, we can easily reach the sea. It can be said that Guizhou's opening-up pattern has undergone profound changes, and the conditions for developing an open inland economy have been met.

As Guizhou embarks on its opening-up journey, it is crucial to define a clear direction. Given the current changes in the opening-up pattern, we believe that pursuing opportunities around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia, holds the most potential. In the past two years, Guizhou's total import and export volume with countries along the BRI has increased by an annual average of 28.4%, and with ASEAN it has increased by 33.8%. Last month, I led a delegation to visit Indonesia, Thailand and Laos. The political and business communities in these three countries are very optimistic about the prospects for cooperation with Guizhou, which has led to a number of practical cooperative achievements.

Guizhou's opening-up requires the development of inland ports. By concentrating our efforts on developing the Guiyang International Land Port, we are transferring the functions of coastal ports inland, enabling direct export clearance and direct import entry. This has greatly improved overall customs clearance efficiency. We will further enhance the functionality of the inland port, providing businesses with more convenient "one-stop" services, establishing it as a major international logistics hub in southwest China.

Guizhou's opening-up necessitates the export of more specialty and high-quality goods, as well as increased imports of such quality goods. Currently, items such as Guizhou's baijiu, tires, chemical fertilizers, new energy battery materials, agricultural products and guitars are very popular overseas.

Going forward, we will continue to promote opening-up, enhance the development of our export industries and improve our international channels, platforms and environment. We will resolutely follow the Belt and Road Initiative and go global, contributing to the creation and construction of a new development pattern in Guizhou. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Li. Thank you to all the speakers and participating journalists. Today's press conference will end here. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Wang Wei, Mi Xingang, Huang Shan, Yang Xi, Liu Sitong, Liu Caiyi, Wang Yanfang, Li Xiao, Wang Qian, Wang Ziteng, Liu Jianing, Ma Yujia, Zhang Rui, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Ren Zhenhe, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Gansu Provincial Committee and governor of Gansu province

Mr. Cheng Xiaobo, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Gansu province

Mr. Zhang Jingang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and vice governor of Gansu province

Mr. Lei Siwei, vice governor of Gansu province

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date: 

June 13, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 30th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Ren Zhenhe, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Gansu Provincial Committee and governor of Gansu province, to brief you on accelerating the construction of a happy and beautiful Gansu and creating new development prospects for Gansu, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Cheng Xiaobo, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Gansu province; Mr. Zhang Jingang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and vice governor of Gansu province; and Mr. Lei Siwei, vice governor of Gansu province. Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Ren for his introduction.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you, Ms. Shou. Good morning. It's a great pleasure to brief you on Gansu's development. First, on behalf of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, the Gansu provincial government, and our 25 million residents, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the media and all sectors of society for your long-term interest in and support for Gansu's economic and social development.

When one mentions Gansu, Dunhuang often comes to mind. The city is not only an emblem of Gansu but also a source of national pride. Reflecting on its thousands of years of history, Dunhuang witnessed the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it stands as a testament to Gansu's dynamic development in the new era. Gansu, a land rich in cultural heritage, imbued with revolutionary spirit and full of unique allure, is now bursting with vitality and showing broad prospects on the grand path toward Chinese modernization.

General Secretary Xi Jinping holds Gansu and its people close to his heart. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, he has visited Gansu twice, encouraging us to accelerate the development of a happy new Gansu featuring a thriving economy, beautiful landscapes, ethnic unity and social harmony. Over the years, we have kept General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions in mind and forged ahead. Building on our victory in the critical battle against poverty, we have focused on addressing the province's "three imbalances" in urban-rural development, regional development and industrial development. By firmly committing to high-quality development as the top priority in the new era, we are striving to write a remarkable chapter of prosperity and revitalization in Gansu.

In recent years, we have been dedicated to promoting economic development, with our pace of progress accelerating. In 2021, Gansu's economic output exceeded 1 trillion yuan, and since 2022, Gansu's growth rate has remained among the top nationwide for seven consecutive quarters. Our old industrial bases are being rejuvenated, with traditional industries such as petrochemicals, nonferrous metallurgy and equipment manufacturing undergoing transformation and upgrading. Emerging industries like new energy, new materials, biomedicine and data information are flourishing. Lanzhou New Area has ranked among the top 19 national-level new areas in terms of economic growth rate for seven consecutive years. Infrastructure weaknesses in sectors such as transportation and water conservancy are being addressed at a faster pace. Construction of the Pingliang-Qingyang railway, long-awaited by the people of the old revolutionary base areas in Gansu, has begun. The project of diverting water from the Taohe River to central Gansu has enabled a quarter of Gansu's population to move past the era of relying solely on the weather for water.

Over the years, we have been committed to enhancing the natural beauty of our landscapes, with the vibrant scenery growing more resplendent. The philosophy of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has deeply resonated with us. Notably, the Gansu section of the Yellow River now sends clear water downstream, and substantial progress has been made in ecological conservation in the Qilian Mountains, leading to a remarkable green transformation. Over the past three years, we have completed 29.52 million mu (approximately 1.97 million hectares) of afforestation, ranking second nationwide in greening area in both 2022 and 2023. It was once feared that Minqin county, located in the Hexi Corridor and surrounded by the Tengger and Badain Jaran deserts on its east, west and north sides, would become the next Lop Nur. However, the people of Minqin have upheld the spirit of not bowing down to difficulties and daring to transform deserts into oases. Year after year, generation after generation, they have created a miracle of desert control and afforestation, transforming the situation from "sand encroaching, people retreating" to "green advancing, sand receding." The once dry Qingtu Lake, parched for over half a century, has now become a shimmering gem in the desert, where waves ripple peacefully and waterbirds flock gracefully.

In recent years, we have been committed to ethnic unity and have made notable progress in common development. Gansu is a multi-ethnic province, with the Dongxiang, Baoan and Yugur ethnic groups being ethnic minorities that are unique to Gansu. We have focused on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, and speeding up the development of ethnic minority areas. The people of all ethnic groups in the province are tightly held together like pomegranate seeds, and are jointly embarking on a new journey of modernization. For example, Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, the first ethnic minority autonomous county in China, is known for its stunning eco-environment with green mountains and clear waters. Over the past three years, its economic growth rate has exceeded 8.6%, ranking among the top ethnic autonomous counties in the country.

In recent years, we have been committed to enhancing social harmony and as a result our people are enjoying a greater sense of happiness. About 80% of our fiscal funds are dedicated to improving people's living standards. Every year, we implement numerous livelihood projects in areas such as education, employment, elderly care and public health, ensuring they are tangible and accessible to the public. In 2023, the average disposable income of our residents increased by 7.5%, ranking second in the country. Officials at the provincial, municipal, county and township levels have paired up with orphans, severely disabled individuals and families in extreme poverty as part of the "Paired Assistance: Love in Gansu" initiative to provide them with care and support. Given the fragile ecology and frequent geological disasters, we launched a relocation project for people living in six types of areas prone to ecological and geological hazards. So far, 78,600 households, totaling 280,000 people, have been safely relocated from dangerous areas to secure and happy environments.

On this new journey, we will continue to follow the directives of General Secretary Xi Jinping, focusing on the central task of economic development and the primary goal of high-quality growth. We will seize the strategic opportunities to promote the development of the western region in the new era, work diligently and pragmatically as well as make step-by-step efforts to transform Gansu's grand blueprint for Chinese modernization into a beautiful reality.

That's all for my opening introduction. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Ren, for your introduction. We now move to the Q&A session. Please identify the media organization you represent before raising your questions.

Economic Daily:

As Governor Ren just mentioned, Gansu's economic growth rate has remained at the country's top echelon for seven consecutive quarters. What has Gansu done to promote high-quality economic development, and what is your next step forward? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your interest in Gansu's development. As you just mentioned, Gansu's economic growth rate is among the top in the country. This progress has been hard-won. In recent years, under the guidance of the new development philosophy, we have pursued progress while maintaining stability, made full use of policy incentives, consolidated and expanded the momentum of economic upturn and have laid the foundation and increased momentum for high-quality development. Specifically, we launched four campaigns to strengthen science and technology, and industry, as well as development of our provincial capital and counties. We focus on tapping the full potential of existing resources, introducing incremental assets, improving quality, enhancing energy and expanding overall scales.

In terms of tapping the full potential of existing resources, we fully leverage the advantages of old industrial bases, accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and promote the extension, supplementation and strengthening of advantageous and leading industries. A number of "time-honored brands" are growing into "industrial trees" with solid roots and lush branches. An obvious feature is that the industry has become more dynamic with supply chains becoming longer and the number of enterprises having increased. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), there has been a net increase of 1,059 industrial enterprises above the designated size.

In terms of introducing incremental assets, we have actively integrated into the unified national market, vigorously improved the business environment and consciously undertaken industrial transfer from the central and eastern regions. We have signed contracts with central SOEs for three consecutive years, and a large number of cooperation projects have been put into operation. In 2023, the total contract value of investment coming into the province exceeded one trillion yuan. Juhua Group Corporation's 41 billion yuan new materials project has been established in Yumen, the "old oil city," setting a new investment record for industrial projects in Gansu. The increasing enthusiasm for investment in Gansu reflects growing optimism from all parties.

In terms of improving quality, Gansu has gathered high-quality scientific and technological resources such as Lanzhou University and three institutes under Lanzhou Branch of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS): the Institute of Modern Physics, the Institute of Chemical Physics and the Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute. We have further advanced a campaign to strengthen science and technology, and achieved a number of major scientific and technological achievements in the fields of heavy ion physics, biomedicine as well as glaciers and permafrost. For example, the Institute of Modern Physics under CAS developed China's first carbon ion therapy system with independent intellectual property rights, which has now been put into clinical use in Gansu. This heavy ion medical device, a major national project for eliminating cancer cells, marks China's achievement as the fourth country in the world to master clinical treatment using heavy ions.

In terms of enhancing our development capacity, Gansu has 86 counties, cities and districts, all of which can serve as "growth engines" once substantially developed. We have divided the county-level regions in the province into five categories: those providing urban services, those led by industrial enterprises, those prioritizing agricultural development, those empowered by culture and tourism, and those with significant ecological functions. Based on the distinctive local conditions of these regions, we have provided guidance for their differentiated development, nurturing counties with strong agricultural capacity, profitable industrial growth, renowned cultural and tourism attractions, and improved ecological environment. In the past three years, 16 additional counties have achieved a GDP of over 10 billion yuan, bringing the total to 36.

In terms of increasing the total economic output, only by achieving effective qualitative improvements and reasonable quantitative growth can Gansu accelerate its progress and catch up with other provinces. Taking development as the foundation and key to solving all problems, we have prioritized ecological preservation and adhere to green development. We have also leveraged our comparative advantages and strived to develop related industries and projects, achieving progress every year and making significant strides every three years. In 2023, Gansu's GDP reached 1.18 trillion yuan, which was 2.2 times that of 2012. This represents not only a quantitative increase and leapfrog achievement, but also a qualitative transformation and improvement. In addition, this progress also significantly lifts our spirits. We are confident that we will achieve another major breakthrough by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Moving forward, we will redouble our efforts in three aspects. First, we will seize development opportunities. We will fully implement major national strategies, such as promoting the large-scale development of the western region in the new era. We will position ourselves well, further enhance our strength, and effectively translate national policies into tangible development results. Second, we will strengthen our development capacity. We will revitalize our old industrial bases, foster new quality productive forces in accordance with local conditions, and expedite the construction of a modern industrial system with distinctive local characteristics in Gansu, in a bid to ensure sound and steady high-quality development. Third, we will contribute our part to the nation's overall development. We will strengthen our capabilities to meet the needs of the country, and effectively demonstrate Gansu's responsibilities, achievements and strengths in resources, energy supply, food security and ecological development.

Thank you.

CRNTT:

Gansu boasts rich cultural and tourism resources, with places like the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang and the Jiayuguan section of the Great Wall being popular destinations for tourists. Since March, Tianshui malatang, a numbing-spicy hotpot, has taken the country by storm, resulting in the continued popularity of Gansu's cultural and tourism sector. Looking ahead, what aspects will Gansu focus on to promote the high-quality development of this sector? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you. This is a very good question, and you have highlighted one of the most popular sectors in Gansu nowadays. My colleague Mr. Zhang will answer this question.

Zhang Jingang:

Thank you for your interest in Gansu's cultural and tourism sector. This year, Tianshui malatang became extremely popular and attracted nationwide attention. It is fair to say that the appeal of malatang starts with its flavor, and it is inspired by Gansu's beautiful scenery and shaped by the local culture. The cuisine is a microcosm of Gansu's unique food culture.

Here, I would like to describe Gansu using two common phrases. The first phrase is: "Throughout 5,000 years of history, Gansu is exceptional." Gansu is an important birthplace of the Chinese nation and civilization. In Gansu, you can explore the origins of civilization through such legendary stories as Fuxi creating the heaven by drawing the first line of the Qian trigram, Zhang Qian exploring the Western Regions, and Zhuge Liang's six campaigns from Mount Qishan. You can also experience its cultural richness by delving into the profound Dunhuang culture, enjoying the beautiful and engaging "Flower Rains Along the Silk Road" dance drama, and reading the enlightening Duzhe magazine. The second phrase is: "Spanning 3,000 li from east to west, Gansu is extraordinary." Characterized by its long and narrow terrain, Gansu spans more than 1,600 kilometers from east to west. It boasts all types of landforms except oceans, islands and reefs. It is said that four-fifths of China's scenery can be seen here in Gansu.

Looking ahead, we will make continuous efforts in three aspects to build our resource-rich province into one strong in culture and tourism.

First, we will make full use of its cultural and tourism resources. Gansu ranks fifth in the country in terms of richness of culture resources and is home to seven UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. We insist on employing the most advanced development methods to develop our world-class cultural and tourism resources, and profoundly explore their connotations and values of the times. For example, the "Digital Dunhuang" website that we are promoting aims to extend the reach of the cultural heritage beyond its original physical location, thereby allowing more tourists to experience the unique charm of the cultural relics and heritage left by our ancestors.

Second, we will further diversify business forms. Gansu has made significant efforts in this regard. For example, Kongtong Mountain in Pingliang, renowned as the most sacred Taoist mountain in China, not only serves as a scenic spot, but also as a resort for leisure activities and health care services. In recent years, it has developed many business forms under the "culture and tourism plus" framework. We will continue to deepen the integrated development of the cultural and tourism sectors, keep innovating business forms related to tourism, and attract more people to visit Gansu to experience its diverse and high-quality tourism offerings.

Third, we will work to boost consumption. During this year's Spring Festival holiday, Guazhou, Yumen and other areas were unexpectedly hit by snow and sandstorms, leaving many tourists stranded. However, they found solace and comfort in the local community, and the hospitality of Guazhou people attracted significant attention online. Gansu people are known for their simplicity, honesty, warmth and hospitality, and always offer the best to their guests. We must cultivate and pass on these qualities, making Gansu's cultural and tourism industry more vibrant and welcoming, so visitors can come with high expectations and leave satisfied.

In a few days, Gansu will host the annual China Public Fuxi Memorial Ceremony. Moreover, in the second half of the year, we will hold the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo. We warmly welcome friends from across the country to visit Gansu. Begin your journey with a bowl of Tianshui malatang and savor authentic Lanzhou beef noodles, and experience the rich and diverse flavors of Gansu. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

Mr. Ren, nice to see you again. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake in Jishishan late last year was highly concerning. How is the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction work progressing in Gansu half a year later? And what plans do you have for the future? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your concern for the people affected by the earthquake in Jishishan. I would like to invite Mr. Cheng to answer this question.

Cheng Xiaobo:

After the earthquake, with the deep care of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, aid from all over the country quickly arrived in the disaster-affected areas. We completed emergency rescue operations in a very short time and resettled the affected people. During that time, the profound love and support from all corners of the country converged upon Gansu. The scenes of compassion and support were deeply moving and heartwarming. Let me now provide an overview of the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach great importance to the recovery and reconstruction of Jishishan county. Under the support of various national ministries and commissions, the National Development and Reform Commission took the lead in drafting the overall reconstruction plan, and Gansu province also formulated special plans and action plans. According to the overall plan, the entire reconstruction will be completed in three years. The main tasks include: first, rebuilding and repairing residential housing to ensure safe living conditions for the people; second, developing infrastructure including for transportation, water conservancy, electricity and communications to make travel and daily life more convenient; third, enhancing public services like education and healthcare to make schooling and medical treatment more accessible; and fourth, promoting industries with local features to increase people's incomes and their quality of life.

This year, in addition to coordinating post-disaster reconstruction efforts, we are focused on two key objectives. First, we will ensure that people relocated to the resettlement sites move into their new homes before Oct. 1, so that those affected can celebrate National Day in their safe and comfortable new houses; second, we will ensure that newly built schools are put into use before Sept. 1, so that children can start the new semester in bright and spacious classrooms.

I would like to introduce two guiding principles in our planning and construction process. First, we fully respect the people's wishes. For example, in terms of house design, we have extensively gathered feedback from residents and offered seven types of apartment and four types of single-story houses to provide ample choices. Second, we ensure the quality of the construction. This is both our goal and bottom line for reconstruction. We aim to make the post-disaster reconstruction projects into high-quality and reliable projects that win the hearts of the people.

Over the past six months, we have advanced the reconstruction work in the disaster-affected areas as quickly as possible. If you visit Jishishan county, you can see bustling construction sites, with vehicles constantly shuttling back and forth, and rows of towering cranes. It can be said that every brick, tile, road and house in the disaster-affected area reflects the support and care from all sectors of society. This is also the source of our confidence to complete the task of reconstruction on time and to a high standard. We firmly believe that with the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the robust support of all sectors of society, the dedicated attention of the media, and the hard work and self-reliance of local officials and residents, the areas affected by the earthquake will be turned into an even more beautiful home. Thank you.

CCTV:

Gansu was once the province with the most challenging poverty alleviation tasks in the country. Having won the battle against poverty, how will Gansu consolidate its achievements and prevent a large-scale return to poverty? What measures will be taken to promote comprehensive rural revitalization? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your questions. The issues you raised are very important for Gansu. In the past, Gansu was known as a "place of great hardships." After winning the unprecedented battle against poverty, Gansu is no longer a place of bitter hardships, but a land of happiness.

In recent years, we have firmly committed to the bottom-line task of preventing a large-scale return to poverty. On one hand, we have focused on consolidating and expanding our achievements, and on the other hand, we have promoted comprehensive rural revitalization. We continue to give a leg up to people who have been lifted out of poverty. We adhere to the use of development methods to consolidate and expand the hard-won achievements of poverty alleviation and accelerate the transformation of Gansu from a large agricultural province to a strong agricultural province. The per capita disposable income in rural areas that have been lifted out of poverty in the province increased from 9,385 yuan in 2020 to 12,107 yuan in 2023, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. Next, we will focus on two areas:

In consolidating and expanding our achievements, we will make good use of "two forces." The first is to stimulate internal force. We will ensure that although absolute poverty has been eliminated, all the related responsibilities, policies, support and oversights remain in place. We will encourage and guide people who have just shaken off poverty to increase their incomes through employment, industry and entrepreneurship, thereby enhancing their internal driving force for self-development. We will innovate and improve the "Gansu One-Click Poverty Reporting" mechanism, using digital means to strengthen dynamic monitoring to prevent people from falling back into poverty, and promptly identify, intervene and assist those prone to returning to poverty. The other is to make good use of external force. We will deepen cooperation between eastern and western regions and advance targeted assistance from central departments and organizations. With the support of Tianjin, Shandong and 37 central departments and organizations, we will strengthen industrial assistance, labor cooperation, joint project construction and talent exchange, jointly writing a new chapter of east-west cooperation in the new era.

In terms of comprehensive rural revitalization, we will focus on painting "two pictures." One is a picture of building a harmonious and beautiful countryside. We will learn from and apply the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang province and solidly carry out the creation of a harmonious and beautiful countryside with the main features of "beautiful villages, thriving industries, good governance, harmonious atmosphere, prosperous people and strong collectives." We will certify around 100 provincial-level harmonious and beautiful villages each year through a region-specific and category-based approach, highlighting idyllic plains, beautiful mountain villages, poetic wetlands, unique Tibetan ethnic areas on the plateau, and traditional villages rich in culture. Together we will paint a picture of a beautiful Gansu for all regions to prosper individually and collectively. The other is a picture of fostering industries with local features. As for Gansu's agriculture, the brand "Ganwei" (Honest Gansu, Authentic Flavor) has topped the China Regional Agricultural Brand Influence Index for three consecutive years. This is perhaps unexpected but also reasonable: First, in terms of growing vegetables in the Gobi Desert, Gansu has two of China's top 10 vegetable bases, namely Zhangye and Lanzhou, with the largest highland summer vegetable planting area and production in the country. Second, corn seed production is significant, with Gansu being the largest corn seed production base in the country, producing one out of every two corn seeds in China. Third, its geo-authentic medicinal materials are well-known, with Gansu being called a "natural pharmacy" and "thousand-year-old medicinal hometown." The province has the largest area and production of cultivated Chinese medicinal materials in the country, and is China’s only comprehensive pilot zone for traditional Chinese medicine industry development. To ensure that these resources from Gansu fetch good prices and enrich the local people, we will comprehensively strengthen the construction of a strong agricultural province, deeply develop local specialty products, cultivate and strengthen one or two leading industries in each county, leverage specialty brands, extend industrial chains, and increase added value, so that "Ganwei" agricultural products can sell well domestically and globally.

Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

We know that Gansu has rich solar and wind energy resources. How will Gansu develop the new energy industry? And how does Gansu plan to optimize the development and utilization of these resources? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your questions. New energy is both an advantage and a characteristic of Gansu. I would like to invite my colleague Mr. Cheng to answer these questions.

Cheng Xiaobo:

As the reporter just mentioned, Gansu is indeed a major province in terms of wind and solar resources. Our technologically exploitable development in solar and wind energy both ranks among the top in the country. Especially since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, we have seized various policy opportunities for national green transformation, riding on the back of rich clean energy resources to soar to new heights, and promoting the vigorous development of the new energy industry. Currently, the total installed capacity of new energy in the province exceeds 56 million kilowatts, accounting for more than 60% of the total installed capacity of electricity, a proportion ranking second in the country. The regions receiving power from Gansu have already expanded to 25 provinces, with Gansu exporting more than 52 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, nearly half of which is new energy. The Hexi Corridor was once a place of desolation and oblivion. Now it is thriving, undergoing transformation, and showing great potential for further developing wind and solar energy. 

Gansu has experienced rapid development in the new energy sector, and still has huge potential to realize in the future. Next, we will focus on building an important national base for new energy and new energy equipment manufacturing, transforming the province from a large producer of wind and solar energy to a strong competitor in the sector. We will continue to make efforts in four key areas:

First, to expand the scale. We will focus on building large bases in sandy, rocky and barren areas, accelerating the construction of various wind and solar power projects at all levels. We aim to exceed 80 million kilowatts of installed new energy capacity by the end of next year, when the 14th Five-Year Plan period will complete, as well as 130 million kilowatts by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. What does 130 million kilowatts mean? It's equivalent to six Three Gorges Dam.

Second, to open channels. With a large scale and increased electricity generation, building outbound transmission channels has become a key issue. Our first channel is the Jiuquan-Hunan ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) project, completed in 2017. The second channel is the Gansu-Shandong project, which started construction last year and will be completed next year. The third channel is the Gansu-Zhejiang project. With preparatory work already completed, construction is expected to be approved soon. The fourth channel is the Gansu-Sichuan project, which is also expected to start construction by the end of this year. By the midterm of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, these four UHV lines will all be operational, allowing Gansu to send at least 160 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity nationwide, which is equivalent to the current annual electricity consumption of the entire province.

Third, to develop industries. We will focus on building an industrial development structure, centering around Jiuquan and Jiayuguan, coordinating Zhangye, Wuwei, and Jinchang, and boosting cooperation among cities and prefectures east of Yellow River, to leverage multiple layers of driving forces. A 100-billion-yuan industrial cluster will be created to enable coordinated development of wind and solar power industrial chain and related industries. 

Fourth, to promote consumption. We need to make full and effective use of locally generated electricity within the province itself, which requires vigorously developing local industries as well as developing peak-shaving power sources and new ways of storing energy, particularly integrating the power grid with the computing network. We aim to build a national hub for the integrated computing power network, namely the Qingyang data center in Gansu, to create a national computing power assurance base. In short, we will not only develop the new energy industry to convert resource advantages into economic advantages but will also ensure that the wind and solar energy of Gansu illuminates thousands of households, contributing more to the security of the national energy supply and demonstrating Gansu's commitment. Thank you.

The Paper:

Gansu is vast and of significant ecological importance, but its natural conditions are complex with the ecological environment being relatively fragile. My question is what measures has Gansu taken to promote ecological progress? How can it further solidify its ecological security barrier? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your concern about the ecological progress in Gansu. I will let my colleague, Mr. Lei, answer this question.

Lei Siwei:

Thank you for your interest in Gansu's ecological civilization construction. Gansu has many ecological symbols, which can primarily be summarized by the elements of mountains, water and soil. The mountains refer to the Qilian Mountains, which nourishes the oases of the Hexi Corridor and blocks the convergence and southward invasion of the Tengger, Badain Jaran and Kumtag deserts. The water refers to the Yellow River, which originates in Qinghai and flows through Gansu, forming the world-renowned First Bend of the Yellow River in Maqu County, Gannan. The soil refers to the Loess Plateau, which covers one quarter of the province's area.

In recent years, Gansu has treated ecological and environmental protection as a paramount task, striving to create a beautiful and picturesque Gansu. We are dedicated to safeguarding the Yellow River. By fully implementing the national strategy for the Yellow River, we have initiated major ecological projects such as water source conservation, water and soil conservation, and water saving and conservancy. We have steadily advanced the integrated protection and restoration of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems in the water source conservation area of the upper reaches of the Yellow River in Gannan. The water quality of the sections of the Yellow River flowing out of the province has remained at Class II for eight consecutive years. The beauty shared among the surrounding regions of the Yellow River basin has become a splendid calling card for Gansu Province. We are dedicated to protecting the green, ecological environment. By deeply learning from the lessons of ecological damage in the Qilian Mountains of Gansu, we remain constantly vigilant, ensuring we never forget past mistakes. We have established a mechanism for regular supervision and monitoring of protection across all domains. The vegetation index of the Qilian Mountains nature reserve has increased by 10.88%. Nearly 80% of Gansu's land area is included in the shelterbelt program in northeast, north, and northwest China. We are fully committed to fighting critical battles along the Hexi Corridor and the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, as well as the challenges posed by the Yellow River's Ji-shaped bend. The first batch of key projects under the shelterbelt program in northeast, north and northwest China have been launched, aiming to reclaim over 67% of treatable desertified land in the province by 2030. We are fully committed to one battle. We are taking further steps to prevent and control pollution, conducting clean air actions, taking more robust and comprehensive measures to improve river basins and water quality control, and implementing measures to prevent and control soil pollution at its source. The provincial capital of Gansu, Lanzhou, has evolved from a city once invisible from satellites to a city visible under the blue sky.

Gansu Province holds significant ecological importance, but its ecological foundation is also highly fragile. We will continue to carry forward the contemporary Yugong spirit of the three generations of "six old men" at Babusha Forest Farm, who dedicated themselves to afforestation and desert control. We treat the environment like it is our lives and protect the environment like we protect our eyes. We aim to make the skies bluer, the land greener, waters clearer and the mountains and rivers more beautiful across the Loess Plateau. By fortifying the ecological security barrier in western China, we strive to make Gansu into the "poetry and faraway place" that people aspire to.

Thank you.

Zhonghongwang.com:

Gansu is a traditional old industrial base facing the arduous task of shifting the growth model and adjusting economic structure. How is Gansu promoting the transformation and upgrading of the old industrial base? What measures have been taken? How effective are the measures? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your concern and attention to Gansu's old industrial base. As an important old industrial base in China, Gansu has experienced a period of passionate development during the "First Five-Year Plan," "Second Five-Year Plan" and the era of "the Third Front" construction after the founding of the People's Republic of China. It witnessed the birth of several national firsts, such as the country's first refined oil products, the first synthetic rubber and the first large-scale oil drilling rig. These achievements laid a relatively solid foundation for its industrial development. In recent years, we have focused on supporting the development of leading companies, enhancing supply chains and fostering industrial clusters to promote the growth of traditional industries and the emergence of new industries. Our efforts have been directed towards building a modern industrial system with distinctive characteristics of Gansu province. The growth rate of the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size in the province has remained above 6% for five consecutive years, and the growth rate of industrial investment has ranked among the top in the country for three consecutive years. The old industrial base is experiencing a renaissance, rejuvenating with vitality and vigor.

In terms of supporting the development of leading companies, we implement approximately 300 high-end, intelligent and green transformation projects on a rolling basis each year. Through measures, such as equipment upgrades, technological innovation, energy conservation and emissions reduction, digital transformation and more, we continuously strive to enhance the industrial structure and development capacity. Currently, Gansu ranks third in the world in nickel output and fifth in cobalt output. You might also be surprised to learn that Gansu has high-end enterprises in the industrial chain of the chip sector, with chip packaging and testing technologies reaching world-leading levels.

In terms of promoting the development of industrial chains, we have strengthened weak links, given full play to advantages, upgraded traditional industries as well as boosted emerging industries. We have fully implemented the "industrial chain chief" scheme, focusing on 14 key industrial chains and cultivating 114 chain-leader enterprises in three years. According to the market theory of "raw material should be made into material, material should be made into tools, and tools should be functional," we have taken the chain-leader enterprises as the main body, targeted the missing sectors in industrial chains, broken through bottleneck technologies and have developed high value-added key products. By doing so, technological achievements have quickly turned into products; products have helped to form industries and industries are expected to establish industrial chains.

In terms of boosting the development of industrial clusters, we have leveraged collective strengths to expand and extend various industrial parks, gathering production factors, projects and industries into clusters. We have built three advanced manufacturing industrial clusters at the national level in petrochemical engineering, non-ferrous metallurgy and new energy and new energy equipment manufacturing. Jiuquan city in Gansu has become the largest on land wind power equipment manufacturing base in China.

Gansu province was strong in industries in the past, and will surely regain its development momentum in the future. We will propel industrial innovation through sci-tech creation, advance the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries like petrochemical engineering and non-ferrous metallurgy, drive emerging industries such as new energy, new materials, biomedicine and data information as well as create a layout for future industries, including artificial intelligence and quantum technology. We will accelerate the development of new quality productive forces in line with local realities and, through "innovation" and "high quality," make industries strong engines for the province's overall development.

Thank you.

China Daily:

We all know that Gansu is a province with large mineral resources, and its reserves of many minerals rank first in the country. What has Gansu done in the exploration and development of mineral resources? What are the next steps being considered? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your interest in the development and utilization of mineral resources in Gansu. Gansu is a province rich in mineral resources. We are capable to make contributions to foster a unified national market as well as a new development dynamic with the domestic economy as the mainstay, with the domestic economy and international engagement both providing mutual reinforcement. My colleague Mr. Lei will answer your questions.

Lei Siwei:

Thank you for your questions. Just as Mr. Ren mentioned, Gansu is a treasure house of energy and resources, being well-known as the "hometown of non-ferrous metals" across the country. At present, more than 190 kinds of minerals have been discovered in the province, 134 kinds of which have been identified with reserves. Among them, the reserves of 12 kinds of mineral resources, such as nickel, cobalt and platinum, rank first in the country. Each kind of mineral has the potential and prospect to foster an industrial chain and even drive a large-scale industry. In recent years, we have made full use of Gansu's capabilities to comprehensively improve the quality of exploration, development and supply of mineral resources to meet the needs of the country. While promoting our own high-quality development, we have actively contributed to the nation's overall development.

All efforts have been made to discover as many minerals in the province as we can. We have vigorously carried out a new round of strategic campaign on mineral exploration, implementing it in a scientific and coordinated manner. Since the 14th Five-Year Plan started in 2021, Gansu's cumulative investment in geological exploration has ranked among the top in the country. We formed a mineral exploration structure in the province that is led by fiscal funds and is widely participated in with broad social capital. For example, currently identified reserves of coal resources in Gansu rank sixth in the country, with the coal output in 2023 nearly double compared to three years ago.

We try our best to fully utilize all the resources that have been found. We have established a normalized mechanism for the allocation of mining rights, promoted transformation and have increased revenue, so as to attract more companies to participate in the exploration and development of mineral resources. Thanks to market means and efficient resource allocation, an industrial cluster in mining development has been created covering all links related to prospecting, transferring, mining and utilization, which has transformed resource advantages into economic and development advantages to the greatest extent. At present, the scale and intensiveness of mining in the province have been significantly improved, and the structure of resource development and utilization has been further optimized. The mining economy has gradually become a powerful support to regional development.

Simultaneously, we are committed to green development. We are better coordinating our efforts in exploring mines and protecting the environment, consistently applying the concept of green development throughout the whole process of mineral exploration and development. We promote the application of green exploration technologies, apply green mining techniques and enhance greening efforts in mining areas. We have taken the lead in establishing a system of green mine standards nationwide. It is expected that 90% of large mines and 80% of medium-sized mines in the province will meet the standards for green mining by 2028.

In the next step, we will implement the new development philosophy in a complete, accurate and comprehensive manner. With the goal of enhancing our capacity to ensure mineral resource security, we will focus on the overall situation, keep an eye on key minerals, and continuously promote a new round of strategic actions to make breakthroughs in mineral exploration. We will advance our efforts in the exploration, development and production of important energy and mineral resources. Through more policy support, technology application and flexible mechanisms, we aim to promote the high-quality development of the mining industry with more efforts and make greater contributions to ensuring the security of national energy and resources. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Please continue with your questions. There are two more reporters raising their hands. We have our last two questions.

N Videos at Southern Metropolis Daily:

It's graduation season again. We have noticed that Gansu for consecutive years has issued policies to support college graduates in finding employment at the grassroots level and in enterprises. May I ask what other practical and effective actions have been taken in promoting employment? What are their results? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your interest in our current employment efforts. Employment is the most basic component of the people's wellbeing. It is also a top priority of our work. Mr. Zhang Jingang is in charge of this work. I invite him to answer.

Zhang Jingang:

Thank you for your question. Employment is one of the most important tasks for the provincial Party committee and the provincial government. As Mr. Ren mentioned earlier, employment is the most basic component of the people's wellbeing, concerning the country's development and the people's life and happiness. In recent years, employment in Gansu has overall shown growing trends, with more than 300,000 new jobs created annually. This is an assured figure that can only increase and is not allowed to decrease. We have mainly done three aspects of work.

First, we have built platforms. That is, we have made every effort to stabilize and expand job positions, providing stages and platforms for entrepreneurship. In this regard, we have implemented an action plan to serve over 1,000 enterprises that have maintained job demand, providing support, such as financial assistance and services that protect their rights, to encourage them to offer more jobs. For example, the "Longyuan Employment Loan" service precisely guarantees financing needs of enterprises that create a number of jobs, maintain stable work positions and comply with employment regulations. It focuses on supporting the real economy and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in order to stabilize and expand employment. In the past two years, it has issued loans to more than 2,400 enterprises, totaling nearly 5 billion yuan.

Second, we have built bridges between jobseekers and enterprises. We take various measures to "build bridges and pave roads" in order to better match job supply and demand. In this regard, except for carrying out traditional activities, such as vocational skills training, entrepreneurship and innovation competitions, we have also explored some distinctive events based on our own conditions. For example, since 2022 we have launched livestream events, inviting over 430 officials from human resources and social security departments to interpret policies and promote jobs. Such efforts have provided nearly 2 million job opportunities.

Another aspect is that we have expanded employment channels. We make every effort to stabilize and expand employment among key groups, hence promoting overall, high-quality, and sufficient employment. For example, in terms of graduate employment, we support 10,000 unemployed graduates to find employment at the grassroots level each year, which has been one of our top 10 tasks to improve the people's wellbeing for 15 consecutive years. Our efforts aim to guide them to work at the grassroots level and in enterprises. For those who have been lifted out of poverty, we have enabled them to find employment near their homes — in rural factories or through public welfare employment programs.

Next, we will make greater efforts to carry out our employment priority strategy, fully implement policies to reduce burdens, stabilize jobs and expand employment, enhance the role of industries to drive employment, and expand employment channels. We will continuously promote employment among key groups, and work to address labor shortages in certain sectors in order to better meet employment market demands. We will ensure that those who need jobs can find them, make it easier for enterprises to recruit workers, and continuously enhance citizens' sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

The last question, please.

The Poster News APP:

Gansu has served as a strategic gateway and important trade hub on the Silk Road since ancient times. How will the vibrant landscape of Gansu be depicted in the future development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)? Thank you.

Ren Zhenhe:

Thank you for your question. The BRI presents Gansu with its greatest opportunity. As we all know, Gansu has embraced openness throughout its history. The Hexi Corridor is a major channel open to the west, while the ancient Silk Road stretched over 1,600 kilometers through Gansu, accounting for one-fifth of its total length. Some say that Xinjiang is too far away, but I say that it is not Xinjiang that is too far away, it is Gansu that is too long. Since the Han and Tang dynasties, goods from the East and West have been distributed and circulated in Gansu. This led to a seamless integration and fusion of Eastern and Western cultures within the province, creating a situation whereby envoys and merchants were constantly crossing paths, and trade flourished.

In recent years, we have seized the greatest opportunity brought by the BRI, actively integrated into and served the new development paradigm of "dual circulation," which takes the domestic market as the mainstay while allowing domestic and international markets to reinforce each other, and accelerated the construction of a new open pattern that takes into account both internal and external factors, integrates land and sea, and is westward-oriented and multi-pronged. At present, a total of 21 international freight train routes have been opened and put into operation, covering more than 20 countries and regions in Europe, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Gansu's "steel camel caravans" are fully loaded with goods and frequently travel between BRI partner countries, and the total value of imports and exports to BRI partner countries accounts for more than 70% of Gansu's total foreign trade. In recent years, Gansu's agricultural product exports have made significant breakthroughs every year. Unique agricultural products from Gansu, such as highland summer vegetables, Lanzhou lily bulbs, Jingning apples, Pingliang red cattle, Dingxi wide noodles and Longnan olive oil have not only gained popularity domestically, but have also crossed the oceans and been served on tables overseas.

Next, we will be guided by the eight major measures for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and focus on the following three aspects. In terms of strengthening channels, we will actively integrate into the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, vigorously promote the construction of railways, highways and airports, expand the hub functions of international land ports and airports, and actively build the Air Silk Road. In terms of expanding foreign trade, we will carry out four major actions to cultivate foreign trade markets, improve new foreign trade business forms, build foreign trade bases and expand foreign trade products. We will also vigorously expand the markets of the Belt and Road partner countries and RCEP countries, expand exports of specialty products, continue to expand the scale of processing trade and trade in services, encourage enterprises to go out and explore overseas markets, and improve the quality and effectiveness of international freight trains. In terms of promoting cooperation, we will deepen exchanges and cooperation with Belt and Road partner countries in the fields of sci-tech innovation, digital development, cultural tourism, medical health and ecological protection, accelerate the construction of Dunhuang studies and world cultural heritage protection models, hold the Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo and China Lanzhou Investment and Trade Fair, expand people-to-people exchanges and friendly interactions, open our arms wider to embrace the "greatest opportunity," and present Gansu to the world to let the world know Gansu.

Friends from the media, most people have the impression that Gansu is far away. What I want to say here is that Gansu is not actually that far away. If you visit Gansu, taking the provincial capital Lanzhou as an example, it takes less than one hour by plane from Xi'an, Yinchuan, Chengdu, Chongqing and other surrounding cities, and only two hours from major domestic cities such as Beijing, Nanjing, Wuhan and Zhengzhou. Even provincial capitals such as Harbin, Guangzhou and Fuzhou, which are considered to be farther away, can be reached in just three hours. We welcome everyone to visit Gansu, appreciate the magnificence of the Loess Plateau, the vast grasslands, the boundless rocky areas, and the pure glaciers, experience the profoundness of Chinese civilization, and the diverse charm of Gansu.

We are waiting for you in Gansu. Gansu welcomes you. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Ren, all of the speakers, and all of the journalists taking part today. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Guo Yiming, Zhu Bochen, Cui Can, Mi Xingang, Xiang Bin, Liu Caiyi, Lin Liyao, Wang Ziteng, Yan Bin, Wang qian, Ma Yujia, Zhang Junmian, Zhou Jing, Li Xiao, Liu Sitong, Huang Shan, Wang Yiming, Wang Wei, Li Huiru, David Ball, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Lan Tianli, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region

Mr. Xu Yongke, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region

Mr. Bai Songtao, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Mr. Wang Yongchao, director of the Commission for Industry and Information Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 12, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 29th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Lan Tianli, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, to introduce Guangxi's accelerating efforts to build itself into a convenient hub for domestic and international businesses, and to build a splendid Guangxi in the new era, and take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Xu Yongke, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region; Mr. Bai Songtao, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region; and Mr. Wang Yongchao, director of the Commission for Industry and Information Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Lan for his introduction.

Lan Tianli:

Good morning. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you all on the high-quality development of Guangxi. Entrusted by Liu Ning, secretary of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude and highest respect to all of you on behalf of the CPC Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee, the government, and the region's more than 57 million people of all ethnic groups for your long-term care and support for Guangxi.

Those who visit Guangxi are always amazed by its wonderful beauty. Guangxi is indeed a thoroughly charming place. Here, I would like to introduce Guangxi to you using six key phrases. The first phrase is "picturesque landscapes." The Lijiang River is one of the world's 15 most beautiful rivers, and Detian Waterfall is the largest transnational waterfall in Asia. Wang Zhenggong, a poet in the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), wrote the timeless line, "Guilin's scenery is the best under Heaven." Today, we can add another phrase: "Everywhere in Guangxi is like Guilin." It is a place of "poetry and distance" that people yearn for. The second phrase is "livability and longevity." Guangxi boasts beautiful ecology and long-living residents, being home to nearly 7,000 centenarians. Out of the 99 "longevity towns" in China, 37 are in Guangxi. The third phrase is "sweet business." Guangxi has been the nation's top sugar producer for 33 consecutive years, with two out of every three spoonfuls of sugar in China coming from Guangxi. Guangxi has also ranked No. 1 for fruit production in the nation for six consecutive years. Our mangoes, lychees, longans, kumquats, tangerines, passion fruits, dragon fruits, and Shatian pomelos are renowned nationwide. Guangxi serves as the "sugar bowl" and "fruit platter" of the nation. The fourth phrase is "national unity." Guangxi is the autonomous region with the largest population of ethnic minorities in China, where the sense of community for the Chinese nation is deeply ingrained in all ethnic groups. General Secretary Xi Jinping praised Guangxi as a national model area for ethnic unity and progress. The fifth phrase is "close to ASEAN." "Open the door and you are in Vietnam; take a few steps and you will enter ASEAN." Guangxi is the only province in China that is connected to ASEAN by both land and sea, making it the forefront and window of China's opening-up and cooperation with ASEAN. The sixth phrase is "prosperous canal." The Pinglu Canal, currently under construction in Guangxi, is the first river-to-sea canal project since the founding of the People's Republic of China and a flagship project on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Once completed, logistics between southwest and south-central China, the western regions, and ASEAN will become more convenient.

General Secretary Xi Jinping cares deeply about Guangxi's development and is concerned about the people of all ethnic groups in Guangxi. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the general secretary has visited Guangxi three times, delivering many important speeches and issuing important instructions on Guangxi's work. He encouraged us to "free our minds, pursue innovations for change, seek ocean-oriented development opportunities, and promote open development," which has laid out a grand blueprint and injected strong momentum for "making concerted efforts to build a splendid Guangxi in the new era and striving to write a chapter of Chinese modernization in Guangxi."

Guided by the instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, we are determined to blaze new paths and make greater achievements in promoting high-quality development in border areas with mainly ethnic minority populations. The GDP increased from 1.13 trillion yuan in 2012 to 2.72 trillion yuan in 2023. We are committed to achieving excellence in developing strong industries. Focusing on industries with unique advantages as well as adapting to local conditions in order to develop new quality productive forces, Guangxi has cultivated ten industrial sectors and six specialty agricultural sectors, each with an annual output value of the whole industrial chain exceeding 100 billion yuan (about 14 billion U.S. dollars). This includes the metallurgical industry, automobiles, sugar and fruit. The number of industrial enterprises above designated size has exceeded 10,000 while the foundation for high-quality development has been continuously consolidated. We have continued to open wider to the outside world. For the last 20 years, we have hosted the China-ASEAN Expo and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit. ASEAN has been Guangxi's largest trading partner for 24 consecutive years. The position and role of Guangxi in the overall structure of national opening up have both become increasingly prominent. We have made every effort to build a major ecological barrier in the southern region of the country. Upholding the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, we are dedicated to improving the protection of mountains and rivers of Guangxi. Guangxi's ecological environment has continued to improve, ranking in the forefront of the country. The province's mangrove forest ranks second in the country while the richness of our biodiversity ranks third in the country. New progress has been made in green development. We have continued to improve people's well-being. About 80% of the fiscal expenditure is used to improve people's livelihoods and projects are implemented every year to address people's practical concerns. We have continued to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty-alleviation and have taken solid steps in promoting all-around rural revitalization, so that the lives of people in Guangxi have become more prosperous.

On this new journey, we will take high-quality development as the top priority, strive to promote the construction of "one zone, two areas, one park and one corridor" and make great efforts to write a Guangxi chapter of Chinese Modernization. "One zone" refers to building a demonstration zone for forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. We must continue to take a pioneering role in promoting ethnic unity and progress by playing an exemplary role. One of the "two areas" refers to building a convenient place for business operation and the dual circulation of both domestic and international markets. Leveraging the unique geographical advantage of a gateway to ASEAN countries, as well as constructive interactions with the east, central and west regions, we have continued to improve the level of facilitation in investment, trade and other aspects. The other of the "two areas" refers to building an important strategic hinterland for Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. We fully integrate into the innovative, industrial, supply, capital and talent chains of the Greater Bay Area. "One park" refers to building an industrial park along border and port areas. We are systematically undertaking industrial transfer, accelerating the establishment of secure and stable cross-border and cross-regional industrial and supply chains. "One corridor" refers to jointly building the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor at a high standard. We have constructed the Pinglu Canal with high standards and high quality, accelerated the construction of the railway from Huangtong to Baise, built the international gateway port of Beibu Gulfand havesped up the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, connecting ASEAN countries with the shortest time, the best service and the best price.

That's all for my introduction. My colleagues and I will now answer questions from journalists. Thank you.

Xing Huina:

You are now welcome to raise questions. Please identify the news organization you represent before asking your questions.

China Daily:

Just now, Mr. Lan mentioned that Guangxi has been continuously expanding opening up to the outside world and speeding up the building of a convenient place for business operation and the dual circulation of domestic and international markets. Could you elaborate on how this "convenient place" works? What are the specific measures? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for your questions. We understand that the country has entrusted Guangxi with the important mission of building a convenient place for business operation and the dual circulation of domestic and international markets, hoping that it can leverage its unique geographical advantages to better serve and integrate into the new development pattern while also promoting high-quality development through high-level opening up. The construction of this "convenient place" means vigorously improving the level of convenience in investment, trade, consumption, capital flow, personnel exchange, logistics and transportation. To this end, we will make efforts in the following aspects:

We will build a three-dimensional and efficient connectivity system. On the basis of connecting counties with expressways and cities with high-speed rail, we have built 36 highways that connect to other provinces, the sea and border areas. High-speed trains can reach 20 other provinces in the same day. The port of Beibu Gulf is connected to over 200 ports in more than 100 countries and regions worldwide. The aviation network reaches all ASEAN countries. We have basically formed a modern three-dimensional transportation structure integrating rivers and seas, combined transportation of sea and rail, coordinated development of water and land routes, and seamlessly connected air and ports, achieving fast and convenient access to the river and sea in the western region. Currently, we are accelerating the China-Vietnam smart port program. After the completion of the smart port, 24-hour uninterrupted, unmanned and intelligent customs clearance for goods will be realized. Goods from Nanning to Hanoi in Vietnam will be delivered within 24 hours, and goods to the four northern border provinces of Vietnam will be delivered within 12 hours.

We will build cross-border and cross-regional industrial and supply chains. We will build industrial parks along border and port areas and China-ASEAN industrial cooperation zone, as well as accelerate the development of cross-border and cross-regional industrial and supply chains within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area-Beibu Gulf economy zone and ASEAN. For example, Qinzhou has formed a petrochemical industry led by China National Petroleum Corporation and Guangxi Huayi New Material Co., LTD, and has initially established cross-border industrial chain cooperation with many ASEAN countries in the fields of chemical industry and new energy materials.

We will steadily expand institutional opening-up. Over the past years, we have established China-ASEAN mechanisms covering more than 40 areas including transportation and trade through the China-ASEAN Expo platform, and the Guangxi Pilot Free Trade Zone has explored 169 institutional innovations and promoted those practices across the country. We will comprehensively align with trade and economic rules under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), steadily expanding institutional openness in rules, regulations, management and standards to attract the aggregation of various factors, such as talents, capital, information, technology and others.

We will continue to improve the business environment. Guangxi has basically achieved the goal of "at the most having to visit one time" for government services. Starting a business requires only two steps and can be completed in just one day. A survey of the business environment among 10,000 private enterprises in 2023 conducted by All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce shows that Guangxi ranks among the top five provinces with the most significant improvement in the business environment. We will continue to optimize government services, production factors, law-based governance, the market and the environment for innovation, deepen the "Business-Friendly Guangxi" initiative, further reduce costs associated with production factors, logistics and institutional transactions as well as strive to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized.

Thank you.

Cover News:

As mentioned earlier, the Pinglu Canal is under construction and serves as the backbone project of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. What progress has been made with the construction of the project currently and how will Guangxi ensure the successful construction of this canal? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

I would like to invite Mr. Xu to answer it.

Xu Yongke:

Thank you for your questions. As Mr. Lan introduced earlier, the Pinglu Canal, with a total investment of approximately 72.7 billion yuan, will be primarily completed by the end of 2026 and is expected to handle ships of up to 5,000 metric tons. Currently, more than half of the earthworks have been excavated, with nearly half of the investment utilized. Construction is progressing smoothly in all aspects. For this canal, I would like to introduce it in three sentences: First, "a river of spring water flows southward." Guangxi boasts a well-developed water system with approximately 80% of its water flowing into the Xijiang River before surging eastward into the sea. The Pinglu Canal, cutting through mountains and heading southward to the sea, will fundamentally change the current situation in Guangxi, where coastal areas lack direct river access to the sea. Second, "light boats easily pass through myriad mountains." In the southwestern region of China, where mountains are densely packed, transportation and logistics costs are high. According to estimates, goods from the southwestern region exported via the Pinglu Canal will shorten the distance by approximately 560 kilometers compared to the current waterway route. This is expected to further reduce transportation time and logistics costs. Third, "directing sails toward the vast sea." We are synchronously planning and constructing the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt to foster the concentrated growth of industries near ports, including petrochemicals, equipment manufacturing and new metallic materials. Once the canal is completed, 5,000-ton vessels can directly navigate from inland ports along the Xijiang River to coastal ports in China and major ports in Southeast Asia, enhancing connectivity between domestic and international markets. 

Next, we will continue to adhere to the principles of "connecting rivers and reaching the sea, comprehensive planning, one-time completion and systematic operations." We will fully leverage the supervisory roles of expert teams for quality project inspection, green project inspection as well as clean project supervision and guidance. With high standards and quality, we will construct high-quality, environmentally friendly and corruption-free projects. In terms of high-quality projects, we are accelerating the construction of the world's largest inland water-saving ship lock, boasting the highest water transmission efficiency with a water-saving rate exceeding 60%. We are also creating an integrated smart canal system for construction, management and maintenance, achieving a real-time overview of the canal, intelligent control and scheduling, and one-touch access to logistics services. Moreover, we are intensifying research and application efforts focused on sustainable critical materials, aiming to establish projects characterized by long-lasting quality and safety. In terms of green projects, we are rigorously implementing environmental protection as well as soil and water conservation measures, aiming to achieve comprehensive utilization and balance of earthworks while maintaining a modest profit margin. We are striving to construct a green ecological canal characterized by smooth rivers, clear water, fish swimming, green banks, beautiful scenery and low carbon emissions. For instance, last year, we deployed the state-of-the-art "Tianjing" cutter-suction dredger to participate in the construction of the Pinglu Canal. Besides expediting project progress, our primary focus was environmental protection, aiming to minimize the impact on marine life in the operating area and the stability of embankments and adjacent slopes. In terms of clean projects, we are committed to strengthening supervision and guidance, focusing on key aspects, such as project bidding, funding support and conducting ongoing inspections.

With the river thriving, a myriad of industries will flourish. We believe that after the completion of the canal, it will undoubtedly present a grand scene of "one river connecting all parts of Guangxi to the sea."

Thank you.

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV:

We have noticed that Guangxi has been engaging extensively with the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Last month, Guangxi organized economic, trade and cultural exchange activities in Hong Kong and Macao, leading to the signing of letters of intent on comprehensive cooperation. Regarding further integration and exchange with the Greater Bay Area, what specific measures will Guangxi undertake to enhance the connectivity and exchange among those regions? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for your question. Mr. Bai will answer this question.

Bai Songtao:

Thank you for your question. Guangxi shares similarities with the Greater Bay Area in terms of geographical proximity, culture affinity and language. Nearly half of Guangxi's population speaks Cantonese, and there are over six million Guangxi residents working in Guangdong year-round, indicating immense cooperation potential. In recent years, we have actively integrated into the construction of the Greater Bay Area and are fully committed to becoming a crucial strategic hinterland for the Greater Bay Area.

We are striving to become a hub for transportation and logistics. In terms of passenger flow, Guangxi and the Greater Bay Area have formed a 3-hour high-speed rail traffic circle. You can depart Nanning in the morning for tea and business meetings in Guangzhou, then go shopping in Hong Kong and Macao in the afternoon, and return to Nanning in the evening to eat laoyou rice noodles. In terms of logistics, Beibu Gulf Port ranks among the top 10 ports in the country for cargo throughput. The Xijiang River golden waterway is a bustling shipping lane. In 2023, the Changzhou ship lock in Wuzhou recorded a total cargo volume of over 180 million metric tons, becoming China's largest ship lock on river waterways in terms of cargo transportation. We will accelerate the construction of comprehensive transportation channels connecting Guangdong and Guangxi, and reaching Hong Kong, Macao and ASEAN countries, and work to open up wider.

We are catering to industrial development of surrounding areas. We combine capital, technology, talent and other elements in the Greater Bay Area with Guangxi's advantages in areas such as location, resources and ecology. With industrial parks along the border and near ports and the China-ASEAN industrial cooperation zone as important carriers, we undertake industrial transfer from eastern regions in an orderly manner. More and more enterprises from the Greater Bay Area are now investing and settling in Guangxi. In 2023, over 30% of investment in Guangxi came from the Greater Bay Area.

We are striving to become a hub for sci-tech innovation. The Greater Bay Area has notable advantages in sci-tech innovation. We will deepen scientific and technological exchanges and cooperation, and comprehensively improve our sci-tech innovation ability and the transformation of sci-tech achievements, based on the platforms commissioned by the country, such as the ASEAN-oriented Cooperation Zone for Scientific and Technological Innovation, the demonstration zone for industry-education partnership featuring integrated development of industries, education and think tanks, as well as the China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center.

We are striving to ensure the supply of resources and production factors. Endowed with abundant resources, Guangxi has become a crucial supply base for building materials, non-ferrous metals, agricultural and sideline products, as well as electricity in the Greater Bay Area. Also, 70% of the steel used in home appliances in the Pearl River Delta is produced in Guangxi. Guangxi is also an important "vegetable garden" for the Greater Bay Area. Currently, about 40% of fresh vegetables on the dining tables of Hong Kong and Macau compatriots are from Guangxi.

We are striving to create a better ecological environment. Guangxi is the water source and the ecological "back garden" of the Greater Bay Area. We continue to carry out comprehensive management of key river basins such as for the Xijiang River and Jiuzhou River, ensuring that water quality is stable and meets the requisite standards. Our goal is to make it a reality that "clear water flows eastward." As a water source for the Greater Bay Area, the Datengxia water conservancy hydropower project has cumulatively replenished more than 2.5 billion cubic meters of water for it, effectively ensuring water supply there.

That's all from me. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

Last winter, 11 children from Guangxi became a hit online, and were fondly dubbed the "little tangerines." The story about these kids traveling from Nanning all the way to the Northeast for a study tour has sparked a "two-way rush" between Guangxi and Northeast China. It has also cast a positive light on Guangxi's cultural and tourism industry, with many netizens visiting Guangxi for sightseeing. Could you please introduce the latest situation of Guangxi's cultural and tourism industry? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for your question. When it comes to the "little tangerines," we would like to express our gratitude. We want to thank our good friends in Northeast China for the love and care they showed for the "little tangerines." We want to thank netizens across the country for their online messages of concern and their continued attention to the "little tangerines," and also thank the "little Northeast Tigers," "little rime" and "little frozen pears" for boosting two-way tourism between the northeastern region and Guangxi. We would like to thank tourists both at home and abroad for visiting Guangxi, giving us the thumbs up, and expressing their love for Guangxi. Of course, as chairman of the autonomous region, I would also like to thank every Guangxi resident. Your warm hospitality is the most beautiful sight in Guangxi in the new era.

Magnificent Guangxi, the most beautiful landscape in the world. Guangxi's scenery is extremely picturesque. As I briefly introduced earlier: You can take a boat tour along the Lijiang River and experience the poetic and picturesque scenery. As a poem goes, "Sailing the waves, it feels as if you are in a painting." You can also explore the Leye-Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark to learn the ancient geological history of the Earth. Boasting beautiful and romantic coastal scenery, Guangxi has over 1,600 kilometers of coastline, with more than 600 islands scattered over a sea area of about 40,000 square kilometers. You can stroll along Beihai Silver Beach, known as the No. 1 beach in the world, and climb the youngest volcanic island in China, Weizhou Island, enjoying the sunshine, beach and waves. Guangxi has magnificent and majestic frontier scenery. Three cities and eight counties in Guangxi border Vietnam, totaling a land boundary of over 1,000 kilometers. You can drive along the "most beautiful border road," experience the romance of "one step across two countries" at Dongxing Port, and then go to Pingxiang to appreciate the grandeur of the Youyi Pass, one of China's 10 most famous passes. Boasting colorful and diverse ethnic cultures, Guangxi is a place where folk songs from all over the world converge. You can brew a cup of Liubao tea, make a pot of oil tea, enjoy a bowl of rice noodles, and experience the unique charms of the Zhuang ethnic songs, Yao dances, Miao festivals, and Dong buildings. Guangxi is a natural paradise thanks to its blue skies, clear water, evergreen trees, blooming flowers and fresh fruit, and is home to long-lived people. You can explore the secrets of long life in Bama county, known as the Longevity Town in the world, and enjoy health benefits from Yao medicine and Yao medicated baths in Jinxiu county, also called the "global capital of Yao ethnic culture."

Guangxi offers beautiful scenery, and words cannot do justice to its beauty. Currently, we are accelerating the development of Guilin into a world-class tourism city and stepping up efforts to build Guangxi as a global tourism destination. We hope you can all visit and see for yourself.

To make travel easier in Guangxi, we launched the "Travel Guangxi" app and WeChat miniprogram. With just a few taps on your phone, you can plan travel routes, purchase discounted tickets, book discounted rooms, rent a car for self-driving tours, and buy Guangxi specialties. We welcome you all to visit Guangxi and enjoy its green mountains and clear waters.

Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

The automobile industry is an important pillar of Guangxi's economy. I come from Liuzhou, Guangxi. When I went home for the Chinese New Year this year, I noticed that new energy vehicles (NEVs) produced in Guangxi were everywhere on the streets of Liuzhou. What new measures is Guangxi taking to promote new industrialization and build a modern industrial system? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you to the journalist from Liuzhou for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Wang to answer your question.

Wang Yongchao:

Thank you for your interest in Guangxi's industry. Over the past three years, Guangxi has vigorously implemented an industrial revitalization initiative, with total industrial investment exceeding 1 trillion yuan, growing at an average annual rate of 17.3%. The added value of industrial enterprises above designated size grew at an average annual rate of 6.5%, 0.6 percentage point higher than the national average. The high-quality development of the industrial economy is showing good momentum. The NEVs in Liuzhou you mentioned are mostly manufactured by Wuling. The company's cars are affectionately called "Amazing Wuling Cars" online due to their cost-effectiveness, practicality and high quality. They continually meet the people's needs, fulfilling the dreams of car ownership and prosperity held by generations. Wuling Motors is also a microcosm of Guangxi's industry continuously advancing toward higher standards, innovation and excellence. Building on our resource endowment and industrial foundation, we are focusing on competitive industries, concentrating advantageous resources and striving to excel in four key industrial areas:

"Original Brand" resource-based industries are being upgraded. Guangxi ranks among the top in the country for mineral resources such as aluminum, tin, antimony and indium. We have developed our distinctive resources into competitive industries. Industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals and food processing have all achieved industrial output values in excess of 300 billion yuan, marking a transition toward advanced and value-added processing of raw materials. For example, the aluminum industry has established a complete industrial chain from bauxite mining to deep processing of aluminum. Guangxi is capable of manufacturing ultra-thin electronic-grade aluminum foil, lightweight and high-strength aluminum materials for NEVs, and high-end precision aerospace aluminum alloys.

"Old Brand" traditional industries are transforming and breaking new ground. Mechanical and metallurgical industries are the traditional foundation of Guangxi's economy. We support enterprises in upgrading their products, innovating technologies and transitioning to digitalization, thereby achieving the advancement and development of traditional industries. Products and technical services from Guangxi are widely used in many well-known major projects and events, such as the cable net for the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST), the high-strength steel reinforcement anchorage system for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the plateau loaders used in the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, and the engines of buses used at the Beijing Olympic Games and Winter Olympic Games.

"New Brand" emerging industries are developing rapidly. Traditional industries can also nurture new quality productive forces. We are promoting integrated industrial development, fostering the rejuvenation of existing industries and the emergence of new ones. These efforts have nurtured a group of emerging industries including new materials, new energy batteries and new energy vehicles, each with a scale exceeding 50 billion yuan. Strategic emerging industries now contribute over 30% to industrial growth.

"External Brand" foreign trade-oriented industries are growing rapidly. Guangxi is developing into a convenient hub for both domestic and international markets. We support enterprises in building cross-border industrial and supply chains, attracting a large number of companies to establish import and export processing and manufacturing bases oriented toward ASEAN. Exports of large-scale machinery and equipment, automotive components, textiles and apparel, electronics and other products manufactured in Guangxi are experiencing rapid growth.

Starting this year, Guangxi will embark on a new three-year industrial revitalization initiative. We will focus on promoting new industrialization, developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and continuously building pillar industries that embody Guangxi's characteristics and advantages, with significant scale and strong driving force. Our goal is to accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system.

Thank you.

The Voice of Vietnam:

Mr. Lan mentioned Vietnam several times during his introduction and answers just now. In terms of promoting high-quality development, how is Guangxi advancing cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the process of building a convenient operating environment for domestic and international markets? As a province with close cooperation with Vietnam, what new considerations or measures does Guangxi have in mind in the new phase to consolidate and strengthen Sino-Vietnamese relations? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you to the reporter from Vietnam. I provided relevant information earlier regarding the establishment of a convenient operating environment for domestic and international markets. In terms of deepening cooperation with Vietnam, I would like to first share a short story with everyone. Last August, a 4-year-old boy from Quang Ninh province in Vietnam, which neighbors Guangxi, fell critically ill with a rare and severe condition. Medical teams from Guangxi and Vietnam closely collaborated, initiating a cross-border medical rescue channel. They facilitated fast-tracked customs clearance, coordinated the transfer, and promptly delivered the critically ill boy to the National Regional Medical Center in Nanning, Guangxi. Following expert consultation, the boy was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Pompe disease. After careful treatment, the boy's condition stabilized, turning the situation from critical to safe. In recent years, there have been over 600 cases like this one where critically ill patients from Vietnam have been treated in Guangxi hospitals through this rescue channel. I believe this lifeline connecting the people of China and Vietnam vividly exemplifies the community of shared future between our two countries.

Guangxi and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers,  enjoy geographical proximity and cultural affinity. Our traditional friendship has withstood the test of time and grown even stronger, resulting in very close exchange and cooperation. As China-Vietnam open cooperation continues to deepen, Vietnam has become Guangxi's largest trade partner for the last 25 consecutive years. In 2023, the total value of imports and exports between Guangxi and Vietnam reached 253.95 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 29.2%. From January to May of this year, the total value of imports and exports reached 120.82 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 36.8%.

The building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance gives Guangxi an important mission and task, as well as new historic opportunities for its opening-up and development.

We will accelerate interconnectivity. In terms of railways, the Nanning-Chongzuo section of the Nanning-Pingxiang high-speed railway was completed and opened for use in 2022, and the Chongzuo-Pingxiang section's construction has been sped up. The Fangchenggang-Dongxing high-speed railway started operation in 2023. In terms of highways, Guangxi has planned 13 expressways that lead to Vietnam, with 7 already completed and 6 currently under construction. The China-Vietnam Joint Statement proposes to "promote the cross-border standard-gauge railway connectivity between China and Vietnam, and conduct research on the Dong Dang-Hanoi and the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Haiphong standard-gauge railway projects in due course." This will further facilitate infrastructure "hard connectivity" between Guangxi and Vietnam. We are striving to promote related work on a local level.

We will deepen cross-border industrial cooperation. Last year, Guangxi's imports and exports of intermediate goods with Vietnam grew rapidly. Their proportion in the total value of imports and exports between the two sides ranked among the top nationwide. In the first five months of this year, Guangxi's imports and exports of intermediate goods with Vietnam increased by 46%. This shows that the collaborative work of building China-Vietnam cross-border industrial chains and supply chains via Guangxi is progressing rapidly. We will attract and support more enterprises to settle in Pingxiang, Dongxing and other border and harbor industrial parks in Guangxi. Based on the smart ports and logistics channels connecting China and Vietnam, we will create cross-border industrial chains and supply chains featuring complementary strengths and mutual benefits.

We will strengthen people-to-people exchange and communication in many other areas. An annual exchange meeting between Party secretaries of China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and four Vietnamese border provinces has been held for 9 consecutive years, gradually deepening bilateral exchange in local governance. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 young people from Guangxi and Vietnam have engaged in exchange visits and friendship activities. The China and Vietnam Border Inhabitants Gala, mainly featuring art performances and folk culture, has been held annually in border cities and counties. The Dongxing (China) -Mong Cai (Vietnam) Friendly Football Match at Lantern Festival has been held 29 times. Border residents from both sides have become friends through football and have celebrated the festival together. Such scenes have become a norm. The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cross-border tourism cooperation zone, the first of its kind in our country, is on a trial run. We will continue to enrich the platforms of interaction and integration between the two sides, so that Guangxi will make more contributions to consolidating a traditional friendship between China and Vietnam.

Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

At the beginning of this year, images of a flock of Eurasian spoonbill foraging on the mud flat were captured by netizens in Beihaicity, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. This wild species, dubbed "a beauty among birds," is under second-class state protection. They have become a beautiful scenic element between the blue sea and sky of Guangxi. My question is: what efforts has Guangxi made in advancing ecological civilization? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for your question. This question will be answered by Xu Yongke, executive vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Xu Yongke:

Thanks for your question. The beautiful scenery you mentioned is a vivid reflection of the ever-present green mountains, clear waters, fresh air and pleasant living environments in Guangxi, also the land of Bagui. Guangxi's ecological strengths can never be traded for gold. It serves as an important ecological screen in southern China, and is one of the global biodiversity hotspots. We have firmly adhered to the philosophy of green development as well as formulated and implemented regulations on promoting ecological conservation and other local regulations, so as to better protect mountains and waters in Guangxi, promote the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and accelerate work to build a beautiful Guangxi and strengthen Guangxi's ecological conservation. 

On the one hand, we have continued to highlight our strengths in natural beauty and good ecology. The Lijiang River is the soul of Guilin's landscape, which is globally renowned as a  calling card for China's tourism. We have formulated the Regulations on the Lijiang River Basin Environmental Protection, set up Lijiang River Protection Day and have regularly released the Lijiang River Ecological Environment Quality Report and the Lijiang River Environmental Index Report. In addition, we have implemented ecological conservation for the Lijiang River based on the rule of law as well as promoted Guilin's application for the United Nations Environment Programme's Champions of the Earth award and the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize. The Lijiang River was selected into the first batch cases of "Beautiful Rivers and Lakes" in China. Comprehensive environmental improvement work in the Lijiang River basin has been recognized as a positive model for achieving solid results from inspections and rectifications. We have continued efforts to keep the skies blue, waters clear and lands clean, coordinately taking a holistic and systematic approach to the protection and conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, sea and wetland ecosystems. The quality of the ecological environment in the autonomous region has maintained a leading position in the country. In recent years, new species such as the Nidirana guibeiensis , Oreonectes andongensis and Prunus quanzhouensis have been discovered in Guangxi one after another. Bryde's whales, a rare species, have been spotted swimming freely in waters near Weizhou Island, making a new tourist hotspot in Beihai. Meanwhile, Chinese white dolphins and mangroves have become salient features of Qinzhou. Together with the area's large-scale industry, this demonstrates harmony between humanity and nature.

On the other hand, we are striving to broaden the development path of transforming lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets. We stick to the dual-pathway approach of developing green industries and transforming industries toward green development, vigorously boosting industries such as forestry, cultural tourism, elderly care and comprehensive health care services in order to turn ecological strengths into developmental strengths. In 2023, Guangxi successfully hosted the first World Forestry Industry Conference. The total output value of the forestry and grassland industry reached nearly one trillion yuan, with every two pieces of domestically produced timber coming from Guangxi. The total investment funds for projects within the green and environmentally friendly industrial chain reached nearly 300 billion yuan, with 347 new projects signed and 112.9 billion yuan in available funds, aiming to achieve high-quality development through green transition. For example, Yangshuo county allocates 10% of its annual revenue from the Lijiang River and Yulong River scenic areas to 35,000 villagers along the rivers, allowing everyone to share in benefits from ecological dividend. The concept of "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has taken root and borne fruit in Guangxi.

Thank you.

National Business Daily:

We have noticed that in recent years Guangxi has undertaken the construction of the largest integrated new chemical materials industrial project transferred from the eastern region. How is the project going? How can Guangxi leverage its advantages to build industrial parks along the border and near ports to attract and absorb transferred industries? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

I'd like to invite Mr. Bai to answer your questions.

Bai Songtao:

Thank you for your attention to the development of industrial parks along the border and near ports. The Huayi Qinzhou New Chemical Materials Integrative Base project you mentioned is not only the largest industrial project transferred from the eastern region to Guangxi in recent years, but also the largest single investment project of Shanghai Huayi (Group) Company in the past 10 years. As of the end of this May, over 35 billion yuan had been invested in the first and second phases of the project, and over 2 billion yuan had been put into the third phase. This project is located in the Qinzhou area of Guangxi's border and ports industrial park. Currently, the industrial park consists of areas in the cities of Dongxing, Pingxiang, Qinzhou, and Beihai. We have been leveraging the advantages of our unique location as well as market and policy incentives to create a comprehensive platform for industrial competition and cooperation, thereby attracting and absorbing phased trans-regional relocation of industries.

First, we have strengthened synergy with major national development strategies. We have proactively enhanced link with the country's regional development strategies, such as the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Hainan Free Trade Port. We have signed cooperation agreements with relevant provinces and cities, and have held discussions with central SOEs at seminars hosted by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council. We work hard to build consensus and promote all parties to cooperate with Guangxi in building the industrial park. Currently, we are accelerating the implementation of a batch of projects including the Jiangmen (Chongzuo) Industrial Zone. 15 central SOEs have signed 18 cooperation agreements with relevant cities in Guangxi, with a total investment of over 130 billion yuan.

Second, we have been building cross-border and cross-regional industrial and supply chains. We timely analyzed the cooperation potential and prospects with key regions in China and ASEAN countries in building relevant industrial and supply chains, rolled out support for the fostering of a group of industries which are complementary in resources for differentiated development and can serve as strong growth drivers, and strengthened open cooperation in industrial and supply chains. In addition to the petrochemical industry in Qinzhou city that was mentioned by Mr. Lan just now, electronic information, automobile and other industries in Guangxi also have close cooperation with ASEAN countries.

Third, we focus on releasing policy dividends. China has introduced fiscal, tax, land use, employment and financial policies to support the development of Guangxi's border and ports industrial park. For example, new investment enterprises that are in line with the industrial development direction can enjoy the preferential policy of "having their corporate income tax exempted for the first 5 years and halved for the following 5 years for the share to be taken by the region." These enterprises do not need to invest in foreign countries to build factories and recruit workers, but can still save their investment cost through these preferential treatments.

From January to April of this year, the total industrial output value of the border and ports industrial park increased by 14.5% year-on-year, and fixed-asset investment increased by 45%, showing a good momentum of development. We sincerely invite domestic and foreign enterprises to visit Guangxi for business opportunities, make investment here, and share opportunities from the development of the border and ports industrial park.

Thank you.

Jinan Times APP:

Guangxi has a wide variety of fruits throughout the four seasons, especially mangoes, dragon fruits and other high-quality fruits that are abundantly produced and affordable. Many netizens say that they can enjoy "fruit freedom" in Guangxi. My question is how does Guangxi develop fruit and other special agricultural industries? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Xu to answer it.

Xu Yongke:

Thank you for your attention to Guangxi's agriculture. Good mountains and good water nurture good products. Guangxi is one of the few regions in China that is suitable for comprehensive development in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishing. Based on our resource endowment, we have developed six 100-billion-yuan level characteristic agricultural industries including grain, sugar, fruit, vegetables, livestock and poultry, and fisheries. This has not only contributed to the stable production and supply of important agricultural products nationwide but also provided solid support for continuously consolidating and expanding achievements in poverty alleviation and comprehensively promoting rural revitalization. In 2023, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in Guangxi was 18,656 yuan, an increase of 7% year-on-year, which was 3 percentage points higher than that of urban residents. The per capita disposable income of farmers in areas that had been lifted out of poverty was 16,914 yuan, an increase of 12.5% year-on-year.

Now, I will focus on the development of three industries.

We work hard to strengthen the fruit industry. Guangxi has a large-scale fruit industry with a great variety of fruits. Subtropical fruits such as litchi and longan are very common. Traditional fruits in northern China such as persimmons and pears are also widely grown here. There are nearly 300 varieties of fruits, with seasonal fruits becoming available every month. Mr. Lan has just mentioned that last year our fruit output was 33.89 million tons, accounting for about one-eighth of the national total. In addition, more than half of the fruits from ASEAN countries, such as durian and mangosteen, which are widely popular among Chinese consumers, are imported through Guangxi. We are currently accelerating the building of the China-ASEAN Fruit Trading Center to better promote the export of apples, citrus and other fruits and the import of tropical fruits.

We strive to promote the sugar industry. Guangxi has ranked first in the country when it comes to sugarcane planting acreage and sugar production for 33 consecutive years. We always adhere to the special mission of ensuring the country's sugar security, making every effort to stabilize the planting area while also striving to promote scientific and technological innovation in the sugar industry. The self-bred sugarcane varieties such as Guitang 42 and Guitang 44 have superior performance indicators, such as high yield and high sugar content, compared to the original imported varieties. We are committed to building high-quality and high-yield sugarcane bases that plant sugarcanes with high sugar content. Our goal is to create protection zones for sugarcane planting and facilitate the transition of the traditional sugar industry toward biochemical industry, food industry and the fermentation industry. Our "sweet business" is continuously progressing and improving.

We are dedicated to strengthening the vegetable industry. Guangxi, often referred to as a "natural green greenhouse," is the largest production base for autumn and winter vegetables in China. We actively promote the standardized development of vegetable cultivation, both in facility-based and park-based settings, and prioritize the establishment of cold storage, warehousing, sorting and distribution centers. These efforts position us as a significant hub for transporting "southern vegetables to the north" and "western vegetables to the east". Last year, Guangxi produced over 40 million tonnes of vegetables, with over 10 million tonnes being transported to other regions. Hezhou city, adjacent to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), supplies approximately 70% of the vegetables to the GBA market each year.

Next, we will continue to leverage our unique resources, such as forestry, fruit, vegetables, livestock and sugar, to develop modern special agriculture, providing more high-quality specialized agricultural products while ensuring the wider recognition of the "Guangxi brand" across the country

Thank you.

CCTV:

We know that every year on the third day of the third lunar month, Guangxi hosts a vibrant and diverse cultural event where people from various ethnic groups come together to sing and dance in celebration. Being the autonomous region with the largest ethnic minority population in the country, how can Guangxi establish itself as a model for forging a stronger sense of community for the Chinese nation? Thank you.

Lan Tianli:

Thank you for the question. Guangxi is home to 12 different ethnic minorities, making up 37.52% of the population. The people from all ethnic groups have lived as one family for a long time, "sharing the same sky, cultivating the same land, drinking the same river water and building a home together." The relationships between the different ethnic groups are harmonious. In Guangxi, there are over 1.63 million families composed of two or more ethnic groups. In Longsheng county, there is a family surnamed Hou and comprised of five different ethnicities: Zhuang, Han, Yao, Miao, and Dong. They live together harmoniously, sharing love, care and a joyous life. Our primary focus is on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation . We strive to jointly foster shared cultural belonging to the Chinese nation and build our homeland into a happy one with prosperity for all, a harmonious one where mutual support prevails, a livable and scenic one as well as a stable one with peaceful border regions.

In terms of jointly fostering shared cultural belonging to the Chinese nation, we are committed to further promoting and cultivating a strong sense of  community for the Chinese nation, creating special cultural brands, such as "Guangxi Lunar March 3rd" and "Liu Sanjie," preserving priceless cultural treasures like the bronze drum and Zhuang brocade as well as advancing the popularization of standard spoken and written Chinese. The popularity of standard Chinese has reached 85.68%, nearly 5 percentage points higher than the national average. A sense of community for the Chinese nation is deeply rooted within the land of Guangxi.

In terms of building a happy homeland with prosperity for all, we are committed to advancing the high-quality development of compact communities in which ethnic minorities live. Additionally, we have extensively promoted a program for boosting development and raising living standards in border areas in the new era. By doing so, we aim to ensure that people of all ethnic groups can press forward for a good life and share the development achievements. Huanjiang is the only autonomous county of the Maonan ethnic group in the country. General Secretary Xi Jinping has issued the important instruction regarding the whole Maonan ethnic group's poverty alleviation. There is a charming village in Huanjiang, and I have visited it many times for research. Before poverty alleviation, this village encountered challenges in transportation, medical treatment and healthcare services. Through relocation from inhospitable areas, east-west cooperation and targeted assistance, industrial development and the promotion of all-around rural revitalization, the village has shaken off poverty and now embarked on a path of "improving education, gaining employment, facilitating tourism and realizing industrial prosperity." The villagers' lives are getting better, and the charming village has also taken on a new look. There are many examples like this in poverty alleviation.

In terms of building a harmonious homeland where mutual support prevails, our work starts at the grassroots level with solid community construction, effective services and a wealth of activities to serve and promote connection, interaction and integration among various ethnic groups. For example, in the poverty alleviation, we have built 506 centralized relocation sites, resettling over 160,000 households and 710,000 individuals. Over 90% of these resettlement sites are inhabited by multiple ethnic groups. People of all ethnic groups live, study, work and enjoy together, collaborating to create a good and harmonious life.

We have introduced the construction of a livable, healthy and beautiful homeland. It is apparent to all that there have been remarkable achievements in building a stable homeland with peaceful border regions. However, due to time limitation, a detailed explanation cannot be provided at this time. 

Just now, you mentioned "Lunar March 3rd," which is a statutory holiday in Guangxi and also a traditional festival celebrated by many ethnic groups. It is a symbol of Chinese culture that we all benefit from. We warmly invite all journalists to come to Guangxi and experience the warmth of various ethnic groups that are as close as family and united in harmony.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to all speakers and friends from the press. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Yang Xi, Qin Qi, Zhang Tingting, Liu Caiyi, Li Xiao, Dong Qingpei, Wang Ziteng, Wang Qian, Liu Qiang, Huang Shan, Wang Wei, Yuan Fang, Ma Yujia, Zhang Junmian, Wang Yanfang, Li Huiru, David Ball, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Ms. Wang Lixia, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Huang Zhiqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Yang Jin, vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region

Mr. Gong Mingzhu, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 7, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 28th briefing in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Ms. Wang Lixia, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and chairwoman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, to brief you on prioritizing high-quality development in Inner Mongolia and building a model autonomous region in an all-round manner, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Huang Zhiqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region; Mr. Yang Jin, vice chairman of Inner Mongolia autonomous region; and Mr. Gong Mingzhu, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Wang for her introduction.

Wang Lixia:

Good morning, everyone. It's a great pleasure to meet you here. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regional Committee, the regional government and all the residents of various ethnic groups in the region, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your long-term interest in as well as support and assistance for the development of Inner Mongolia.

In June last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping made his fourth visit to Inner Mongolia, encouraging us to prioritize high-quality development and forge new paths toward Chinese modernization. This has greatly inspired the officials and residents across the region. In October last year, the Opinions of the State Council on Promoting the High-Quality Development of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Striving to Write a Brand-new Chapter of Chinese Path to Modernization was issued, providing significant policy and historical opportunities for the development of the autonomous region. We have encapsulated General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and instructions regarding Inner Mongolia into two major initiatives. The first is to accomplish the five major tasks assigned by the general secretary, namely, building Inner Mongolia into a major ecological security shield for north China as well as a shield of safety and stability for the northern border, which we generally refer to as the "two shields;" developing the autonomous region into a major national base for energy and strategic resources as well as a major national production base for agricultural and livestock products, commonly known as the "two bases;" and building the region into an important gateway in China's northward opening up. The second initiative is to build a model autonomous region in an all-round manner. Bearing in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions with gratitude, we are currently pressing ahead with united efforts to advance the two major initiatives and vigorously promote high-quality development. The northern border of our motherland is presenting a vibrant and prosperous scene. I am very honored and pleased to have this opportunity to introduce Inner Mongolia to you all today.

Inner Mongolia boasts majestic natural beauty. Among the provincial-level regions in China, it has the largest span from east to west, stretching approximately 2,400 kilometers. The sun rises over Hulun Buir in the east and takes two hours to reach Ejin Banner in the west. Across its vast 1.18 million square kilometers of land, you will find beautiful sprawling forests, expansive grasslands, extensive wetlands and vast deserts. There is a well-known song that vividly captures the grandeur of Inner Mongolia's scenery: "Beautiful grasslands, my home; the wind blows the green grass and flowers bloom everywhere; butterflies flit amid a chorus of birdsong; a stretch of lucid water reflects the evening glow."

Inner Mongolia is experiencing a remarkable surge in development. Over the past two years, the region's growth has accelerated significantly, with major economic indicators consistently ranking among the top in the nation. Notably, last year, the growth rates of Inner Mongolia's GDP, fixed asset investment, and total import-export volume all ranked among the top three nationwide, while the growth rate of value-added by industrial enterprises above the designated size ranked seventh. A number of major projects with long-term benefits have been implemented. This year, we initiated six major projects regarding policy implementation, desertification prevention and control as well as wind and photovoltaic power integration, heating, integrity building, and technological breakthroughs and free trade zone development. These initiatives aim to shore up weak links in the high-quality development and accelerate our progress toward the goal of breaking new ground and advancing to the middle tier.

High-quality development has transformed Inner Mongolia. As we all know, the region is richly endowed, with dense forests in the east, iron mines in the west, fertile grain-producing lands in the south, and lush grasslands in the north. Its riches can be found underground, on the surface and in the air. Underground, the reserves of more than 20 minerals rank first nationwide, earning the region the title of the country's mineral vault. On the surface, the region's farmlands, grasslands, and forests rank among the top nationwide. High above the ground, exploitable wind power and solar energy resources rank first and second in the country, respectively. These abundant resources lay a solid foundation and present an enormous advantage for the development of Inner Mongolia. Building on our resources and strategic position, we have established eight major industrial clusters and 16 important industrial chains. Several industries continue to expand with great growth potential and development resilience. Leading industries, such as new energy, new rare earth materials, and modern coal chemicals, have made significant gains in the domestic market. Famous brands like Yili and Mengniu in the dairy industry and Erdos in clothing have gained international recognition.

Various ethnic groups live harmoniously and help each other in Inner Mongolia. Since ancient times, many ethnic groups have inhabited the Inner Mongolia Plateau, with continued interactions and integration. Since the establishment of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region 77 years ago, government officials and the public have worked together to earn and uphold its title as a model autonomous region, which is a high accolade. Today, a total of 56 ethnic groups live in the autonomous region. Different ethnic groups live in the same villages and communities; they study in the same school classes, and work in the same enterprises. Living, studying, working and enjoying life together, these different ethnic groups embrace each other just like pomegranate seeds sticking together.

Inner Mongolia offers a modern, convenient lifestyle. The autonomous region is located on the northern border of China. However, this geographical situation doesn't hinder residents from enjoying modern life. High-speed trains can take passengers from the cities of Hohhot, Ulanqab, Chifeng and Tongliao to Beijing within two hours. Expressways connect all 12 leagues and cities of the autonomous region, and 103 banners and counties can be reached by first-class highways or above. Residents in small border towns and remote pastures can access schools and hospitals without traveling far. Smart home appliances, broadband networks, and express delivery and food takeaway services are available to ordinary people in the depths of the grasslands. Additionally, a new trend has emerged among herders, who now monitor their herds and shoot short videos with their smartphones.

That's all from me for now. My colleagues and I are ready to take your questions. Thank you, everyone.

Xing Huina:

The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.

Xinhua News Agency:

Ms. Wang just mentioned the five major tasks to fulfill. I understand that these tasks actually represent the strategic positioning of Inner Mongolia stipulated by the central government. Could you please elaborate on the progress of these tasks? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

Thank you. I will answer this question.

Eying the big picture of national development, General Secretary Xi Jinping defined Inner Mongolia's strategic position by assigning it five major tasks. These tasks represent our important duties and missions. By fulfilling these tasks, we aim to ensure national security in five key areas: food security, energy security, industrial security, ecological security, and border security.

As an important ecological barrier for northern China, Inner Mongolia's eco-environment is crucial for the livelihoods and prosperity of local residents and affects the ecological security of China's northern, northeastern, and northwestern regions, as well as the entire country. In recent years, we have continuously prioritized ecological conservation. We have implemented measures such as subsidizing "no-grazing" periods across the vast grasslands. We banned commercial logging in the Greater Khingan Mountains, turning former lumberjacks into forest rangers. We stabilized the boundaries of key deserts, stopping shifting sand dunes from advancing further. Over the past 10 years, Inner Mongolia has led the nation in afforestation, grass planting, and combating desertification. Grassland vegetation coverage has reached 45%, and over 60 million mu (40,000 square kilometers) of desertified and sandy land has been reclaimed. In the past, deserts encroached on human habitats, but the situation has been reversed, with former deserts now covered in greenery.

As a barrier ensuring the security and stability of China's northern border, Inner Mongolia shares over 4,200 kilometers of border with Russia and Mongolia, with border management areas covering 360,000 square kilometers. As the northern gate of the country, Inner Mongolia shoulders significant responsibilities for safeguarding national security and maintaining peace in the border regions. Over the years, we have thoroughly implemented actions to boost the economies of border areas and raise local living standards. Now, residents thrive in beautiful border areas, and borderland stability and security have been enhanced.

As a major national base for energy and strategic resources, we have consistently prioritized national energy security. We are the country's leading supplier of coal and electricity. Last year, we successfully delivered 945 million metric tons of coal to 29 provincial-level regions. We transmitted 306.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to other regions across the country, tripling the annual power generation of the Three Gorges Dam. In particular, we supplied 23 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, transmitting it over more than 700 kilometers. We also delivered 100 million kilowatt-hours of green electricity to the Hangzhou Asian Games, over a distance of more than 1,600 kilometers.

As an important production hub for agricultural and livestock products, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region is well-known for being the country's leading producer of beef, mutton, milk, and cashmere. For example, out of every 10 kilograms of beef in China, 1 kilogram is produced in Inner Mongolia; out of every 5 kilograms of mutton, 1 kilogram comes from there; and out of every 6 cups of milk, more than 1 cup is produced in Inner Mongolia. Additionally, half of the country's cashmere is sourced from Inner Mongolia. Moreover, Inner Mongolia is a major grain producer. It is one of the five provincial regions with over 100 million mu of arable land and has achieved a grain output exceeding 35 billion kilograms for five consecutive years, with more than half of this grain supplied to other parts of the country. Generally speaking, Inner Mongolia is China's leading producer of grain, meat, milk, and cashmere, and our mission is to produce more and higher-quality grain, meat, and milk for the country.

As a critical frontier for opening up to the north, Inner Mongolia has 20 ports open to other countries. Manzhouli, China's largest land port, handles 65% of China-Russia land trade, while Erenhot is the largest land port connecting to Mongolia. In recent years, we have actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. Last year, our total import and export volume grew by 30.4%, ranking third in the country. The total cargo volume through our ports exceeded 100 million metric tons, setting a new record for land ports along China's borders.

Thank you!

Xing Huina:

Next question, please.

CCTV:

Last year, the State Council published a guideline to boost the high-quality development of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, invigorating Chinese modernization. How has the implementation progressed so far? How can we ensure that the public enjoy tangible benefits? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

I'd like to invite Mr. Huang Zhiqiang to answer this question.

Huang Zhiqiang:

Thank you for your question. Last year, the State Council issued the guideline, and various ministries and commissions introduced related supportive policies, all of which are tailored to benefit Inner Mongolia by boosting sound, substantial development. The measures cover five areas: infrastructure, energy and resources, the ecological environment, industrial development, and people's livelihoods. Implementing these policies will profoundly impact Inner Mongolia's high-quality development and contribute to China's modernization.

We have seized this significant development opportunity by breaking down the guideline into 86 major projects, transforming the blueprint into a concrete action plan. To date, 59 major projects have commenced construction, with a total investment of 135 billion yuan, and all tasks are progressing smoothly.

The implementation of these policies brings tangible benefits to the public. For example, in transportation, we have accelerated the construction of the Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway. Once operational, travel time from Bayannur to Beijing will be reduced from 13 hours to four hours. We are also optimizing airport layouts, accelerating the construction of general airports, and developing regional routes, making border areas more accessible.

In terms of increasing employment, we have planned the construction of six large-scale wind power and photovoltaic bases in sandy, rocky, and barren areas. According to our preliminary estimates, each base will have a static investment of over 80 billion yuan and will provide more than 10,000 jobs for the local area.

Regarding rural revitalization, we have significantly supported designated counties and banners by establishing numerous national-level modern industrial parks. For example, the dairy and soybean industrial park in Morin Dawa Daur autonomous banner can boost the income of 50,000 farming households in the area.

In order to boost local economies and ensure stability in border areas, we have implemented projects to improve and upgrade infrastructure in villages and small towns at key junctures. This includes advancing the integrated construction of facilities for drinking water, electricity, roads, and telecommunications. Our goal is to ensure that all villages, guard posts, police stations, and small police stations in border areas have access to drinking water, electricity, telecommunications, as well as radio and television services.

We have stepped up our efforts to establish four regional health centers in a bid to improve medical services. We have worked with the Beijing Cancer Hospital to establish a branch hospital in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. In the past, many people had to travel to Beijing for medical treatment. Nowadays, residents can access top-notch medical expertise from experts in Beijing without leaving their local area.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Thanks. Please continue with your questions.

CRNTT:

Inner Mongolia is an important hub of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, and also a crucial gateway for the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region. What considerations are there for promoting higher-level opening-up and serving the overall national policy of opening-up? Thank you. 

Wang Lixia:

I'd like to invite Mr. Yang to answer this question.

Yang Jin:

Thank you for your question. Situated on the northern frontier of China, Inner Mongolia serves as a vital gateway for opening up to countries and regions north of China. It boasts unique advantages to open up internally and externally. In recent years, with the further advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, Inner Mongolia has expanded its economic cooperation with more partners in Russia and Mongolia, achieving a higher level of openness to northern countries and regions.

Inner Mongolia's Manzhouli and Erenhot serve as the exit ports for the eastern and central corridors of the China-Europe Railway Express, respectively. These two corridors make up two-thirds of the three railway corridors of the China-Europe Railway Express across the nation. In 2023, almost 50% of the China-Europe freight trains nationwide departed from or passed through Inner Mongolia. Manzhouli Port is China's largest land port, while Erenhot Port is China's largest land port to Mongolia. Given this, we have adopted a series of measures to improve and upgrade infrastructure and leverage information-based and smart technologies to ensure the smooth operation of the China-Europe Railway Express services. Moreover, we have intensified efforts to build Manzhouli and Erenhot into smart ports and adopt a new model of cross-border transportation using automated guided vehicles in Ganqmod and Ceke ports, significantly accelerating port clearance efficiency.

The China-Mongolia Erenhot- Zamyn-Uud economic cooperation zone was officially approved a couple of months ago. This marks the third cross-border economic cooperation zone established between China and its neighboring countries. We will intensify efforts to boost the development of various industries in the zone, including cross-border tourism, the modern service industry, international trade logistics, and the deep processing of imported and exported goods. By doing so, we aim to build the China-Mongolia economic cooperation zone into a high-level platform for opening up border areas.

Furthermore, we have enhanced cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road in various fields, including agriculture and animal husbandry, energy and minerals, the digital economy, biomedicine, and infrastructure. We have also promoted border trade among residents living in border areas. Stepped-up efforts have been made to accelerate the integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, enhancing our cooperation with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and China's northeastern provinces, and improving the coordination mechanism between Inner Mongolia and Beijing. We have also ramped up efforts to promote the construction of the demonstration zone for industrial relocation. In collaboration with partners from Shanghai, Tianjin, and other regions, we have established 25 inland ports across Inner Mongolia. These efforts have created more opportunities for businesses in Inner Mongolia to engage in international trade locally. Additionally, these inland ports have provided support for other regions to open up to northern countries and enhance cooperation with them.

We have established a series of platforms for cooperation and exchanges, such as the China-Mongolia Expo, the Economic and Trade Fair for China's Northward Opening-up, and events to help enterprises from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region seek business opportunities and cooperation abroad. Through these efforts, we have expanded our international circle of friends and trading partners, enabling us to integrate into and contribute to the dual circulation of domestic and international markets in an all-round manner to raise opening-up to a higher level with wider coverage and scope.

Thank you.

China Mining News:

Inner Mongolia is rich in wind and solar resources, which gives it unique advantages in developing new energy industries. Given this, what efforts will Inner Mongolia make to promote the high-quality development of new energy industries?

Wang Lixia:

I'd like to invite Mr. Huang to answer this question. 

Huang Zhiqiang:

Thank you for your question. Inner Mongolia, as you mentioned, is a natural fit for the development of new energy industries thanks to its abundant wind and solar resources, its vast coal reserves, and its well-developed power grid.

Inner Mongolia is abundant in wind and solar power resources. It holds over half of China's exploitable wind energy resources and more than 20% of its exploitable solar energy resources.

Inner Mongolia has abundant coal reserves and large-scale thermal power generating units. As a stable and reliable method for peak shaving, these can support the large-scale and high-proportion use of new energy.

Inner Mongolia has a well-developed power grid, which is the third largest in the country — the Mengxi Power Grid. We are close to the load center with low transmission costs, and can provide green, cheap and reliable electricity.

Based on our resource endowment, we are moving toward green and new energy development, and have put forward the goals of "two firsts" and "two surpasses." We aim to be the first in the country to establish an energy supply system with new energy as the mainstay, and the first to build a new power system with new energy as the main body. By 2025, the scale of new energy installed capacity will surpass thermal power capacity, and by 2030, the total amount of power generation from new energy will surpass thermal power. At present, the installed capacity of new energy in Inner Mongolia has exceeded 100 million kilowatts, and the goal of overtaking thermal power capacity will be achieved ahead of schedule by the end of this year.

In order to promote the external delivery of green electricity, we are advancing the construction of six large wind and photovoltaic power delivery bases with a total installed capacity of tens of millions of kilowatts with high standards, and concentrating on the development of wind and photovoltaic power in the three major deserts of Kubuqi, Ulan Buh and Tengger, to supply clean energy on a large scale to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Yangtze River Delta.

In order to promote the local consumption of green electricity, we have planned six scenarios and tailored new energy allocation policies, including source-grid-load-storage, wind-solar hydrogen production, green power supply in industrial parks, green power substitution of self-provided power plants, full self-generation and self-use, and flexible transformation of thermal energy power. In each scenario, both the power generation side and the load side seek balance to achieve the maximum degree of self-consumption.

We are committed to developing the entire industrial chain, focusing on new energy development on the one hand and equipment manufacturing on the other, and concentrating on building four 100-billion-yuan industrial clusters of wind power, photovoltaics, hydrogen energy and energy storage. We are focused on the equipment manufacturing industry in the upper-stream and have extended the development of green chemicals such as green hydrogen and green ammonia in the lower-stream. We have comprehensively attracted supercomputing and intelligent computing industries to assist China's "East Data, West Computing" project, and simultaneously developed high-end producer services such as R&D, innovation, operation and maintenance services.

In summary, Inner Mongolia is rich in wind and solar power resources, and has great potential and opportunities for new energy. We hope to share the benefits of new energy development with everyone. Thank you.

Macrochina Network:

Inner Mongolia is the main battlefield for desertification control in China and an important region for implementing the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), a large-scale afforestation project in northwest, north, and northeast China. Could you please introduce some of the progress and achievements made by the autonomous region in advancing the program? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

I will answer this question. Thank you for your question. Desertification control under the program has attracted much attention from the media. In fact, the largest task is in Inner Mongolia. Among the three landmark projects deployed by General Secretary Xi Jinping in this regard, the Yellow River Jiziwan Project (“Jiziwan” refers to a Yellow River bend in the shape of the Chinese character “几”) and the Horqin and Hunshandake Sandy Lands Project are almost all in Inner Mongolia, and the Hexi Corridor-Taklimakan Desert Project involves Alxa League in our region. It can be said that two and a half of the three landmark projects are in Inner Mongolia. Therefore, Inner Mongolia is the main battlefield for desertification control in China, so we must shoulder the main tasks. We took swift actions. Last year, desertification controls were completed for 9.5 million mu (about 633,333 hectares), which was 1.5 times the original plan at the beginning of the year. We expect to complete 97 million mu (about 6.46 million hectares) of desertification control by 2030. We must not only put green "protective clothing" on the desert, but also create a super “carbon sink” and a pure “oxygen bar.” For example, the Maowusu Desert is larger than the island province of Hainan. Now 80% of the desert has been turned green, and the green territory has advanced 200 kilometers to the south. The familiar Kubuqi Desert covers an area of 21.15 million mu (about 1.41 million hectares), and now over 40% of the area has been turned green. It has been identified by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as an ecological economy demonstration zone. Dengkou county of Bayannur city is adjacent to the Ulan Buh Desert in the west. A forest belt that is 154 kilometers long and 100 meters wide has been built on the eastern edge of the desert, and has caused the eastern edge of the desert to retreat 20 kilometers and reduced the annual sediment transported to the Yellow River by more than 90%.

This year, we have combined sand prevention and control with new energy development, implementing projects that integrate sand prevention and control with wind and solar energy, and plan to provide over 100 million kilowatts of new energy. In the city of Ordos, between the northern edge of the Kubuqi Desert and the southern bank of the Yellow River, a photovoltaic Great Wall is under construction. This project spans 400 kilometers in length and averages 5 kilometers in width. Through the project for the integrated advancement of sand prevention and control and photovoltaic energy, we aim to transform the yellow deserts into green fields and "blue seas" of photovoltaic panels.

We have also fully mobilized the enthusiasm of enterprises, farmers, herdsmen and social organizations. Dozens of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), central SOEs, and private enterprises are taking part, creating a surge in sand prevention and control efforts across the region. In particular, different localities have used various methods to encourage local people to participate in sand control. For example, in Alxa League, where the Badain Jaran, Tengger and Ulan Buh deserts are located, large-scale production bases for desert plants of traditional Chinese medicine like haloxylon, cistanche and cynomorium have been established. This has boosted the incomes of local farmers and herdsmen, and been particularly welcomed by the local people. Our goal is to complete the significant ecological project of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program while boosting development and enriching the people in the process. In this way, we can control the sand, generate green electricity and increase people's incomes, achieving a "triple win" in ecological conservation, production and livelihoods. Thank you.

Inner Mongolia Radio and Television Station:

When speaking about Inner Mongolia, many will think of the poetic line: "When the grass is bent low by the blowing wind, the sheep and cattle come into sight." As a major agricultural and animal husbandry region, how will Inner Mongolia promote the modernization and high-quality development of the two sectors? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

I would like to invite Mr. Gong to answer this question.

Gong Mingzhu:

Thank you for your question. As an important region for agricultural and livestock product production in China, Inner Mongolia has achieved 20 consecutive years of bumper grain harvests and 19 consecutive years of stable livestock production. We are now planning to leverage our unique advantages of a good ecological environment and rich agricultural and animal husbandry resources, so as to promote Inner Mongolia's transformation from a large producer of agricultural and livestock products to a strong competitor in agricultural and animal husbandry. In simple terms, we aim to achieve improvements in three aspects.

First, we aim to lay a more solid foundation for the development of modern agriculture and animal husbandry. Focusing on arable land, we will strengthen agricultural infrastructure construction, especially by developing high quality and high-standard farmland. We will convert small, scattered plots of land and steep slopes, which are unsuitable for cultivation, into large, contiguous fields suitable for mechanized farming and capable of stable high yields. Last year, two-thirds of our grain production came from 52.37 million mu of high-standard farmland. This year, we plan to develop an additional 8.5 million mu of high-standard farmland. At the same time, we will vigorously improve the technological level of agriculture and animal husbandry, especially in the seed industry, which is crucial for the high-quality development of the two sectors. We will implement projects to cultivate high-quality and distinctive varieties of corn, potatoes and sunflowers, and carry out joint research on dairy cattle breeding to create first-class sources for milk, seed and forage.

Second, we aim to ensure a more abundant supply of agricultural and livestock products. Last year, Inner Mongolia's total grain output reached 79.16 billion jin (39.58 billion kilograms). This year, we will carry out actions to increase per-unit yields. In particular, we will implement the national project to increase the per-unit yields of corn and soybeans, and build demonstration areas of 4.05 million mu, with the aim to boost total grain output to 80 billion jin this year. We will also vigorously develop intensive processing of agricultural and livestock products. We will not only focus on intensive processing of grains, meat and milk, but also make use of rice husks, bran, and fruit and vegetable peels and pomaces. At the same time, we will also support and encourage enterprises in Inner Mongolia to develop cold chain warehouses in major consumption areas like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, so as to provide more and better milk, meat and grain to the whole country.

Third, we aim to make ecological protection even more prominent in agriculture and animal husbandry. The water and soil in the agricultural and pastoral areas of Inner Mongolia are clean. These are our greatest assets in production and competition, and we must do everything possible to protect them. In terms of agriculture, we will advance water-saving and efficiency-increasing projects. Next year, we aim to expand the area of efficient water-saving irrigation from the current 34.03 million mu to 38 million mu, which would save over 3.5 billion cubic meters of water annually. Additionally, we will implement actions to reduce the amounts of fertilizers and pesticides and increase their efficiency, so that the use of pesticides and fertilizers steadily decreases. In terms of animal husbandry, we will mainly promote the transformation and upgrading of grassland animal husbandry, increase the proportion of modern animal husbandry, and address the issue of overgrazing on grasslands. This will achieve a win-win situation where both the development of animal husbandry and the protection of grasslands are realized. Thank you. 

Chengdu.cn:

My question is: Inner Mongolia has announced plans to advance scientific and technological innovation with extraordinary efforts, breaking the mold to catch up in innovation-driven development. Which areas will be given priority to advance industrial upgrading through scientific and technological innovation? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

Mr. Huang Zhiqiang will answer this question. 

Huang Zhiqiang:

Thank you for your question. Inner Mongolia attaches great importance to scientific and technological innovation and the development of new quality productive forces. We are implementing a project to make scientific and technological breakthroughs. Our efforts are focused on areas with resources, local features, and advantages, striving to achieve "leading from the start" in specific areas and leveraging these areas to drive scientific, technological and industrial development.

We have advanced innovation with a focus on resources. For example, Inner Mongolia leads the world in terms of both reserves and the quality of rare earth resources. We have established the most complete industrial chain in China. With the goal of building the largest rare earth new material base, we have developed the resources into materials, abandoned the traditional simple mode of "mining rare earths and then selling them," and focused on five major areas — permanent magnet, hydrogen storage, catalytic materials, polishing materials, and alloys — and improved resource use efficiency and the degree of intensive processing in the industry. This promotes the transition from "world-class reserves" to a "world-class industry." Aiming to build the world's leading rare earth application base, we have worked to put materials into the application, created a national innovation center for rare earth materials, accelerated efforts to make breakthroughs in cutting-edge technology, and expanded the applications of rare earths, continuing to improve the comprehensive added value of rare earth products.

We have advanced innovation with a focus on our local features. For example, Inner Mongolia is a leading provincial region in animal husbandry, and the dairy industry is our distinctive local industry. Last year, the only national technology innovation center for the dairy industry in China was officially put into operation, gathering 10 academicians, over 100 industry experts, and an innovation team of over 5,000 people. We have structured our innovation efforts around the existing industrial chain, planning 20 research areas and 76 research directions. Our focus is on five strategic goals: Chinese cattle, Chinese breeding methods, Chinese raw materials, Chinese equipment, and Chinese standards.

We have advanced innovation with a focus on our advantages. For example, Inner Mongolia has obvious advantages in developing new energy. In terms of wind and solar power, we have continued to launch new products to achieve iterative upgrades. Onshore wind power units with the largest impeller diameter and the highest single-unit capacity in the world have been produced. The impeller diameter of these units is 214 meters, which is as tall as a 70-story building. Each unit has a maximum power output of 11 megawatts and can generate 10,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity per hour, which is enough to meet the annual electricity needs of 12 families. To enhance the power grid's capability to accommodate a high proportion of new energy power, we have built the Daqingshan Laboratory for a demonstration of flexible and intelligent power grid integration. This project explores the path for constructing a new power system nationwide. In terms of hydrogen storage, we have made every effort to support the development of all kinds of hydrogen production and storage technologies in Inner Mongolia. By 2025, the green hydrogen production capacity will reach 850,000 tons and the installed capacity for energy storage will exceed 20 million kilowatts. Inner Mongolia, already a leading provincial region in new energy, will also become a leader in green hydrogen and energy storage.

Thank you!

China News Service:

Since last year, many regions in China have experienced a cultural tourism boom. Inner Mongolia, with its vast land and numerous scenic spots, offers the stunning and captivating beauty of the prairie. What measures has Inner Mongolia taken to develop its cultural and tourism resources and improve service quality to attract more tourists? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

Mr. Yang Jin will answer this question.

Yang Jin:

Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, Inner Mongolia is a vast region with many scenic spots. When you travel here, you can experience prairies, forests, rivers and lakes, wetlands, and deserts. Inner Mongolia is the top choice for self-driving tours, one of the best places for camping trips, a must-visit for vacations, and an excellent health tourism destination.

Choosing Inner Mongolia as the top destination for self-drive trips is well-deserved because we have created 12 high-quality routes, including the picturesque G331 National Highway and the 1,000-kilometer grassland scenic avenue. Driving your own car, you can see the grasslands, walk through forests, visit wetlands, and drive across deserts. You can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Hulun Buir Grassland, the Greater Khingan Range forests, the Ergune Wetland, and the Badain Jaran Desert. We are also enhancing the self-drive experience by improving expressway traffic capacity, building high-quality recreational vehicle parks, and increasing charging stations for new energy vehicles. This year, we collaborated with Amap to establish a self-drive tourism platform called "One-Click Service for Touring Around Inner Mongolia," providing more convenient travel planning and route design for self-drive tourists

When it comes to the best places for camping trips, Inner Mongolia offers grassland pastures, mountain forests, desert oases, rivers, lakes, and canyons. These locations are ideal camping sites and popular Instagram-worthy spots for tourists. The Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark in Ulanqab is known as a natural "volcanic museum." The complete volcano group is set within the vast grassland, and the unique landforms make visitors feel like they are on the Moon or Mars. Camping here allows people to explore the mysterious volcanoes during the day and stargaze at night.

For vacation spots, the Ulgai Prairie features a vast expanse of green grass, and the meandering stream in the beautiful Jiuquwan scenic area is enchanting. The Xiangshawan (Sounding Sand) Desert in Erdos is magnificent, with fascinating views of galloping horses. Arxan Mountain, newly included in the national register of tourist resorts, offers beautiful scenery year-round: azaleas cover the mountains in spring, green hills stretch across the landscape in summer, trees display red leaves in autumn, and snow creates a dreamy winter scene. With a vegetation coverage rate of 95% and over 98% of days with good air quality, Arxan Mountain is a well-deserved natural oxygen bar.

For health and wellness travel, Inner Mongolia is the perfect summer retreat to escape the heat. We have developed a new migratory bird-style healthcare model by combining resources such as spa services, sand therapy, green dietary therapy, and traditional Mongolian medicine and healthcare. In July, the average temperature in Hexigten Banner is only 21.3 degrees Celsius. The Arshatu "glacial stone forest" is stunning and unique, and the warm hot springs of Reshuitang town provide an excellent place to refresh the body and mind, attracting many tourists from home and abroad.

Summer has arrived, and we would like to extend a sincere invitation to friends nationwide. We have prepared beautiful views, delicious food, and fine wines for you in the most amazing season on the grassland. Come and have a "date with the prairie." Thank you!

National Business Daily:

We understand that Inner Mongolia has introduced various policies and measures to promote the development of the private economy, such as setting up service windows and a service hotline for private enterprises. What plans and specific initiatives will be taken next to support the development of private enterprises? Thank you. 

Wang Lixia:

I would like to invite Mr. Gong to answer this question.

Gong Mingzhu:

Thank you for your question. Last year, non-governmental investment in Inner Mongolia increased by 14.2% year on year, ranking top in China. The private economy contributed to 54% of the region's total tax revenue and over 90% of new employment. The private sector has become a new growth driver for economic development in Inner Mongolia. Promoting development of the private sector requires systematic efforts. In order to coordinate the strengths of all parties and make every effort to provide all-round service and support for the development of the private economy, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region has established the Private Economy Development Commission, the Party Committee of Key Private Enterprises, and the Service Bureau for Private Economy Development, creating a sound environment for private enterprises.

We aim to provide more considerate services to help private enterprises solve practical problems. We have established a comprehensive service platform for private enterprises and set up service windows for key private enterprises. All departments related to services for enterprises at the levels of autonomous region, league/city and banner/county have joined this platform to process and resolve the concerns of enterprises, enabling enterprises to have easy access to getting their concerns solved. The platform has set up a window for enterprises to report their issues and receive prompt resolutions. The saying, "If enterprises encounter difficulties, they can seek help from the comprehensive service platform" has been spread widely among enterprises in Inner Mongolia.

We aim to improve efficiency in terms of handling matters so as to free enterprises from the difficulties of accessing government services, and allowing their problems to be solved in one visit. We have simplified the procedures and integrated highly relevant and frequently occurring issues during the whole process from starting a business to exiting the market, developing a full-life cycle service system for enterprises. At the same time, we have launched 13 one-stop government service packages, including enterprise information changes and credit repair.

We aim to enhance our support to ensure the implementation of preferential policies and enable enterprises to enjoy these policies directly and quickly. We will soon introduce the Opinions On Supporting High-Quality Development of the Private Sector, shifting from generalized broad-brush policies to targeted measures based on specific conditions, and focus on solving issues of greatest concern to private enterprises, including restrictions on market access and financing difficulties. At the same time, through the launch of projects to promote integrity and credibility, we have rewarded enterprises that have credibility and good faith with more benefits and introduced easy-access loans to private enterprises based on credibility assessment.

The business environment in Inner Mongolia is improving. We welcome more enterprises to invest and do business in Inner Mongolia. Thank you.

Guangming Daily:

Inner Mongolia is building itself as a model autonomous region in all respects. Could you please elaborate on what aspects Inner Mongolia exemplifies as a role model? What steps have been taken to promote ethnic solidarity? Thank you.

Wang Lixia:

I'll take this question. Your question is regarding in which aspects Inner Mongolia serves as a role model, I would say it "is a role model in adhering to the Party's overall leadership." As you all know, Inner Mongolia is the first ethnic minority region where our Party established Party organization. It is also the first provincial-level autonomous region set up under the direct leadership of the CPC Central Committee. From its establishment in 1947 until today, 77 years have passed. Over these 77 years, Inner Mongolia has developed under the care and support of the CPC Central Committee. As early as the first Five-Year Plan period, the state has invested in building factories and railways in Inner Mongolia. The construction of the No. 1 Machine Manufacturing Factory, the No. 2 Machine Manufacturing Factory, and the Greater Khingan Mountains forest industrial base all began during that period. Especially in the construction of Baotou Steel Industrial Base, with the support of over 80,000 experts and workers from all over the country, the No. 1 blast furnace was built in just over eight months, writing a splendid history of "concerted efforts to build the Baotou Steel Industrial Base."

For 77 years, people of all ethnic groups in Inner Mongolia have always kept in mind the good deeds of and been grateful to the Party and considered the national interest and the general situation. Let me give you an example. In the early 1960s, people in Inner Mongolia accepted over 3,000 orphans from Shanghai and Jiangsu and raised these "children of the state." An elderly woman called Duguima, known as the "Mother of the Grassland," adopted 28 orphans herself. That is the widely known and touching story of "3,000 orphans entering Inner Mongolia." Raised by people on the grasslands, these children have grown up to contribute to various sectors and industries as engineers, doctors, teachers, and so on. Nowadays, they are over 60 years old and live happy lives with their children and grandchildren.

Let me give you another example. In 1958, in order to support the construction of the Dongfeng Aerospace City, Ejin Banner was relocated three times, with the banner's government moving 140 kilometers away. Local herders contributed the best pasture to China’s space industry. That is the touching story of "contributing the best pasture to the space industry." Today, China’s manned spacecrafts are launched and land here. There is also an elderly woman called Nima, who has been awarded as the "Role Model of the Northern Frontier." Two generations of her family have overcome the harsh natural environment and guarded the border for half a century. She is known as the "living boundary monument" on the border line.

In the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Inner Mongolia three times and attended the deliberation sessions of the Inner Mongolia delegations of the National People's Congress five times, pointing out the direction and offering guidance for the development of Inner Mongolia. It can be said that Inner Mongolia’s development achievements have been made under the care and guidance of the general secretary. On his inspection tour of Inner Mongolia last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed for the first time that we should advance works in ethnic minority regions with a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. Focusing on that, we issued the Decision on Building a Model Autonomous Region in All Respects as well as 28 concrete measures concerning the implementation of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. We have also introduced and implemented the promotion regulations, put forward and created the brand of "Northern Frontier Culture," and carried out regular activities along the theme of "be grateful to the Party and follow the Party and its guidance." Nowadays, a spirit of unity and harmony prevails among all ethnic groups. Whether in rural and pastoral areas or urban communities, people make close friends, cultivate harmonious neighborly relations, and have happy marriages.

As the Chinese saying goes, "Seeing is believing.” Here, I’d like to sincerely invite you to visit Inner Mongolia. The vibrant scenes and rapid development of China’s northern frontier will leave you with a new understanding of Inner Mongolia. The genuine warmth of the people on the grassland will leave you captivated and forget to leave. Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to the four speakers and friends from the media. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Wei, Liu Sitong, Yuan Fang, Guo Yiming, Gong Yingchun, Huang Shan, Yan Bin, Yan Xiaoqing, Xu Kailin, Zhang Junmian, Li Huiru, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Zhao Gang, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shaanxi Provincial Committee and governor of Shaanxi province 

Mr. Wang Xiao, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Shaanxi province

Mr. Wang Haipeng, vice governor of Shaanxi province and secretary-general of the People's Government of Shaanxi Province

Mr. Sun Ximin, director of the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 6, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 27th briefing in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Zhao Gang, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shaanxi Provincial Committee and governor of Shaanxi province, to brief you on writing a new chapter in Shaanxi's development and striving to be a pacesetter in China's western region, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Wang Xiao, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Shaanxi province; Mr. Wang Haipeng, vice governor of Shaanxi province and secretary-general of the People's Government of Shaanxi Province; and Mr. Sun Ximin, director of the Shaanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhao for his introduction. 

Zhao Gang:

Friends from the media, good morning. It's a great pleasure to meet you here. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee and the Shaanxi provincial government, I'd like to express gratitude to you all for your long-term interest in and support for Shaanxi's economic and social development. 

General Secretary Xi Jinping has always cared about the people in Shaanxi and the development of the province. He has visited Shaanxi many times and offered guidance, entrusting us with the important mission of making new contributions to Chinese modernization. Firmly bearing in mind the expectations of General Secretary Xi Jinping, Shaanxi has been consistently advancing high-quality development. Over the past 10 years, Shaanxi's GDP has grown at an average annual rate of 6.4%, reaching 3.38 trillion yuan last year and passing two trillion-yuan milestones in succession. The overall features are as follows: 

First, innovation and industries have been integrated at a faster pace. As a vital national center for scientific research, culture and education, Shaanxi has unleashed its innovation potential by leveraging its scientific and educational strengths. Over the past decade, Shaanxi's spending on R&D as a share of GDP has increased by 0.31 percentage point, reaching 2.34%. The volume of contracted technology transactions has surged by over 350 billion yuan, exceeding 410 billion yuan. The comprehensive scientific and technological innovation index has reached 71.72%, up by 15 percentage points. Three national industrial clusters, namely for the aviation industry, integrated circuits and advanced structural materials, have been nurtured. The efficiency of photovoltaic cells has repeatedly broken world records. Superconductors, ultra-high-voltage power transmission, new-type displays and other technologies have reached international standards. It leads the country in modern coal chemicals, high-end drones, metal-based additive manufacturing, and dry and water-efficient agriculture. The scale of industries such as new energy vehicles (NEVs) and semiconductors rank among the top nationwide. The scale of the titanium processing industry and production of heavy-duty truck transmissions both rank first globally. Over the past three years, the number of high-tech enterprises as well as small- and medium-sized sci-tech enterprises have increased by 1.9 times and 1.6 times, respectively. The value-added of high-tech manufacturing has grown at an average annual rate of 12%, which is 2.8 percentage points higher than the national average, propelling innovation-driven development onto the fast track.

Second, regional development has become more coordinated. We have enhanced the leading role of central Shaanxi, promoted transformation and upgrading of the energy industry in north Shaanxi, and supported green and circular development in south Shaanxi. The integration of Xi'an and Xianyang has accelerated with stronger momentum, with subway lines connecting the downtown areas of the two cities and cross-city access to 380 government services including enterprise registration. Over the past decade, the GDP of Shaanxi's counties has reached 1.62 trillion yuan, nearly doubling. The urbanization rate has reached 65.16%, up by 13.59 percentage points. The poverty alleviation work has been successfully completed, and rural revitalization has been promoted on all fronts. A bumper harvest has been secured for the 20th year in a row, with wheat, rapeseed and tomato breeding technologies leading the country. Shaanxi boasts nine national agricultural industrial clusters based on its characteristics and strengths, ranking among the top nationwide. One out of every seven apples and every four kiwifruits in the world originate from Shaanxi. Local specialties such as goat milk, fungi and tea are developing into major industries. 

Third, reforms and opening-up have been deepened. We have earnestly conducted the "Business Environment Breakthrough Year" event. We have continued to advance the market-oriented reform of production factors, including "evaluation by per-hectare efficiency," constantly enhancing the efficient allocation of land, technology, data and other production factors. By the end of last year, the number of enterprises reached 1.565 million, an increase of 3.1 times over the past decade. Solid progress has been made in the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), with provincial SOEs leading the nation in indicators such as revenue, total profit and return on equity. We have actively integrated into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), leading the way in establishing air routes connecting all the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The SCO Demonstration Base for Agricultural Technology Exchange and Training in Shaanxi's Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Industrial Demonstration Zone has trained over 4,700 officials and technical professionals from more than 130 countries. Over the past three years, the annual number of China-Europe freight trains departing from Shaanxi has increased by 12.8% on average, exceeding 5,300, with key indicators such as the number of operating trains, the heavy-haul rate and freight volume all ranking among the top nationwide. Over the past decade, Shaanxi's total imports and exports have grown at an average annual rate of 14.2%, 9.2 percentage points higher than the national average. A total of 38 innovative practices explored in China (Shaanxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone, such as integrated tax refund services, customs clearance simplification, notes financing for scientific and innovative enterprises, have been promoted nationwide. 

Fourth, the ecological environment has been remarkably improved. We have kept in mind the country's most fundamental interests and acted on the idea that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We have witnessed 99.3% of the ecological areas within the Shaanxi section of Qinling Mountains reaching good quality. Forests, grasslands and wetlands account for 71.3% of the province's total area. The annual amount of sediment entering the Yellow River from its main tributaries has decreased by 30% compared to the previous decade. In addition, the water quality of water sources in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project has been kept above Class II. Our efforts for green transition have picked up pace. All coal-fired power plants have met ultra-low emission standards, and the renewable energy capacity has increased by 8.5 times over the past 10 years, exceeding 40 million kilowatts. Additionally, we have made new advances in carbon capture and storage technology, capturing and storing a total of 450,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

Fifth, people's well-being has continued to improve. Over the past three years, more than 400,000 new urban jobs have been created each year, and residents' per capita disposable income has grown by an average of 7% annually. Higher education has seen high-quality development, with eight universities and 20 academic disciplines being included in the national Double First-Class Project. Moreover, eight higher vocational colleges and 12 majors have been included in the plan for building up world-class higher vocational colleges and majors with Chinese characteristics. Such numbers rank among the top in the country. Construction of the regional medical center for children's health in northwest China has witnessed rapid progress. The operating high-speed railway network in the province has expanded to 1,000 kilometers, while expressways have reached over 6,700 kilometers. This network has made it possible for every county to be connected by expressways, significantly improving transportation convenience for the public. Moreover, Shaanxi hosted the 14th National Games of China with splendor and success. A batch of signature cultural venues and museums have been completed and opened to the public, such as the Xi'an branch of the China National Archives of Publications and Culture and the Shaanxi Archaeology Museum. All these have been helpful for enriching people's cultural lives. Development of the cultural tourism sector has gained momentum. Last year, the number of tourists visiting Shaanxi province increased by 106.5% year-on-year. The daily average number of visitors to the Datang Everbright City scenic area reached 450,000 during the May Day holiday. Shaanxi is drawing in an increasing number of visitors, who come to admire its ancient treasures, explore its historical sites, and immerse themselves in the elegance of traditional Hanfu attire and China's rich cultural heritage.

On the new journey ahead, we will adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and push the high-quality development to higher levels, making new breakthroughs. I'd like to invite friends from all walks of life to visit Shaanxi to immerse yourselves in the captivating charm of Shaanxi and witness its progress. Thank you. 

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Zhao, for your introduction. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question. 

Science and Technology Daily:

Given Shaanxi's abundant scientific and educational resources, as Mr. Zhao just mentioned, could you please elaborate on the efforts Shaanxi has made to transform these resources into strengths for innovative development? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

Thank you for your concern about the innovative development within Shaanxi province. Shaanxi province is outstanding for its abundant scientific and educational resources, as it is home to more than 110 colleges and universities, over 1,800 research and academic institutions as well as 27 key national laboratories. A total of 74 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering have been working in Shaanxi, and the number of professional personnel here has reached more than 2.3 million. We are planning the construction of six national major scientific infrastructure projects. Given all this, I would say innovation is the cornerstone of Shaanxi's strength, the wellspring of its potential and the source of its confidence. We have made great efforts in two aspects to ensure scientific innovation serves as an engine for economic growth as well as a new driver for development. 

First, focusing on what the country needs, we have made all-out efforts to promote China's greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. For a long period of time, Shaanxi has been committed to integrating itself into national systems for scientific and technological innovation and has made its own contribution to national major sci-tech projects, such as the Shenzhou program, the Chang'e lunar exploration program, the Jiaolong deep-sea submersible program and the Tianwen Mars mission. In recent years, Shaanxi province's number of wins at the state science and technology awards has ranked among the top. Going forward, we will accelerate the construction of a comprehensive national science center and a sci-tech innovation center in Xi'an, and make improved efforts in building the major national science and technology infrastructure projects, including the National Time Service Center and the National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine. By making effective use of these facilities, Shaanxi's technological innovation capabilities are expected to further enhance. We will promote closer enterprise-led collaboration between industries, universities, and research institutes, making breakthroughs in some core technologies in key fields. Currently, Shaanxi province is taking the lead in the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells and the manufacturing of large-diameter silicon materials for integrated circuits. We strive for innovation, so that we can maintain our technological leadership in various fields. Moreover, we will improve the system for creating laboratories. While striving to establish national laboratories, we will also build a network of regional laboratories in Shaanxi, including provincial key laboratories. Overall, we will better align Shaanxi's capabilities with the country's needs so that we can develop more equipment and projects of great significance for the country. 

In addition, we have expedited the efforts to promote the application of scientific and technological advances in a bid to help facilitate Shaanxi's high-quality development. Sci-tech advances can only translate into tangible productivity when lab-based progress is effectively applied in the market. In recent years, we significantly bolstered the development of the Qinchuangyuan innovation-driven platform. Through the implementation of three reform projects targeting the hesitancy, reluctance and financial constraints concerning the application of sci-tech advances, we have achieved many encouraging results and witnessed significant changes in recent years. Over the past three years, the number of patents issued in Shaanxi grew by 180%, and the volume of contracted technology transactions surged by 230%. The principle role of enterprises in sci-tech innovation has become increasingly prominent. In 2023, research and development (R&D) spending by enterprises across the province experienced a year on year increase of 15.3%, surpassing the national average by 4.3 percentage points. The number of high-tech enterprises also escalated from over 6,000 in 2020 to 16,000 in 2023, surpassing the target of 10,000 that is outlined in Shaanxi's 14th Five-Year Plan.

All these changes demonstrate that a robust and innovative ecosystem surrounding sci-tech R&D, business incubation and industrialization is taking shape at an accelerated pace in Shaanxi. Moving forward, we will continue to develop our innovation platform, leverage our reform experience and enhance our capacity in the application of sci-tech advances, so as to further empower the high-quality development of Shaanxi. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

We acknowledge that Shaanxi has been promoting high-quality development in recent years, and has rolled out a number of major projects in sectors such as new energy vehicles (NEVs), semiconductors and integrated circuits. Could you briefly speak on the progress made in these fields? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

Thank you for your interest in and support for Shaanxi's NEV sector and other emerging industries.

Shaanxi boasts a complete industrial system and serves as a key manufacturing base in China. It has the foundation, conditions and advantages needed to develop a modern industrial system with distinctive Shaanxi characteristic and to foster new quality productive forces. In recent years, focusing on establishing such industrial systems, we have nurtured a number of industrial chains and clusters characterized by the new quality productive forces.

We have leveraged the anchor role of energy industries. Shaanxi is a major energy-producing province in China with the output of coal, petroleum and natural gas ranking among the highest in the country. In the meantime, a significant portion of the coal, petroleum and natural gas that we produce is also supplied to our sister provinces. As a key energy producer, Shaanxi has contributed its part to the nation's energy security system. In recent years, we have also accelerated the development of clean energy project and those concerning energy storage, providing stronger support for China's energy security.

Moreover, Shaanxi possesses abundant high-quality coal resources. We have developed a number of coal chemical projects in the northern part of the province. Focusing on manufacturing high-end, diverse and low-carbon products, we have created industrial chains that encompass coal products, chemical products and refined oil products. As a result, numerous key national industrial projects have settled and formed synergies in northern Shaanxi.

Shaanxi is fast-tracking toward advanced manufacturing. The NEV and semiconductor sectors, as you mentioned earlier, are key representative industries, highlighting the new quality productive forces that we keep nurturing. Our NEV sector is experiencing robust growth momentum. We have built manufacturing bases for the battery, motor and electric control system, and have established a development pattern that focuses on passenger cars, key components and batteries. Shaanxi's NEV output has maintained an average annual growth of 160% over the past three years. In terms of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy, Shaanxi has achieved world records in three categories. The conversion efficiency of its crystalline silicon solar cell has repeatedly broken world records. Its shipments of silicon wafer, a key material in producing solar cells, and diamond wire, a key material for processing solar cells, both rank the highest around the world. In 2023, Shaanxi saw a year-on-year increase of 150% in the output of solar cells.

The province's semiconductor industry is also experiencing robust growth. Shaanxi has attracted more than 300 renowned enterprises, research facilities and institutes in the field. Its production capacity of flash memory chips accounts for nearly 15% of the world's total.

Moving forward, we will develop a group of advanced manufacturing clusters at the national level as well as provincial-level manufacturing clusters with distinctive features. We will further advance the development of a modern industrial system supported by advanced manufacturing.

In the meantime, we will focus on industries of the future, keep nurturing innovative industrial clusters with potential advantages, such as those involving photonics, artificial intelligence and superconducting materials. We will also work continuously to explore new opportunities in low-altitude economy, hydrogen power and energy storage, and biomedicine, in a bid to accelerate the development of more new quality productive forces. Thank you.

Economic Daily:

A conducive business environment serves as a crucial foundation for achieving high-quality development. In recent years, Shaanxi has made efforts centering on streamlining the business registration process and improving tax services. What additional experience and measures has Shaanxi implemented in terms of improving the business environment?

Zhao Gang:

I would like to invite Mr. Wang Xiao to answer this question.

Wang Xiao:

Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, Shaanxi has conducted the Year of Business Environment Improvement campaign for two consecutive years, implementing a series of reform measures that are targeted, effective and replicable. These efforts aim to create a business environment with efficient administrative services, market-oriented policies, stronger productive factors, a more predictable legal system, and a cordial and clean government-business relationship. A total of 37 practices have been recognized and promoted at the national level, and two exemplary practices have been commended by the General Office of the State Council.

In terms of improving efficiency, we have focused on various fields and aspects of business operations and entrepreneurship for enterprises and the public. We have made efforts in multiple aspects such as reducing time, optimizing processes and standardizing procedures. As a result, business registration can now be completed within one working day, property registration time has been reduced to 2.5 working days, 396 administrative services can be processed provincewide, and 156 services can be handled across provinces. Additionally, we have introduced services such as "project stewards" to help or act for enterprises in dealing with administrative procedures, supporting their innovative development. 

In terms of stimulating business vitality, we have established a platform to collect information on market access barriers and have strictly enforced the negative list for market access. We hold government-business consultation meetings at various levels every month, carry out actions to remove obstacles to policy implementation and provide special financing services, continuously work to clear overdue payments to enterprises, and strive to address difficulties in accessing policy support, obtaining financing services and credit enhancements, and handling administrative procedures. These efforts aim to let enterprises make investment and operate and develop businesses confidently, without being distracted or disturbed. In 2023, the province registered 990,600 new business entities, an increase of 20.56%, with business vitality continuing to rise.

In terms of optimizing service regulation, we have established and improved mechanisms for connecting and serving private enterprises. We actively seek input from businesses on the front lines of production and project construction and explore the implementation of a service-oriented law enforcement model in market regulation. We have launched a one-stop service platform for Shaanxi enterprises, proactively promoting favorable policies to directly benefit enterprises, which has been widely welcomed by business entities.

In terms facilitating trade and investment, we have emphasized leveraging the pioneering role of the pilot free trade zone, accelerating the development of efficient, cost-effective and high-quality international trade channels. We have also been creating a demonstration zone for international commercial legal services under the BRI. The China-Europe Railway Express (Xi'an) has ranked first in the country in key indicators such as the number of trains, freight volume and proportion of loaded containers. International goods have been able to be picked up and loaded immediately 24 hours a day, resulting in a 30% reduction in logistics costs. By 2023, we had established air routes with all five Central Asian countries, leading to a 2.2-fold increase in exports to Central Asia.

Next, we will further prioritize proactive government efforts to drive market efficiency, and foster a first-class business environment to support high-quality development and modernization.

Thank you.

Changjiang Daily:

Of the water volume in the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, 70% originates from Shaanxi province. Shaanxi bears the important mission of sustaining a continuous flow of clean water to the north. What efforts has Shaanxi made in terms of water ecological environment protection and continuous improvement of the ecological environment? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

Thank you for your interest in Shaanxi's ecological environment. I would like to invite Mr. Wang Haipeng to answer.

Wang Haipeng:

Shaanxi is a crucial water conservation area for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, with 70% of the water consumed by the people in Beijing coming from Shaanxi. We prioritize the protection of the Hanjiang River and Danjiang River, safeguarding these crucial water sources through coordinated efforts. The idea of ensuring a continuous flow of clean water to the north has deeply resonated with the people of Shaanxi. Currently, the environment here can be characterized by "fish swimming in the shallows and harmony between humans and water." The population of crested ibis, which has extremely high requirements in terms of the quality of the ecological environment, has grown from just seven individuals to nearly 7,700 throughout the province. Shaanxi spans the Yangtze River and Yellow River basins, boasting abundant ecological elements, but is also highly vulnerable. Our entire province always keeps the grand vision of our nation in mind and strives to contribute to the overall ecological environment of the country.

Zhao Gang: 

We have preserved the three ecological shields, including the waterhead region of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the Qinling Mountains and the Yellow River. Through systematic eco-environmental protection and restoration, we have focused on biodiversity conservation in the Qinling Mountains, achieving the highest levels of ecological quality, as Mr. Zhao just mentioned. We have also made significant efforts to protect the Yellow River, our mother river, by carefully managing its water resources. We have coordinated efforts between the upper and lower reaches, left and right banks, main and tributary streams, soil reinforcement and afforestation, source control and resource conservation, pollution control, sediment reduction, and water consumption reduction. Thanks to these endeavors, we have transformed the Weihe River, flowing over 500 kilometers across the Guanzhong Plain, into what is now called the most beautiful river in our homeland. The clear splashing waters at Hukou Waterfalls have become a spectacular sight.

We are making strenuous efforts in two fields. The first is pollution prevention and control. We focus on both substantially treating symptoms and addressing root causes through a holistic approach. Pooling the strengths of the entire province, we carried out a special action to control air pollution across our central region, or the Guanzhong area, achieving preliminary results. Now, you can enjoy a serene view of the Qinling Mountains from the Great Wild Goose Pagoda. We have ensured drinking water quality, eliminated murky and stinky waters, cleansed river and lake waters, and preserved sufficient ecological water. The province's water quality has continued to improve. We have also enhanced the safe utilization of polluted farmland and land for construction use, effectively managing soil-related environmental risks. The second field is the conservation and development of areas surrounding the bends of the Yellow River. We have made great efforts in the comprehensive management of the Mu Us Desert in the north, the desertified Baiyu Mountains, and soil erosion in the Loess Plateau, extending lush greenery 400 kilometers northward. We are promoting green transformation. We have made coordinated efforts to empower the central region with scientific and technological strengths, push energy transformation in the north, and boost green upgrading in the south, accelerating green and low-carbon transformation and development. By implementing these initiatives, we have realized the rapid expansion of industries such as photovoltaic energy, new energy passenger vehicles, and semiconductor and integrated circuits, with their output value surpassing 100 billion yuan each. We have continued to act on the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Today, people in southern Shaanxi benefit from favorable ecological conditions.

Going forward, we will stay focused on taking a holistic and systematic approach to further deepening the protection and conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems. We will build a beautiful Shaanxi with a fresh look to contribute to the construction of a beautiful China. Thank you.

CNR:

Shaanxi boasts rich cultural tourism resources, including the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors, and ruins of Qin dynasty palaces and Han dynasty mausoleums, attracting constant visitors. So, how are you improving visitors' experiences and promoting high-quality cultural tourism industry development? Thanks. 

Zhao Gang:

Thanks for your interest in our cultural tourism sector. Please give the floor to Mr. Wang Xiao.

Wang Xiao:

Thank you for your keen attention to Shaanxi's cultural tourism. Shaanxi has a profound history and rich cultural heritage; it enjoys a reputation as a history museum by nature. From the Yellow Emperor's Mausoleum and the Terracotta Warriors to the Lingshan Temple Pagoda, the Qinling Mountains, and the Huashan Mountain, the province boasts landmarks of Chinese civilization, revolutionary history, and important geological marvels. In recent years, we have integrated the cultural and tourism industries to reinforce each other, exploring and showcasing the unique charm of Shaanxi, improving the tourist experience, and boosting the high-quality development of the cultural tourism sector. We have mainly focused our efforts on three aspects:

First, we strive to make the authentic charm of Shaanxi reverberate across time and space. We have coordinated efforts in cultural relic protection, civilization inheritance, and cultural development, bridging history and modernity. Tourists can experience the profound history, magnificent landscapes, and cultural achievements of Shaanxi through the 6,000-year-old Banpo relic site, the 4,000-year-old Shimao site, the hezun (bronze wine vessel) that is the oldest known relic with characters reading "Middle Kingdom (China)," the capital sites of 14 dynasties from Zhou, Qin, Han to Tang, the Qinling Mountains — the cradle of the Chinese civilization — and the traditional Qinqiang Opera. In Yan'an, a sacred place to remember the revolutionary history, visitors can trace the successful path of the CPC. They can also be inspired by the development achievements of the new era and remain committed to continuous efforts. In Shaanxi, you can explore valuable artifacts, reflect on the passage of time, and embrace the splendid Chinese civilization, gaining a better understanding of the zeitgeist of our time and strengthening cultural confidence.

Second, we strive to display Shaanxi's charm in different dimensions. The cultural tourism economy has become innovation-driven and entered a new stage of sustainable prosperity. We understood the patterns and characteristics of this new stage of development and mapped out eight major industrial chains, expanding and improving the integrated cultural tourism development paradigm centered on Xi'an and expanding across the province. Tourism products highlighting cultural relics, art performances, and poetry have become popular. Tourists are staying longer and spending more. For the Spring Festival Gala in the Year of the Dragon, Xi'an sub-venue provided an amazing show to present its timeless charm, incorporating a famous poem by Li Bai, "Qiang Jin Jiu (Bring in the Wine)," highlighting the romance of Shaanxi. The Datang Everbright City tourism spot and the TV series "The Longest Day in Chang'an" are popular. Revolutionary sites are crowded with visitors, and people dressed in traditional Chinese costumes stroll around the Bell and Drum Towers and under the ancient city wall. Performances, including the dance drama "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" and the stage play "Yan'an Nursery School," have sold well, and rural destinations such as Yuanjia village and Zhujiawan village have surged in popularity. In 2023, the number of tourists and tourism revenue in the province increased by 106.5% and 150.6%, respectively.

Third, we are dedicated to showcasing Shaanxi's charm and fostering friendships. As the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, Shaanxi is diligently implementing the outcomes of the China-Central Asia Summit related to the province, and leveraging platforms such as the inaugural general assembly of the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, the Fourth Chinese Archaeology Congress, the Silk Road International Arts Festival and the 14th China-U.S. High-Level Dialogue on Tourism. We will develop new intellectual properties featuring the Silk Road culture and tourism, and introduce a series of inbound tourism facilitation measures amid our efforts to create a world-class tourism destination that inherits Chinese culture, and share stories about Shaanxi, the Silk Road and China. 

Next, we will persist in upholding fundamental principles, breaking new ground, enhancing quality and efficiency, and promoting integrated development. By doing so, we will contribute to the country's efforts to build up its strengths in culture and tourism industries and develop a modern Chinese civilization. We warmly invite more friends from China and abroad to visit Shaanxi and fall in love with it.

Thank you.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

The resource endowments and development foundations of Shaanxi's three major regions - Guanzhong region, northern Shaanxi, and southern Shaanxi - differ significantly. What efforts has Shaanxi made in recent years to promote regional coordinated development? In what areas will it continue to focus its efforts? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

Thank you for your questions; I will answer them. As you mentioned, northern Shaanxi is the Loess Plateau, the central region is the Guanzhong Plain, and southern Shaanxi is the Qinba Mountains area. Each region has its own distinct geographical environments, resource endowments, and economic foundations. Over the years, we have emphasized the overall development of the province, focusing on the strategic development of county-level economies. We have implemented a differentiated management approach based on the distinct strengths of industrial, agricultural, and ecological counties to maximize regional advantages. In 2023, the aggregate GDP of counties in the province reached 1.62 trillion yuan, accounting for 48% of the provincial total, which has played a significant role in driving the overall economic growth of the province and promoting mutual empowerment and coordinated development among the three major regions.

In the Guanzhong region, we have focused on sci-tech innovation and advanced manufacturing. Nearly 90% of the province's total social R&D expenditure is concentrated in the region, with an investment intensity of 3.35%, which is 0.8 percentage point higher than the national average. The region's strategic emerging industries closely related to innovation account for 80% of the province's total. The industrial division of labor and mutually beneficial effects of integration in the region are gradually strengthening, forming a good situation where Xi'an serves as the center, focusing on innovative development, and driving the coordinated development of industries in surrounding cities such as Xianyang, Weinan, Baoji, and Tongchuan. In northern Shaanxi, we are accelerating the energy transformation, and jointly initiated the development of the Yulin Energy Revolution Innovation Demonstration Zone with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. As I mentioned earlier about the industrial system in Shaanxi, northern Shaanxi is accelerating the development of its energy industries. Through years of effort, the economic output and the industrial value added of Yulin and Yan'an now account for 28% and nearly 50% of the provincial total, respectively, contributing to over 20% of the province's economic growth.

In southern Shaanxi, we are prioritizing green and circular development, piloting mechanisms to realize the value of ecological products. We are vigorously developing eco-friendly industries such as special agriculture, green energy storage, tourism, healthcare, and consumer goods manufacturing. Notably, with the development of wind and solar power in northern Shaanxi, we have laid out multiple pumped storage projects in southern Shaanxi, complementing the green energy projects in the north. Additionally, the consumer goods manufacturing industry has thrived in southern Shaanxi, with sectors like selenium-rich foods and plush toys demonstrating strong job creation potential. This embodies the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. Next, we will further deepen green and circular development in southern Shaanxi, continuously promoting the unity of ecological, social, and economic benefits. Thank you.

The Beijing News:

I came across some data online indicating that while there is still an income gap between Shaanxi and the eastern coastal provinces, the growth rate of income in Shaanxi remains relatively rapid. Could you briefly outline the measures Shaanxi has taken to boost residents' income? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

I'll invite Mr. Sun Ximin to address this question.

Sun Ximin:

Thank you for your question and your concern for the well-being of the people of Shaanxi. As a western province with a population of nearly 40 million, Shaanxi still faces a significant income gap with the eastern coastal provinces, a key challenge to our modernization efforts. In recent years, we have prioritized increasing residents' income as a key annual livelihood project, focusing on achieving prosperity for all. We have made every effort to boost residents' income and prosperity. Over the past three years, the annual average growth rate of per capita disposable income has surpassed the economic growth rate for the same period. We have mainly focused on four aspects of work:

First, we have boosted incomes through employment assistance. We have effectively implemented a combination of policies, such as helping enterprises stabilize jobs, expanding employment and vocational training, and made every effort to stabilize employment and laid a solid foundation for the growth of wage income, which is the main source of personal income. For example, in the case of work-relief programs, in the past three years, we have allocated 1.613 billion yuan in special funds to support 859 projects, involving more than 40,000 rural migrant workers, so that farmers can work and earn money locally.

Second, we have boosted incomes through the development of featured industries. We have mainly focused on vigorously developing county economies, continuously expanding a group of featured leading industries such as apples, kiwis, selenium-enriched foods, edible fungi, dairy goats and sundry grains, and driving the steady growth of personal operating incomes. For example, the output value of the Shaanxi apple industry chain exceeds 130 billion yuan, and Yan'an's income from apples contributes more than 60% to the operating income of rural residents.

Third, we have boosted incomes by increasing the value of property. We have steadily promoted collective economies through the "eliminating weakness and strengthening strength" initiative, focusing on increasing the proportion of village-level collective economic organizations that distribute dividends, and better supporting the growth of personal property income.

Fourth, we have promoted labor cooperation to increase incomes. We have deepened east-west cooperation with Jiangsu province, and through the labor cooperation mechanism, we have created nonagricultural employment opportunities for around 80,000 rural laborers in the past three years.

Promoting personal income growth is a long-term and basic task, for which we have also made plans and implemented a series of measures this year. For example, in terms of increasing incomes among rural residents, we have further promoted the development of rural industries, identified around 15 provincial-level modern agricultural full-industry chain guiding counties, and built 10 county-level livestreaming e-commerce bases with regional features. In terms of promoting employment, we have implemented a vocational skills improvement project, carried out government-subsidized vocational skills training for more than 300,000 people, and added 35,000 high-skilled talents.

We believe that by continuously implementing measures to increase incomes, people in Shaanxi will become richer and their lives will become more prosperous. Thank you.

Chengdu.cn:

Shaanxi is the province with the most neighbors in China. It borders eight provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China, and has unique geographical advantages, playing a role of a transportation hub. What steps has Shaanxi taken to build a modern comprehensive transportation system? Thank you.

Wang Haipeng:

Thank you for your question. Shaanxi is located in the geometric center of China. We have both advantages and responsibilities from connecting the north and south, and the east and west. We are promoting the integrated development of comprehensive transportation, supporting the BRI, and at the same time making every effort to develop into a new pacesetter for inland reform and opening-up.

First, we have connected the main transportation arteries. Four of the "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railways in national plans pass through Shaanxi. Five high-speed railway projects, from Xi'an to Yan'an, Xi'an to Chongqing, and Xi'an to Shiyan, are being accelerated. By 2028, all cities in Shaanxi will be connected by high-speed railways, with a total length of over 2,000 kilometers. We have expanded and intensified the expressway network, and comprehensively improved the expressway capacity and services through intelligent technologies. The total length of expressways in Shaanxi exceeds 6,700 kilometers, and its 24 national expressways are integrated into the national road network.

I would like to stress that, through our efforts, expressway service areas, which used to be more like resting points during travel, are now gradually becoming must-visit destinations for travel consumption.

Second, we have facilitated the internal flow of transportation. We have promoted regional coordinated development through transportation connectivity. Mr. Zhao just introduced the situation of the three major areas in Shaanxi. At present, the total length of highways in Shaanxi has reached 188,000 kilometers, an increase of about 23,000 kilometers in 10 years, and the connectivity and smoothness of the road grid have been improved. The length of the Xi'an subway will soon exceed 400 kilometers. The metropolitan area expanded by the rail lines has allowed the two ancient cities of Xi'an and Xianyang to shift from two cities to a city cluster, better supporting the integrated development of Xi'an and Xianyang. The 161,000 kilometers of rural roads stretch across the entire 200,000 square kilometers of Shaanxi. The basic service network of passengers, freight and mail at village, township and county levels has achieved full coverage. Today's construction, management, maintenance and operation of roads in rural areas have brought wealth, happiness, connectivity and revitalization to local rural residents.

Third, we have contributed to building an inland pacesetter of reform and opening-up. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport is one of the top 10 hub airports in China and ranks at the top in domestic aviation network accessibility. It currently operates 108 international air routes, connecting 86 cities in 43 countries and regions. Especially last year, in the lead-up to the China-Central Asia Summit, we took the lead in launching passenger and freight air routes covering five Central Asian countries. After one year's effort, the number of flights has quadrupled, and the number of passengers has increased fivefold. Moreover, the airport expansion is underway, with projects slated for completion by the end of this year. This airport will have four runways and terminals covering 1.09 million square meters. It will handle 83 million passenger trips and 1 million tons of cargo and mail annually. Mr. Zhao has just talked about the China-Europe Railway Express. At present, the number of China-Europe freight trains accounts for one-quarter of the national total, with trips reaching cities such as Madrid, Paris, and Rotterdam. The China-Europe Railway Express covers the entire Eurasian continent and has become one of the busiest international freight channels. The air hub and land port of the China-Europe Railway Express have become strong supports for Shaanxi's opening-up.

The comprehensive transport network, characterized by high efficiency, low cost, and good services, has facilitated people's travel and smoothed the flow of production factors, providing strong support for the high-quality development of Shaanxi. Next, we will accelerate the construction of a modern comprehensive transportation system and build a high-level inland pacesetter of reform and opening-up. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

We'll have one last question, please.

China Daily:

Shaanxi is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and an important node city of the BRI. What initiatives will be taken by Shaanxi to expand its opening-up? Thank you.

Zhao Gang:

Thank you for your question. I'll address it now. As the reporter mentioned, Shaanxi is an inland province. The BRI has brought historic opportunities to Shaanxi, positioning it at the forefront of China's opening up to the West. Currently, we are focusing on leveraging strengths in three aspects to transform the inland province into a pacesetter of reform and opening-up.

First, we are capitalizing on our industrial strengths to promote the development of an open economy. At present, Shaanxi has established economic and trade ties with nearly 200 countries and regions. Over the past decade, total imports and exports with Belt and Road countries have achieved an average annual growth of 17.5%, which is 5.9 percentage points higher than the national level. Last year, 513 new foreign trade entities were established in Shaanxi, and significant efforts were made to foster export-oriented enterprises. The export of heavy-duty trucks grew by 100%, and the export of new energy vehicles increased 11.5 times. Additionally, the export of integrated circuits accounted for nearly 10% of the national total.

In recent years, Shaanxi has made significant strides in attracting foreign investment. A number of world-renowned enterprises, including Samsung Electronics, Coca-Cola, and Yihai Kerry, have established operations in Shaanxi to expand their investments.

Next, we will work to foster more export-oriented business entities, support enterprises in developing cross-border businesses, continue to promote the export of competitive products, and optimize the environment for foreign investment to maintain the growth momentum for foreign trade and investment.

Second, we are leveraging our geographical advantages to enhance channels for opening-up. China-Europe freight trains from Shaanxi to Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe have been put into regular operation, with a total of 18 routes covering the entire Eurasian continent. China-Europe freight trains offer significant advantages in comprehensive logistics costs. The transport time is one-third that of maritime transport, and the average cost is one-ninth that of air transport.

We have launched the pilot land port for departure tax rebates, reducing the time for tax rebates to three days. At the same time, we have sped up the construction of the China-Europe Railway Express assembly center, put the Kazakhstan Xi'an Terminal into operation, and established a total of 53 overseas warehouses in 23 countries and regions. The China-Europe Railway Express has become a "steel camel fleet" connecting Asia and Europe. We will also make every effort to amplify the radiation effect of the China-Europe Railway Express assembly center in Xi'an and strive to build an international trade channel with higher efficiency, lower costs, and better services.

Third, we are leveraging our cultural strengths to enhance close exchanges and cooperation. We have fully activated historical and cultural resources and actively served overall national diplomacy. Shaanxi has established friendship relations with 113 provinces, states, and cities in 41 countries, including Russia and Kazakhstan. In terms of culture, Shaanxi has successfully hosted the General Assembly of the Alliance for Culture Heritage in Asia and the Silk Road International Film Festival. In terms of education, Xi'an Jiaotong University has launched the University Alliance of the Silk Road, and the Kazakhstan branch campus of Northwestern Polytechnical University has begun enrolling students. In terms of archaeological excavation, Shaanxi has conducted several joint archaeological explorations with Central Asian countries, signed cooperation agreements with eight countries and 14 research institutions under the BRI, and achieved fruitful results in a series of archaeological excavations of ancient city ruins in Central Asia.

We will focus on key areas such as culture, education, and tourism, and continue to enhance international cultural and people-to-people exchanges, contributing Shaanxi's strength in promoting global connectivity.

In the second half of the year, we will host major events in Shaanxi, such as the Silk Road International Exposition in Xi'an and the China Yangling Agricultural Hi-tech Fair in Yangling. Friends from home and abroad are welcome to attend these events, seek business opportunities, and achieve win-win outcomes. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to Mr. Zhao Gang and all the speakers. Thank you to all the media representatives for your participation. This concludes today's press conference. See you next time.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Yuan Fang, Gong Yingchun, Zhu Bochen, Wang Qian, Zhang Junmian, Liu Sitong, Wang Yanfang, Liu Caiyi, Yan Bin, Wang Ziteng, Li Xiao, Zhou Jing, Xu Kailin, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Hu Henghua, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Municipal Committee and mayor of Chongqing 

Mr. Chen Xinwu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, secretary-general of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, and executive vice mayor of Chongqing

Mr. Zheng Xiangdong, vice mayor of Chongqing

Mr. Jiang Duntao, vice mayor of Chongqing

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

June 5, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 26th briefing in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Hu Henghua, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Chongqing Municipal committee and mayor of Chongqing, to brief you on building Chongqing into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Chen Xinwu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, secretary-general of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, and executive vice mayor of Chongqing; Mr. Zheng Xiangdong, vice mayor of Chongqing; and Mr. Jiang Duntao, vice mayor of Chongqing.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Hu for his introduction. 

Hu Henghua:

Friends from the media, good morning. I would like to express my gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for Chongqing. It's a great pleasure for me to brief you on Chongqing's economic and social development here. 

Chongqing, a municipality directly under the central government in central and western China, boasts the largest area and population among all cities in the country. It has undertaken multiple strategic missions including development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone, the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. General Secretary Xi Jinping puts great importance on Chongqing's development. He visited the city in 2016 and 2019, and again in April this year to provide further guidance. He urged Chongqing to build itself into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up, thus making Chongqing's contribution to Chinese modernization. 

Since the 20th CPC National Congress, we have thoroughly implemented a series of important instructions and requirements made by General Secretary Xi Jinping, striving to advance high-quality development, create a high-standard of living, and facilitate highly efficient governance. Last year, Chongqing's GDP increased by 6.1%, making it the first city in central and western China to exceed 3 trillion yuan. In the first quarter of this year, its GDP grew by 6.2%, marking a good start and recovery momentum in economic and social development, securing solid progress in building a new and modern Chongqing. 

We have remained committed to pursuing high-quality development and fostering new quality productive forces according to local conditions. As a major manufacturing hub, Chongqing boasts all 31 major manufacturing categories. Adhering to the principle of building the city's foundation through industry and enhancing its strength through manufacturing, Chongqing is accelerating the construction of a modernized industrial system. As an old industrial base, Chongqing is experiencing a resurgence of new vitality. Intelligent connected new energy vehicles (NEVs), next-generation electronic information manufacturing, and advanced materials are growing into trillion-yuan level industrial clusters. Vehicle production has exceeded 2.3 million, with over 500,000 NEVs produced. One out of every three laptops in the world is made in Chongqing. The modern production service industry has empowered advanced manufacturing. The western financial center in the Chengdu-Chongqing area has gathered more than 1,800 financial institutions. Software and information service industries are thriving, creating a vibrant and expansive landscape. The workforce in these sectors has increased by nearly 150,000 in the past two years, totaling 369,000, with main business revenue exceeding 360 billion yuan. Regional cooperation and open development have expanded new horizons, with the tale of the two cities of Chengdu and Chongqing becoming increasingly captivating. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor now connects with 514 ports in 123 countries and regions, transporting more and more Chongqing products to the world, making the inland city a frontier of China's westward and southward opening-up. 

Orienting toward residents' expectations for a high quality of life, we have constantly made sure that development achievements truly deliver for the people's well-being. By coordinating new urbanization with all-round rural revitalization and balancing high-quality development with high-standard protection, we are shaping a beautiful and harmonious urban-rural landscape while delivering tangible benefits in key sectors to residents. Now, if you stroll through the city, you will notice new improvements along the banks of the Yangtze River and Jialing River. In Chongqing, also known as a "mountain city," over 700 kilometers of footpaths connect the mountains and rivers as well as the city and its residents, while more than 200 pocket parks dot the urban landscape. Each year, over 200,000 college graduates are captivated by this mountain city and choose to stay here. If you go to the countryside in search of nostalgia, you'll find picturesque and harmonious rural areas with a fresh new look. There, the food and agricultural product processing industry has increased the income of rural residents. Local specialties, such as Fuling pickled mustard tubers, Fengjie navel oranges, Tongnan lemons and Wushan crisp plums have become huge hits. As you view Chongqing's scenery, you will witness the result of its efforts to create a beautiful landscape. The water quality of the Chongqing section of the main stream of the Yangtze River has remained excellent for seven consecutive years, and over 325 days of good or excellent air quality have been recorded for four consecutive years. Three years since the 10-year fishing ban was implemented in the Yangtze River Basin, the number of fish species monitored in the river has more than doubled. Chongqing is widely considered as a city with charming scenery, bustling life and warm people. Everyday scenes, including the "spring-bound train" (rail routes passing blooming flowers), the Baijusi Yangtze River Bridge evoking scenes from the movie "Interstellar," and the radiant lights in Hongyadong scenic area, have become must-see attractions for tourists.

We have continuously innovated high-efficiency governance and accelerated our steps toward further modernizing city governance. Digitalization enabled the community to access Chongqing's administration and services. Local people can register for permanent residency for newborn babies, handle social security procedures, and apply for start-ups through online services. In emergencies, such as rockslide-related disasters, information can be sent directly to the city-level command center, and corresponding instructions will be promptly delivered to frontline workers. This has accelerated the building of an all-weather security system, ensuring the city's smooth operation. The local government has also improved its effectiveness and efficiency in governance, continuously enhancing the business environment. Currently, Chongqing hosts over 7,200 foreign-invested business entities and 319 branches of the world's top 500 enterprises, showcasing growing vitality in various business sectors.

Friends from the media, as a Chinese saying goes, "Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times." We warmly welcome you to visit Chongqing, to experience the unique charm of this beautiful city with its abundant rivers and mountains, as well as its robust vitality in pursuing modernization. You are also welcome to record the city's vibrant efforts in pursuing its new missions, writing a new chapter of development, and telling its stories to spread its voice.

That's my introduction. Next, my colleagues and I would like to answer questions from the journalists.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Hu. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question. We can start now.

CCTV:

During his inspection of Chongqing in April, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that the city should try to build itself into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening up. Could you please elaborate on what Chongqing will focus on to serve the development of the western region and contribute to the overall development of the country? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your question. During his inspection, General Secretary Xi Jinping entrusted Chongqing with two defined roles, providing strategic guidance for the city's development. These roles are rooted in the western region and are aimed at serving the country's overall growth. The first role, "a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era," emphasizes well-coordinated environmental conservation, greater openness and high-quality development. This requires Chongqing to play a strong supporting role and set a good example. The other role, "a comprehensive hub for inland opening-up," highlights Chongqing as both a transportation hub and a distribution center for resources such as people, materials, funds, and information. This aims to lead the opening up and development of inland regions. We will focus on these two roles and prioritize the development of six key zones:

First, we will build a pioneer zone for high-quality development in the western region. Last year, Chongqing's GDP exceeded 3 trillion yuan. Based on this achievement, we will strive to reach 4 trillion yuan by 2027, when the city celebrates its 30th anniversary as a municipality directly under the central government. Achieving this target won't be easy. Therefore, we must promote innovation, manufacturing, and services, with advanced manufacturing as our backbone. We will accelerate the development of a modern, productive service industry and build a modernized industrial system. These efforts will help create new growth drivers of new quality productive forces.

Second, we will establish a leading zone for international cooperation in inland opening-up. We will focus on promoting the development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region and improving the collection, distribution, and transportation system for international logistic corridors. Currently, we are planning to build a hub port industrial park in the western part of Chongqing, bordering the central downtown area. This park will serve as a base for manufacturing of complete sets of advanced equipment , advanced materials, logistics, and modern supply chain services. If these corridors are seen as lines, the hub port industrial park can be viewed as a key linkage point, connecting the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the China-Europe Railway Express, and the Yangtze River waterway. This will enhance the interplay among corridors, economy and trade, and industries.

Third, we will create a pilot zone for comprehensive and in-depth reform. This involves being pioneers in implementing digitization, reforming state-owned assets and enterprises, transforming industrial parks and development zones, and developing the private economy. Our goal is to achieve a series of reform successes unique to Chongqing. For instance, by reforming industrial parks and development zones, we have reduced the number of industrial parks in Chongqing to 50, achieving a decrease in quantity. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance our functions, providing services for residents in the administrative area and supporting legal entities in the development zone. This will ensure that enterprises can handle relevant affairs without leaving the zone.

Fourth, we will build a demonstration zone for modernized governance of a super-large city. As a municipality directly under the central government, Chongqing enjoys the advantage of direct management. We will improve the comprehensive urban governance system and mechanism, develop a smart hub for city operations and governance, accelerate digital governance, and improve urban security capabilities in all respects, striving to gain new experiences in building a people-centered city.

Fifth, we will establish a zone demonstrating urban-rural integration and rural revitalization. Given Chongqing's vast rural areas, we will strengthen the driving role of the main urban area, comprehensively promote new urbanization using districts, counties, and central towns as key carriers, and advance rural revitalization with targeted measures, continuing to improve people's well-being.

Sixth, we will establish a pilot area for implementing the Beautiful China Initiative. As the largest riverside city in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, Chongqing will be more aware of its special location and shoulder its corresponding responsibilities. We will promote environmental governance such as water, air, soil, waste and plastic management in a coordinated way, take actions for green and low carbon transformation, and consolidate the vital ecological barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, safeguarding its green waters and the lush mountains on its both sides. 

That's my answer. Thank you.

China News Service:

Recently, Chongqing's "Basket Line" has gone viral online, making it easier for many suburban farmers to travel to the city to sell their vegetables. We have noticed that Chongqing every year rolls out 15 key welfare matters. Could you explain how these major matters are determined and implemented, and what is their current progress? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your question and your attention to Chongqing. I will invite Executive Vice Mayor Chen Xinwu to answer this question.

Chen Xinwu:

Thank you for your question. The "Basket Line" is what the locals call Line 4 on our subway system. This line is 48.5 kilometers long, connecting Shichuan town in Yubei district to the city center. Every morning, people in the suburbs can carry their baskets and take Line 4 into the city to sell their vegetables. At the same time, in order to facilitate the people to sell vegetables, we have made arrangements regarding security checks and seating on this line as we ll as market planning. This ensures that residents can easily sell their vegetables while also managing the city's appearance. It can be said that the "Basket Line" is a reflection of Chongqing Municipal Government's annual work for people's welfare.

Over the years, the Chongqing Municipal Government has always regarded welfare matters as the most practical and direct work. Each year, we plan 15 key welfare matters. In planning and advancing these projects, we mainly focus on three aspects:

The first part is collecting issues. Each year, the municipal government publicly collects work suggestions for the next year on the government website. At the same time, we have mobilized grassroots communities, various social organizations, and "Party congress delegates, people's congress deputies and political advisors" to solicit suggestions. We collect over 3,000 opinions every year.

The second part is the decision-making process. In the decision-making part for welfare matters, the government always insists on being close to the people, paying attention to their needs, focusing on practical projects and embodying warmth. We have focused on launching some small-scale and effective people's welfare projects, and aim to accomplish a number of "key matters" and "heartwarming good deeds." For example, we regard urban outdoor workers being able to rest as a matter of people's welfare. So, we have built 1,400 "workers' rest areas" at labor union activity homes, community service centers, banks, supermarkets and sanitation facilities. These areas provide outdoor workers a place to rest, drink water, eat and charge their phones, if needed.

The third part is the implementation stage. Although urban welfare matters may seem small, their implementation can be quite complicated. We have innovated our working methods. For example, in order to solve the problem of building small and micro parking lots, we have been boldly innovative by using idle land, fragmented land and spaces under bridges for public bidding. In less than two years, we have built 1,200 small and micro parking lots, adding 90,000 parking spaces and effectively alleviating the parking difficulties in the urban area.

Next, we will continue to deal with real problems and handle welfare matters well, so as to provide people a greater sense of accomplishment and happiness. Thank you!

Nikkei:

As the city with the earliest launch of China-Europe freight trains, what achievements has Chongqing made in the last 13 years? The current international situation is becoming increasingly complex, especially with the ongoing Red Sea crisis. With that, the role of the China-Europe freight trains as a major logistics artery is becoming more obvious. Will the number of trips for the Chongqing China-Europe freight trains increase in the future? What are the trends in the types of goods being transported? How does it promote Chongqing's industrial development? Thank you!

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your concern about the China-Europe freight trains. I will invite Vice Mayor Zheng Xiangdong to answer this question.

Zheng Xiangdong:

Okay, thanks. With the joint efforts of countries and regions along the route, the China-Europe freight trains have explored a path of consensus building, win-win cooperation and vitality. It has now become a widely welcomed international public product. As the first city to launch China-Europe freight trains, Chongqing has dispatched nearly 16,000 trains, shipped 1.3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit) of goods and transported goods worth over 530 billion yuan.

We believe that although international trade and logistics are facing much uncertainty, the number of China-Europe freight trains and the volume of goods delivered will certainly continue to increase in the future. This is because continuous efforts have been made in terms of "hard connectivity" to improve the transportation network. At present, China-Europe freight trains travel on a total of 51 routes, reaching 113 cities in Europe and Asia. These routes interconnect with the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Yangtze River golden waterway, enabling almost full coverage across Asia and Europe. In terms of "soft connectivity," service efficiency related to transportation routes continues to improve. We have thoroughly promoted special services such as streamlined customs clearance, comprehensive insurance and cross-border finance, creatively explored land trade rules and launched a number of pilot programs regarding rail waybill related financial services, improving trade facilitation. On the supply side, we have enhanced logistics security. Recently, international maritime routes have encountered difficulties, while the volume and value of goods delivered by China-Europe freight trains from Chongqing to Europe have increased by 217% and 190%, respectively, showing the resilience and potential of land transportation in international trade. On the demand side, all parties have grown more eager for cooperation regarding the transportation routes. As efficient and stable public goods, China-Europe freight trains offer one of best solutions to international logistics, transforming the pattern of opening-up from mainly focusing on maritime transportation to coordinating between modes of land transportation and sea shipping.  

We believe that China-Europe freight trains will continue to play a greater role in Chongqing's industrial development. As China's door is opening ever wider and our circle of friends continues to expand, trade cooperation with countries along the routes will become closer, and more high-quality international commodities will enter the domestic market. The increasingly mature transportation services, more efficient interconnection between European, Central Asian and ASEAN markets, and the accelerated integration of cross-border funds, technologies and talent, mean that Chongqing will become more deeply involved in the global industrial division. The industrial ecosystem is improving, the integration of industrial and supply chains has picked up pace in regions along the routes, and as the result, the business vitality and growth potential will be further invigorated. For instance, the electronic information industry is one of pillars of Chongqing's economy. Since the launch of the China-Europe freight trains, more than 100,000 TEUs of related products worth over 180 billion yuan have been transported. 

We have reason to believe that in the future China-Europe freight trains will transport a greater quantity and wider variety of goods, with trade entities and business modes continuing to diversify. Thank you. 

National Business Daily:

We are all aware that today, June 5, is World Environment Day. What efforts has Chongqing made to protect the eco-environment in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, as the largest riverfront city in the region? And what progress has been made? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your important questions. I would like to invite Mr. Chen to answer.

Chen Xinwu:

Thank you for your questions. Today is World Environment Day, and China's major thematic event is being hosted in Guangxi. Next year the baton will be passed to Chongqing. Mr. Hu just mentioned that Chongqing is the largest riverfront city in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, which runs 691 kilometers from west to east through the city. 85% of the Three Gorges Reservoir region is located in Chongqing. It is Chongqing's major political duty to protect the ecological environment and strengthen the ecological shield in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. We strive to ensure well-coordinated environmental protection, prevent overdevelopment, and advance the integrated management of water, air, soil, waste, plastics, mountains, shores, and urban and rural areas. With all these efforts, the quality of the city's environment has been rising. Today, the landscape of Chongqing features lucid waters and lush mountains, blue skies and green fields.  

We have ensured the comprehensive management of water, air and soil, strictly implemented the river chief system, enforced a 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River, enhanced management of 4,012 sewage outfalls into rivers, set up a big data application system for the management of the water environment, and enabled smart monitoring of 120 rivers in the city. The efficiency in locating water environment issues, tracing their sources, and handling them has increased by over 80%. We have promoted the green transformation of enterprises, and advanced green and smart upgrading of urban transportation, with no severe air pollution for six consecutive years. We have prevented and controlled soil contamination at the source, realizing safe land utilization in all major construction projects. 

We insist on coordinating waste and plastic management. We have carried out a pilot project to construct a "zero-waste city," achieving a comprehensive utilization rate of 76% for general solid waste. Notably, in terms of garbage treatment, we have transitioned from landfill to waste-to-power generation. Last year, Chongqing's waste-generated electricity exceeded 3 billion kilowatt-hours, meeting the annual household electricity needs of more than 3.7 million residents. This is equivalent to over one-third of the electricity needs of the city's central area being met through waste-to-energy power generation. At the same time, we have promoted the reduction of "white pollution," promoted bamboo products to replace plastic ones, reduced secondary packaging for e-commerce express deliveries, and decreased the volume of single-use plastic products by more than half in the past two years, with 99% of agricultural plastic films now recyclable.

We insist on managing ecological conservation of mountains and rivers in a holistic manner. We have launched management programs for mountains such as Jinyun Mountain and Tongluo Mountain, creating green mountains and forest belts along the riversides. We have planted 15.22 million mu (1 million hectares) of forests and restored 92,000 mu of mined land. For example, the Tongluo Mountain mining area, once the largest limestone mining area in the downtown region with 41 abandoned mines, has undergone ecological restoration and has been transformed into a downtown ecological park. It is a new must-see destination in the city. At the same time, we have also strengthened the conservation of the Yangtze River, managing 109 kilometers of riverbanks and creating a 400-kilometer stretch of river with clear waters and green banks.

We insist on coordinating urban and rural governance. Based on Chongqing's unique landscape, where rivers, gorges and mountains intertwine, we are creating an ecological city with a rich mountainous charm. In conjunction with promoting comprehensive rural revitalization, we are building 100 beautiful and harmonious villages. At present, 164 villages have been selected as traditional Chinese villages.

Next, we will make greater efforts to solve several prominent ecological and environmental problems, create landmark achievements recognized by the public, and take concrete actions to build a strong ecological shield in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in preparation for the national-level World Environment Day event to be held in Chongqing next year. Thank you.

Chongqing Daily:

Chongqing is a major manufacturing hub in China. In recent years, cars and laptops made in Chongqing have been sold domestically and worldwide. How can Chongqing develop and expand its modern industrial system based on its distinctive and competitive industries? Thank you!

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your question. Mr. Jiang Duntao, who oversees the industrial sector, will answer this question.

Jiang Duntao:

Okay. Chongqing is an important industrial city in our country, and just like the journalist said, it is a manufacturing powerhouse. It should be noted that Chongqing has a solid manufacturing foundation and abundant scientific and educational talent resources. In building a modern industrial system, we will focus on two key areas: "taking advanced manufacturing as the backbone" and "taking scientific and technological innovation as the guide."

In terms of developing advanced manufacturing, we will accelerate the construction of the "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system. We will focus on building three leading industrial clusters: intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information manufacturing, and advanced materials. We will upgrade and build three pillar industrial clusters: intelligent equipment and intelligent manufacturing, food and agricultural product processing, and software information services. Additionally, we will innovate and build six distinctive and competitive industrial clusters, including new-type displays, lightweight alloy materials, new energy and the new energy storage industry. Furthermore, we will cultivate and expand 18 "new star" industrial clusters such as satellite internet. Today is the first anniversary of Chongqing's proposal to build the "33618" modern manufacturing cluster system. Over the past year, we have boosted the industry in accordance with this thinking and achieved positive results. For example, Chongqing-made cars have been selling well both domestically and internationally. As Mr. Hu mentioned earlier, in 2023, we manufactured over 2.3 million vehicles, producing more than 500,000 new energy vehicles. I think these achievements epitomize Chongqing's industrial transformation and upgrading.

Next, we will continue to promote the high-quality and clustered development of the manufacturing sector. Specifically, we will support enterprises in industries with comparative advantages, such as automobiles and electronics, to increase the launch of new products and move towards the high-end. For industries with development potential, such as integrated circuits and new-type displays, we will promote technology iteration and upgrades, create an industrial ecosystem, and continuously expand the scale of the industry. Additionally, we will select and cultivate relevant enterprises and R&D institutions with new business forms and models, strengthen industries' generation and cultivation, leverage market support through policy support, and create a group of hard and core technology companies and cutting-edge industries.

To strengthen innovation leadership, we will continue to promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation. On the one hand, we will fully integrate advantageous resources such as industrial technology research institutes, industrial funds, and industrial parks to facilitate the transition of more scientific research results from the laboratory to the production line. On the other hand, we will enhance the main role of enterprises in innovation and make more breakthroughs in bottleneck technologies. For example, in recent years, smartphone cover glass made in Chongqing, known for its superior drop resistance, has been used in domestic high-end smartphones, including those made by Huawei. This development has successfully filled a domestic gap in this field and brought broad market opportunities to enterprises. Currently, we are vigorously cultivating various innovative market entities, aiming to double the number of high-tech and technology-based enterprises to 12,000 and 80,000, respectively, by 2027. We will work to continuously stimulate the innovative vitality of the whole society.

Meanwhile, we will make every effort to promote the deep integration of modern productive services and advanced manufacturing, develop new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, and create a market-oriented, law-based, and international top-tier business environment. We will fully leverage Chongqing's advantages, actively integrate into and serve major national strategies, and strive to attract more significant projects and high-quality enterprises to establish a presence in Chongqing, bringing fresh impetus to high-quality industrial development. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

Chongqing is unique as the only municipality directly under the central government in China's central and western regions. It is also the largest city in terms of administrative area and population. Could you please tell us what measures Chongqing has taken to explore the modern governance of a megacity and in which areas it will continue to focus its efforts? Thank you!

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your questions. Some say that Chongqing is "a city with 1,000 faces" and I think that's precisely where its charm lies. Chongqing is a city nestled among mountains and rivers, with the Yangtze and Jialing rivers flowing through it. The Jinyun, Zhongliang, Tongluo, and Mingyue Mountains divide the city into three major valleys, creating a cityscape that blends seamlessly with mountains and rivers. Chongqing is a megacity, spanning 82,400 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 32 million. The population of its central urban area alone exceeds 10 million. Chongqing is also a hub city where multiple functions converge and various resources and elements are distributed, adding to the complexity of urban governance.

The core of a city is its people, encapsulated by these words: "clothing, food, housing, transportation, birth, aging, illness, death, and enjoying peace and contentment in work and life." We adhere to the concept of a people-oriented city, striving to ensure that urban development always considers people and that urban governance serves the people. For example, in urban transportation, we prioritize solving the difficulties people face in commuting. The terrain and topography of Chongqing's central urban area are so complex that residents have to navigate slopes and obstacles. That's quite inconvenient. We vigorously develop public transportation, with priority given to buses and pedestrians. Over the years, we have built 13 urban rail lines totaling 538 kilometers, tailored 592 shuttle bus routes, 58 alley bus routes, and 23 bus routes for older people. Many residents can take the subway or catch a bus at their doorstep. Currently, Chongqing sees over 7 million passenger trips made daily on its public transportation network. Another example is urban renewal, where we have proposed a "four increases, three decreases" management approach. The "four increases" involve expanding public spaces, enhancing transportation facilities, adding municipal facilities, and increasing public green spaces; the "three decreases" involve reducing population density, building height, and development intensity. In recent years, we have renovated over 7,200 old residential communities, improved over 8,900 community service facilities for older people and children, and installed over 5,500 additional elevators. Several old neighborhoods and communities have been revitalized, with renovation projects like Minzhu Village and Beicangli successfully gaining widespread recognition and becoming popular spots for residents and tourists.

Going forward, we will actively explore new approaches to modern governance of a megacity. We will establish and improve a comprehensive and integrated urban governance system and mechanism, breaking down departmental barriers and strengthening coordinated, efficient governance. We will accelerate the construction of a smart city and enhance the practical capabilities of digital urban operation and governance centers. Additionally, we will strengthen the foundational role of subdistricts and communities, fully mobilizing citizens' enthusiasm for participating in urban governance and creating a favorable atmosphere where everyone participates, contributes, and benefits. We aim to build a livable, resilient, and smart international metropolis. Thank you!

Cover News:

More and more government services in Chongqing, such as employment and social security, can now be processed online. We understand that Chongqing is actively promoting the development of Digital Chongqing and even held a conference on this initiative last April. Could you please provide an update on the current progress of this initiative? What conveniences has it brought to residents? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your questions. Mr. Jiang will address them.

Jiang Duntao:

Thank you for your interest in the construction of Digital Chongqing. Since the conference last April, the initiative has advanced smoothly and rapidly, with significant progress across various aspects of city governance. For instance, by creating digital applications through our "one-stop service," we have transformed tasks that previously required multiple visits and approvals into processes that can now be completed with "one login, one-time handling." Currently, over 80 thematic service packages are available online, covering more than 90% of high-frequency matters related to public and enterprise services, such as newborn registrations and business startups. This has significantly improved the efficiency of government services.

Behind these achievements is a breakthrough from "zero" to "one" in the construction of Digital Chongqing. I would like to summarize this progress with three key terms.

The first key term is "integration." We have developed an integrated and intelligent public data platform based on "centralized municipal-level construction; graded management at city, district and county levels; and three-level interconnection between city, district, and sub-district." For example, in terms of data, our platform connects with the national government's big data platform at the top level and extends down to the sub-district level, encompassing 126 municipal-level units and departments. This platform has achieved a 90% satisfaction rate for residents' data-sharing demands, effectively addressing the challenges of cross-departmental data collection and sharing. Additionally, on the application side, we have created "Yukuaizheng" and "Yukuaiban," which serve as the main entry points for government personnel and businesses or public users, respectively. These platforms integrate various government applications, effectively preventing redundant systems.

The second key term is "one-stop service." Through digital integration and reform, we have consolidated "individual tasks" from multiple departments into "one-stop service" for enterprises and residents. We have established six major digital application systems: digital Party building, digital government services, digital economy, digital society, digital culture, and digital rule of law. Leveraging digital concepts and methods, we have continually optimized work processes, restructured systems, and enhanced relevant capabilities. The previously mentioned "one-stop service" was specifically developed under our digital government service application system.

The third key term is "unified coordination." In exploring modern governance for a megacity, we have established a digital city operation and governance center that integrates the municipal, district, and sub-district levels. This system is centrally developed at the municipal level, with physical centers at the city, district, and sub-district levels. This enables real-time monitoring of key urban indicators and addresses related issues on a tiered basis. This creates a vertically integrated and horizontally coordinated "unified coordination" work model. For example, in October last year, Wushan county in Chongqing detected a potential landslide. Upon identifying the risk, our three-level governance centers at the municipal, district, and sub-district levels issued early warnings and coordinated responses, successfully evacuating 103 households and 196 people in a timely manner. This effectively managed an 8.5 million cubic meters landslide without any casualties.

The construction of Digital Chongqing is an ongoing and iterative process. Moving forward, we will systematically enhance the practical capabilities of the digital city operation and governance center, as well as the collaborative performance of various departments at all levels. Simultaneously, we will plan and develop more practical and user-friendly digital applications, continually exploring new approaches to modern governance for megacities.

Thank you!

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV:

It's well known that the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region is a new international land and sea trade route jointly developed by western Chinese provinces and ASEAN countries. As the operational center, what progress has Chongqing made in constructing the corridor, and how will the city further enhance its capacity for opening-up to the rest of the world in the next phase? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your questions. Mr. Zheng will answer them.

Zheng Xiangdong:

Thank you for your attention to the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. As its initiator, contributor, and builder, the Chongqing government has actively played its role as the logistics and operations center. We have proactively collaborated with relevant ministries and departments, the "13+2" domestic provinces, autonomous regions, and cities along the route, and ASEAN countries to promote the high-quality development of the corridor. We have made the following progress:

We have promoted infrastructure construction, accelerating the formation of a transportation network for the corridor, crossing both mountains and sea. We regularly operate rail-sea freight trains, international railway trains, and trans-border highway shuttle buses, while expanding new routes for China-Laos-Thailand international trains and China-Myanmar road-rail combined transportaion. The transportation network currently links 514 ports in 123 countries and regions.

We have advanced industrial and trade cooperation to promote high-quality economic development in the corridor. With the idea of "the corridor creating logistics, logistics serving economy and trade, economy and trade driving industries, and industries aggregating elements," we have planned and constructed the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park from a high starting point, focusing on developing industries such as complete sets of mechanized equipment, advanced materials, modern logistics. As of April this year, the first batch of major projects, with a total investment of 40 billion yuan, has been signed and construction has started.

We have reduced logistics costs while improving efficiency to make operations in the corridor more convenient. We have worked holistically on reform, innovation, and digital empowerment. In 2023, the comprehensive logistics costs in the corridor decreased by 3.5% year on year. Connectivity and data sharing between customs and railway systems have been greatly promoted through digital corridor construction, providing highly efficient services for market entities.

We have boosted international communication and cooperation to expand the corridor's network of partners. We have synergized the construction of the corridor with the China-Singapore bilateral cooperation mechanism and the Lancang-Mekong River cooperation platform. We have also regularly held international cooperation forums and established a tourism promotion alliance to encourage regions along the corridor to open up.

Looking forward, we will focus on the following three aspects to improve the level of opening-up. First, we will continuously optimize the transportation network, accelerate infrastructure construction, upgrade the collection and distribution systems for international logistics, and maintain the daily shipping route between Qinzhou and Singapore. Second, we will constantly improve cooperation platforms, deepen cross-border cooperation in supply and industrial chains, and establish a west- and south-oriented international trade center. Third, we will consistently emphasize reform and innovation, explore new land-sea trade rules, expand the application scale of "one bill of lading" services for the multimodal transportation, and iteratively upgrade the digital corridor construction. By doing so, we expect to achieve more remarkable outcomes for the corridor. Thank you.

ThePaper.cn:

As one of the country's first six pilot cities for business environment innovation, what measures has Chongqing taken to promote both an efficient market and a well-functioning government to better serve local companies' investment, entrepreneurship, and development? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thanks for your question. Mr. Chen will answer it.

Chen Xinwu:

Thank you. As one of the first pilot cities for business environment innovation, Chongqing prioritizes enterprises' satisfaction. It adheres to creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment.

We have continued to improve government services. As Mr. Jiang mentioned earlier, during the construction of Digital Chongqing, we set up a digital government service platform to provide various online services for all market entities in the city. Currently, over 80% of the more than 2,800 government service items can be handled online. Additionally, more than 8,000 government specialists can provide personalized, one-on-one services to help thousands of enterprises solve their difficulties. To ease market access, we abolished 82 types of certificates related to business operation items, including the road transport operating license and the important industrial products production permit. Enterprises are now allowed to submit written commitments for such applications.

We have adhered to using the law to protect enterprises' development. Law enforcement and judicial supervision have been strengthened to protect companies' rights and interests. We set up the first bankruptcy court in western China to handle corporate bankruptcy and compulsory liquidation cases involving inferior enterprises. So far, idle assets with a total value of 118.7 billion yuan have been efficiently utilized. We also established the Chengdu-Chongqing financial court, the first court in China for cross-provincial jurisdiction. Since its establishment, more than 12,000 cases with a target value of over 40.2 billion yuan have been handled by the court.

In addition, we have aligned with international standards to enhance our services. As Mr. Hu mentioned earlier, Chongqing is a mega-city and has been open to foreign trade since early times. Currently, Chongqing ranks fourth nationwide in terms of the number of foreign consulates and institutions in the city. Chongqing has established sister city relationships with 56 cities and hosts 23 international schools. We are actively working to build the Center for International Exchanges in Central and Western China. Every year, we organize a number of market-based and professional international fairs, such as the Smart China Expo and the Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade, which are highly popular among enterprises at home and abroad. We have established the China-ASEAN Research Center at the Southwest University of Political Science and Law, providing services for business activities between ASEAN countries and domestic enterprises. We are now constructing four laboratories in Jinfeng, Jialingjiang, Guanyuehu, and Guangyanghu, which will support collaborative innovation among enterprises. Chongqing has opened 112 international air routes, including the new western land-sea corridor mentioned earlier by Mr. Zheng. As the hub for the logistics corridor and operational management, Chongqing has pioneered the "single document" system for rail-sea intermodal transport, allowing enterprises to handle shipments with a single contract and one-time payment, thereby streamlining processes and reducing costs. This innovation has made it more convenient for goods to be transported from Chongqing to Southeast Asia and Europe.

In summary, we will remain committed to market-oriented and law-based international standards, providing sincere and excellent services to enterprises in order to ensure they can invest, start businesses, and develop with confidence in Chongqing.

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Last question, please.

21st Century Business Herald:

We have noticed that the annual "first meeting of the year" in Chongqing over the past two years has consistently prioritized the advancement of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. Could you please elaborate on the accomplishments Chongqing has made in pushing forward the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle over the years? What are the future steps? Thank you.

Hu Henghua:

Thank you for your interest in Chongqing. For two consecutive years, Chongqing's "first meeting of the year" has focused on the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. The goal is to mobilize the entire city to advance this strategic initiative effectively. Over the years, with an emphasis on "unified and high-quality development," we have carried out 10 major actions, including the planning and construction of a modern infrastructure network and initiatives to benefit people and increase the quality of life for our citizens. We aim to foster more significant growth poles and new engines that drive high-quality development nationwide. Over the past four years, the combined GDP of Sichuan and Chongqing has increased by 2 trillion yuan, reaching 9 trillion yuan last year. We have made remarkable progress in the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. Let me share a few examples with you.

Industrial collaboration has intensified in recent years. There is strong complementarity and industrial linkage between Sichuan and Chongqing in the automobile manufacturing sector. For example, Volvos made in Chengdu are equipped with auto parts and components from Chongqing, while Changan Deepal cars produced in Chongqing rely on batteries from Yibin, Sichuan. This cooperative pattern extends beyond the automobile industry. Currently, Sichuan is Chongqing's largest market and second-largest supply source. Last year, trade volume between the two regions exceeded 870 billion yuan.

Transportation infrastructure has steadily improved over the years. A "one-hour transportation circle" now exists in the Chengdu-Chongqing region. It takes only 62 minutes to travel from Chongqing's Shapingba Station to Chengdu East Station by high-speed Fuxing bullet train. This allows residents to watch pandas in Chengdu in the afternoon and enjoy hotpot in Chongqing that evening. When the Chengdu–Chongqing Central Line high-speed railway opens in 2027, commuting time will be reduced to 50 minutes. In addition to high-speed rail, 22 inter-provincial bus routes between the cities and 20 inter-provincial highways are under construction or completed. Currently, over 1 million trips occur daily between Chengdu and Chongqing.

Inter-provincial government services have become increasingly convenient for residents in Chongqing and Sichuan. The two regions have launched three batches of 311 cross-provincial government services, with over 18 million cases processed to date. Now, transferring pension insurance relations between the two regions no longer requires multiple trips. Residents can apply with one click on their mobile phones and handle everything online. The results of 112 types of medical examinations and tests from 413 hospitals in both areas are mutually recognized. Business entities can apply for business licenses under the same standards, with the respective authorities recognizing and issuing licenses accordingly, all completed within one day. Thanks to these efforts, we have provided greater convenience for businesses and the public in the two regions.

Sichuan and Chongqing are like family, and the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle brings them even closer. We will work together with Sichuan, adhering to an integrated approach and unified planning. We will focus on promoting coordinated development between Chengdu and Chongqing, in order to create a powerful economic engine that drives regional prosperity. We will move faster to build an important economic center and a nationally influential sci-tech innovation center, jointly establish a financial center in the western region, and develop the Bashu cultural and tourism corridor. We strive to showcase the remarkable achievements of Chengdu and Chongqing in western China in the new era. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Hu, and thank you to all the speakers and journalists for your participation. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhou Jing, Yan Xiaoqing, Wang Yanfang, Yan Bin, Zhang Rui, Qin Qi, Lin Liyao, Cui Can, Huang Shan, Ma Yujia, Yuan Fang, Liu Sitong, Zhang Junmian, Wang Wei, Li Huiru, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Yubo, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee and governor of Yunnan province

Mr. Wang Xiangang, deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of the Yunnan Provincial Government

Mr. Liu Yong, vice governor of Yunnan province

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 31, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 25th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are pleased to have invited Mr. Wang Yubo, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee and governor of Yunnan province, who will brief you on taking solid steps to promote high-quality development in Yunnan province, and then take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Wang Xiangang, deputy secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of the Yunnan Provincial Government; and Mr. Liu Yong, vice governor of Yunnan province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang Yubo for his introduction.

Wang Yubo:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I'm delighted to be here to introduce high-quality development in Yunnan to you all. Entrusted by Wang Ning, secretary of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the CPC Yunnan Provincial Committee, the People's Government of Yunnan Province, and people of all ethnic groups in the province for your long-term attention, assistance and support for Yunnan.

When speaking of Yunnan, people often think of its year-round spring climate, local song and dance, want to visit the location of the hit TV show "Meet Yourself" and experience the unique "Yunnan lifestyle." I would like to start by highlighting three keywords. First, "beautiful." Since ancient times, Yunnan has been given such poetic names as "Colorful Yunnan" and "South of the Colorful Clouds." It is a representation of China's beauty and a microcosm of the Chinese nation united as a family. Second, "advancing." Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Yunnan's total economy has risen from 1.1 trillion yuan in 2012 to 3 trillion yuan in 2023, with the quality of development continuously improving. Third, "open." As a major passageway in China connecting South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region, we have constantly been opening up, serving as a bridge and link between China and the rest of the world.

General Secretary Xi Jinping cares deeply about the development of Yunnan and the people of all ethnic groups there. He has called on Yunnan to forge a path of leapfrog development, striving to become an example of ethnic unity and progress, a pacesetter in eco-conservation and a new pivot in China's opening up facing South and Southeast Asia. We have thoroughly implemented the guiding principles from General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech during his inspections of Yunnan. We have formulated and implemented the "3815" strategic development goals, which involves a 3-year plan to upgrade economic performance, 8-year plan to achieve high-quality growth and 15-year plan to realize leapfrog development. We have continuously strengthened the resource economy, park economy and port economy, and are promoting Chinese modernization in Yunnan through high-quality leapfrog development.

We have taken on the significant responsibility of ecological protection, and the bedrock of green development is becoming increasingly prominent. Blue sky, white clouds, fresh air, green mountains and clean rivers are the most distinctive attributes of Yunnan. For the sake of ecological protection, we are willing to forego immediate benefits, growth rate and GDP. Our forest area ranks second in the country, and the air quality in urban areas has ranked among the best in the country for seven consecutive years. In 2023, the average PM2.5 concentration was 21.8 micrograms per cubic meter, nearly 30% lower than the national average. Ottelia acuminata, an indicator of water quality, blooms in Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake, and the water quality of Fuxian Lake and Lugu Lake continues to be rated "Class I." The terms "animal kingdom," "plant kingdom," "world garden" and "species gene bank" are the most accurate descriptions of Yunnan. We have comprehensively strengthened biodiversity protection, and the number of higher plants, vertebrates and macro fungi each account for more than 50% of the country's total, making Yunnan one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots. Ecological priority and green development are Yunnan's most important duties and missions. We reject earnings from pollution and refuse polluting projects, thus promoting the comprehensive green transformation of socio-economic development.

We have strived to develop distinctive and competitive local industries, making steadier progress in industrial transformation and upgrades. Adhering to the general principle of progressing forward without looking back as long as what we are doing agrees with the new development philosophy, and firmly avoiding any actions that don't agree with this philosophy, we have placed high-quality development on the top of our agenda and have accelerated the construction of a modernized industrial system that fits Yunnan's reality. The province is devoted to developing itself into China's major clean energy production center. In 2023, Yunnan's total installed generating capacity exceeded 130 million kilowatts, with installed capacity of green energy accounting for nearly 90%, a proportion that leads the country. Over the past three plus decades, more than 1.5 trillion kilowatt-hours of power were sent from Yunnan to eastern regions including Guangdong, Shanghai, Guangxi and Zhejiang through the West-to-East Electricity Transmission Project. The amount is ranked number one in the country and has led to the reduction of more than 1.2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in eastern regions. The province has devoted itself to building a national strategic non-ferrous metal industrial base. Yunnan's proportion is relatively high in the country's total output value when it comes to new materials of precious metals, as well as in the production capacity of green aluminum and photovoltaic monocrystalline silicon and shipments of new energy battery anode material. The province has devoted itself to establishing a modern eco-agriculture base with plateau characteristics. Our planting scales and yields for tea, flowers, nuts, coffee and Chinese medicinal herbs are the largest in the country. The province is devoted to turning itself into a top tourism brand as a global destination. Both the number of tourists and the tourism revenue in Yunnan led the country in 2023.

We have expanded both domestic and global openness, boosting Yunnan's role in driving the development of surrounding areas. Focusing on building Yunnan into an axle, we have continued to leverage the role of China-Laos Railway as a golden channel. We have also innovated and operated series of international freight trains connecting the Yangtze River Delta to the east, Europe to the north and countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the south. These routes cover 31 provinces and equivalent administrative units in China, as well as 12 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We have innovatively promoted the trusteeship transfer of Mohan town between Kunming city and Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, so as to jointly build an international port city. We have also coordinated the development of 28 ports, pilot free trade zones and industrial parks in border areas to effectively embrace the transfer of industries from home and abroad.

We have spared no efforts to secure and improve people's well-being, so that people of various ethnic groups now enjoy a better life day by day. After we shook off poverty, we have concentrated on the central task to increase people's incomes. This year, we aim to eliminate the phenomenon of households with per capita net income of less than 10,000 yuan. These families, who have the ability to work, have already been lifted out of poverty and are monitored for preventing them from falling back into poverty. Every year, around 74% of Yunnan's government expenditures have gone toward ensuring people's well-being, solving pressing difficulties and problems that concern them the most and better satisfying their demands for employment, education, medical services and elderly care. In addition, all villages along the borderlines have completed the construction of modernized and happy border villages.  

Yunnan in real life is more splendid than the one in my oral introduction. We welcome all our media friends to take a walk and have a look in this province.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Wang. Now the floor is open for questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising your questions.

China Daily:

Serving as an ecological security shield in southwest China, Yunnan has made many efforts in recent years with ecological conservation. I have noticed that Yunnan proposed to launch pilot zones as part of the Beautiful China Initiative. What specific measures will you take to achieve this goal? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you. I will answer this question. Good ecology is a precious treasure for Yunnan and the country, which should be protected from generation to generation. To protect good ecology is to improve Yunnan people's well-being, sustain the momentum of high-quality development and construct an ecological security shield for promoting the Beautiful China initiative. We take ecological conservation work as a litmus test of the government's stance, quality of work, capacity and determination. We must protect the ecology as we protect our eyes, and treasure it as we treasure our lives. We will spare no efforts to protect each mountain, forest, lake, river and fertile field in Yunnan, so as to become the pacesetter of China's ecological conservation.

Let's start with the air in Yunnan. Blue skies, white clouds and fresh air are typical of Yunnan. I believe that those of you who have been to Yunnan have deep impressions about this. The percentage of days with air quality rated "excellent" and "good" in the province has been stable at around 98%. One-third of its counties (cities, districts) have been awarded of "China's Natural Oxygen Bar," ranking first across China in number. We will take further actions to continuously improve air quality, strengthen source management and coordinate the control of multiple pollutants, so that we can experience more clear blue skies in Yunnan.

Next is the water in Yunnan. Situated in the upstream of major rivers like the Yangtze River, Pearl River and Lancang River, Yunnan scores a remarkable 100% with all its outbound rivers rated "excellent" and "good" for water quality. Living up to its promise as a "source of clear water," Yunnan contributes over 100 billion cubic meters of high-quality water annually to the Yangtze and Pearl rivers. Renowned both domestically and internationally, Yunnan's picturesque lakes, including Dianchi Lake, Erhai Lake and Fuxian Lake, feature clear water, lush shores and beautiful scenery. These lakes are transforming into grand ecological havens, vast wetlands and scenic wonders. With a holistic approach to manage water resources, water ecology and water environment, we will precisely address wastewater, garbage and agricultural nonpoint source pollution. We are following the basic requirement that water quality must improve and not worsen, so that we can make the rivers and lakes in Yunnan cleaner and more full of life.

Next, I'd like to speak about Yunnan's mountains. Yunnan boasts stunning mountains that cover 94% of its land. Each peak has its own story to tell. The towering Meili Snow Mountains pierce the clouds, while the Gaoligong Mountains are rich in biodiversity. The Wumeng Mountains overwhelm with their grandeur, and the Ailao Mountains hold a mysterious beauty. These mountains are more than just scenic landscapes; they are invaluable assets. We will comprehensively strengthen the systematic protection of ecosystems, natural relics, natural landscapes and biodiversity, carry out the "Green Yunnan" campaign, and effectively prevent forest fires and ecological damage, so that we can make Yunnan's mountains greener and lusher.

Finally, I'd like to speak about Yunnan's soil resources. There are 16 types of soil in Yunnan, accounting for one-quarter of those found in the country. The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces in Yuanyang county are "carved" into the earth, while the red soil of Dongchuan is praised as a "palette." We will expand the scope of our efforts to improve soil quality, comprehensively strengthen the prevention and control of soil pollution at the source, implement strict measures to protect arable land, and maintain soil fertility in Yunnan. By doing so, we are safeguarding food security as well as people's abilities to eat well and without worry.

Thank you.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

Over the past several years, localities across the country have doubled their efforts to optimize the business environment and serve business entities. What measures has Yunnan province taken in this regard? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you for your question. I'd like to invite Mr. Wang Xiangang to answer it.

Wang Xiangang:

In recent years, Yunnan has been advocating three principles. First, the best time for development is the present; second, the best place for development is under our feet; and third, the best environment for development is based on yourself. We have unswervingly promoted marketization, industrialization, rule of law, ecology-oriented growth and digitalization in line with the above three principles. We have formulated and implemented a three-year action plan to foster a first-class business environment and a plan for doubling business entities, achieving remarkable results. The brand of "efficiency, service and integrity" has been enhanced, and the satisfaction of business entities has continued to increase.

Specifically, we have mainly focused on the following aspects:

First, we have worked hard to increase efficiency in quickly handling business affairs. By streamlining materials, simplifying processes and optimizing services, most enterprises can complete registrations within an hour, or half a day at most. The approval time for projects has been greatly shortened, and 98% of these matters can be handled directly online.

Second, we have worked hard to offer warm and thoughtful services. A key point here is that we have established a normalized communication mechanism between government and enterprises, with "assistance attendants" stationed in enterprises to accurately meet their needs. For example, in response to the financing difficulties facing enterprises, we developed and built a Yunnan financing credit service platform. More than 200 financial institutions have been introduced to the platform, providing one-stop financing services to more than 560,000 companies. Over the past year, a total of more than 130 billion yuan in credit has been granted. This work has been recognized by the State Council and has been promoted nationwide.

Third, we have made every effort to create a Yunnan known for its integrity and keeping promises. We have established a public credit information sharing platform, improved mechanisms for rewarding trustworthiness and punishing dishonesty, and have continuously expanded the application scenarios for credit. We have ensured that promises made to enterprises are kept. In 2023, credit building in Yunnan province was honored as a national progressive unit.

Business entities are not only the driving force for development, investment and innovation but also essential for employment, entrepreneurship and people's livelihoods. In recent years, benefited by the improvement of the business environment, the number of business entities in Yunnan has been consistently growing, becoming more active, larger and stronger. By the end of April this year, there were over 6.57 million registered business entities, with an average annual growth rate of over 20% in the past three years. Among them, the number of industrial enterprises above designated size, qualified construction companies, wholesale, retail, accommodation and catering enterprises above designated size and service enterprises above designated size have exceeded 23,000. Over the past three years, these "four major" enterprises have achieved an average annual growth rate of 12.3%.

Investing and starting a business in Yunnan not only allows you to enjoy the "Yunnan way of life" but also to share in the "Yunnan opportunities." We will continue to deeply engage in actions that create a first-class business environment, making it more convenient for enterprises to conduct business, feel more secure in their operations and where their rights are better protected.

Thank you.

Cnr.cn:

Many people, including myself, share the same sentiment that Yunnan is a distant place of poetry and a hometown of dreams. With its unique charm, Yunnan attracts visitors from all over the world and has become the preferred destination for many travelers. Could you please elaborate on how Yunnan plans to enhance the cultural tourism experience for visitors and fully provide cultural tourism services? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you for the great attention and support given to the development of Yunnan's cultural tourism industry. Yunnan boasts beautiful mountains, pristine waters, excellent ecological conditions, friendly people and breathtaking scenery. Friends who have visited Yunnan have all been deeply impressed by the landscapes throughout the province. Dali, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna offer picturesque views, while the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Shangri-La, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lugu Lake have gained international fame. Yunnan is home to 777 traditional Chinese villages, six World Heritage sites, eight national historical and cultural cities and over 624 scenic spots rated above A-level, all of which rank among the top in the country. People who have visited Yunnan often say that the province is filled with scenic beauty and charm. Tourism is the golden calling card of Yunnan. Our promotion of "a Yunnan way of life" has gained widespread recognition, with over 34 billion views across various online platforms. During this year's May Day holiday, Yunnan welcomed over 38 million visitors. Tourism in Yunnan has been consistently heating up during this period, with airports and train stations bustling, hotels continuously accommodating guests and tourist attractions full of visitors.

We will continue to strengthen our golden brand of tourism by focusing on three main aspects:

First, we will focus on innovation in business forms to ensure that when people come to Yunnan, they naturally slow down and stay longer. Yunnan is a place where time slows down. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, brew a pot of Pu'er tea, read a good book, savor delicious food, explore ancient towns and stroll through night markets to experience the rich local life. We are developing rural tourism, health tourism, cross-border tourism, sports tourism and educational tourism according to local conditions, continuously innovating new tourism-focused products to better meet the high-quality and diverse needs of tourists.

Second, we will focus on the integration of culture and tourism to ensure that when people travel around Yunnan, they not only appreciate the beautiful landscapes but also experience the profound culture. This year, China Internet Media Forum and the National Conference on Reading were held in Yunnan, allowing everyone to fully experience that Yunnan's charm lies not only in its natural scenery but also in its cultural heritage. We will promote the deep integration of culture and tourism, leveraging resources related to the Party's heritage, festival economies, intangible cultural heritage and tourism performances to integrate culture into all aspects of tourism, such as catering, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment, enhancing the content and appeal of tourism and leisure.

Third, we will focus on improving services to ensure people have confidence in the safety of their food, feel comfortable with where they are staying, and are able to enjoy themselves in Yunnan. We have organized two rounds of special actions to regulate order in the tourism market, yielding good results. According to the survey, in the first quarter of this year, half of all tourists in Yunnan came from outside the province, and over three-quarters of them were repeat visitors, a distinct feature that is particularly prominent in Yunnan. We will continue to take special actions to rectify issues such as unreasonably cheap tours and forced shopping during tours. We will continue to provide practical services for tourists, such as precise guidance, volunteer services, and safety reminders, and welcome domestic and foreign visitors with first-class services.

Cangshan Mountain is like a beautiful picture without ink, which has lasted for thousands of years, and Erhai Lake is like a guqin without a string, which has played melodious sounds through the ages. Tourists from home and abroad are welcome to visit Yunnan, where they can tour ancient villages, experience the joy of the water-splashing festival, attend a long street banquet, and enjoy the March Street Festival. Everyone will indulge in their stay in Yunnan and have a worthwhile trip here.

Thank you!

Economic Daily:

Nowadays, many people think of Yunnan when talking about agricultural products such as flower cakes, Pu'er tea, and panax notoginseng. What steps will Yunnan take next to develop its distinctive and competitive industries further? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thanks to this reporter for your question. I'll answer this question. The industries in Yunnan have distinctive features. Only with strong industries can a province be strong and its people rich. We have prioritized ecological conservation and pursued green development, focusing on developing distinctive and competitive industries. We have developed new quality productive forces based on local conditions and made every effort to build an important national clean energy base, a national strategic non-ferrous metal industry base, a modern agroecology base with plateau characteristics, and a world-famous tourist destination. Industries such as green silicon, green aluminum, new energy batteries, and biomedicine are developing rapidly. From 2021 to 2023, industrial investment in Yunnan province increased by 21% annually, with investment in the industrial sector growing by 20.4%. Industrial investment accounted for more than half of total investment, with the investment in the industrial sector ranking first among key industries. Industrial transformation and upgrading are accelerating. Here, I'd like to give you a specific introduction.

First, we will consolidate and improve the energy and non-ferrous metal industries, which have been the traditional pillar industries of Yunnan. In 2023, the proportion of installed green energy and green power generation capacity were 38 and 55 percentage points higher than the national average, respectively. The output of 10 non-ferrous metals, including copper and tin, ranks among the top nationwide. We should not only maintain this foundation but also further develop it. We will focus on transformation and upgrading, accelerate the construction of a leading province in green energy, improve our capacity to guarantee a stable supply of non-ferrous metal resources, as well as the capacity to conduct intensive processing, and infuse traditional industries with new vitality.

Second, we will foster and develop the green aluminum, silicon photovoltaic power, and new energy battery industries, which are Yunnan's "new three" industries. The green aluminum production capacity has risen from 1.68 million tons in 2017 to 6.33 million tons, and the growth rate of the value-added output of the silicon photovoltaic industry has stayed above 25% for 22 consecutive months. The new energy battery industry has achieved a breakthrough in growing from scratch and developing steadily, becoming a strong growth driver for the industrial economy. We will promote these three industries by extending industrial chains and advancing clustered development, truly building Yunnan into the "Chinese valley of green aluminum," the "photovoltaic power capital", and an "important industrial base for new energy batteries in China."

Third, we will specialize in biomedicine, new materials, and the advanced equipment manufacturing industry, all of which are being developed based on Yunnan's local resources. For example, it is well-known that artemisinin was first extracted on a large scale in Yunnan and in 2023, the province took a leading position in the number of vaccines approved for use. Industries such as indium, platinum, germanium, and titanium have significant influence globally. Industries such as high-end power equipment, mechanical equipment, and numerically controlled machine tools have a solid foundation. We will leverage our resource advantages and industrial foundation to drive the formation of innovation alliances between enterprises, universities, and research institutes. We will also accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies and advance their application to effectively enhance the competitiveness of our industries.

Fourth, we will strengthen the plateau's special agriculture, cultural tourism, and modern logistics industries. These three industries have solid foundations and immense development potential. Currently, we are at a crucial juncture of transitioning from scale-oriented to quality and efficiency-oriented development. In 2023, the output value of Yunnan's key agricultural industries throughout the entire industrial chain reached 2.5 trillion yuan. For two years in a row, Yunnan has ranked among the top in the nation for agricultural investment. Total tourism revenue reached 1.44 trillion yuan, and total revenue from the modern logistics industry reached 852 billion yuan. We will systematically focus on attracting investment, integrating development, brand building, and market expansion to transform industrial development from scale to quality and efficiency.

Thank you.

Zhonghongwang.com:

Yunnan is at the forefront of China's opening-up to South and Southeast Asia. Could you please elaborate on Yunnan's achievements in deepening cooperation and exchanges with these countries and regions in recent years? What are the next steps? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you for the questions. I'll invite Mr. Liu Yong to answer them.

Liu Yong:

Thank you for the questions. Yunnan's economic development leverages its geographical advantage and relies on opening-up. In recent years, Yunnan has actively integrated into and contributed to high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. By promoting development through extensive opening-up, Yunnan has made significant progress in building itself into a center with radiation effects for South and Southeast Asia.

We have comprehensively strengthened the "hard connectivity" of infrastructure. The domestic sections of the China-Vietnam, China-Laos and China-Myanmar international corridor highways have been completed. Yunnan has the largest number of cities with air routes to South and Southeast Asia in China. The China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline operates safely and smoothly, and 14 cross-border power grid interconnection channels have been built. Since the opening of the China-Laos Railway, over 10,000 freight trains have run, carrying more than 34 million passengers and over 39 million tons of cargo. Leveraging the operation of international freight trains running on the China-Laos Railway, like the Shanghai-Kunming Lancang-Mekong Express freight train service, goods can now reach ASEAN markets within five days from Shanghai, 10 days faster than before. We will expand the "golden corridor" effect of the China-Laos Railway, accelerate the construction of the China-Laos-Thailand leading and demonstration channel, closely integrate with projects like the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, and build a multidimensional connectivity network.

We continuously promote the "soft connectivity" of trade rules. We are actively participating in the construction of the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, we are fully integrating with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and have established a multi-level opening-up platform system, promoting the vigorous development of trade and investment. Yunnan's trade with South and Southeast Asian countries increased from 72.5 billion yuan in 2013 to 125.8 billion yuan in 2023. Border trade increased by 51.5%, and trading between border residents increased by 55.3% in 2023. We will create a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, strengthen cooperation in industrial and supply chains with neighboring regions, promote the coordination of rules, regulations, management, and standards. This will help us better coordinate efforts to further open up.

We continue to deepen cultural exchanges and advance "people-to-people connectivity." We have established 11 multilateral and bilateral cooperation mechanisms with eight neighboring countries and formed 51 pairs of sister cities with countries in South and Southeast Asia. We have built 30 pairs of border-friendly villages and implemented aid projects in neighboring countries. These projects include infrastructure construction, agricultural technology promotion, skills training, and education assistance. These efforts have benefited over 2 million people, bringing communities closer together. Yunnan universities offer majors in 15 languages from South and Southeast Asia, which are highly popular in terms of enrollment and employment. We will continue to forge friendships and partnerships with our neighbors, deepening cooperation with neighboring countries in public health, green development, science, education, and culture. We will promote the implementation of more "small and beautiful" projects, elevate our partnerships to new levels, and foster closer ties.

Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

In 2020, Yunnan announced that all rural poor people in the province had been lifted out of poverty under the current standard. Four years have passed since then. What are their lives like now? Have their pockets become fuller? Additionally, how do you plan to consolidate the poverty alleviation achievements and promote comprehensive rural revitalization to further improve people's lives? Thank you.

Wang Yubo:

Thank you for your questions; I will answer them. The fight against poverty is not the end, but the starting point of a new life and new endeavors. In recent years, we have made prevention of a large-scale return to poverty our bottom-line task. We have established a unified provincial government assistance platform for monitoring and helping those at risk of falling back into poverty, and provided targeted assistance to households with unstable incomes, prone to poverty or facing sudden severe difficulties. We have implemented two three-year actions to sustain income growth for rural residents and those lifted out of poverty, to ensure that their incomes continue to grow rapidly. In 2023, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in the province increased by 8%, and the per capita net income of those previously lifted out of poverty increased by 14.8%.

Increasing people's happiness and reducing their worries, and boosting their financial freedom and relieving financial stress, are the most important aspects of our work. Based on preventing a large-scale return to poverty, we are focused on three areas:

First, we are striving to make the people’s pockets fuller. We have already gained considerable experience in this area. For example, Caoba town in the city of Mengzi has implemented the "622" model in the development of the blueberry industry, where 60% of sales revenue is distributed to farmers, 20% to village collectives and 20% to enterprises. In 2023, the average household income reached 100,000 yuan. Yongren county created the "Happy Lane" industrial worker community, providing 243,000 labor opportunities to local enterprises over two years, allowing residents to earn money while taking care of their families. Zhenxiong county has seen more than 35,000 people return to start businesses or find employment in the past two years. We will continue to develop county-level industries that benefit the people and enhance the quality of employment transfers for farmers, ensuring their pockets become fuller.

Second, we are striving to make the people's homes more livable. In recent years, we have worked with a team of experts from China Agricultural University to develop a number of rural revitalization demonstration villages, such as Hebian village and Yunzhong Miao village. Improvements to the rural environment have significantly promoted the development of rural industries, cultural prosperity and social governance. We will learn from and apply the experience of the "Green Rural Revival Program," using rural living environment improvements as a guide to effectively discover, protect, develop and enhance rural value, preserving rural charm and promoting cleanliness, beauty and civility in rural areas.

Third, we are striving to make the people's lives more comfortable. Each year, over 15 million people from Yunnan leave the province for work, and the issue of elderly and child care has always been a concern. We have encouraged officials to act as "honorary principals" and "honorary directors," dispatching key teachers from high-quality local middle schools and medical staff from provincial hospitals to improve every school and hospital close to the people. We are building and operating canteens for the elderly and child-friendly spaces in rural and community settings to meet the dining needs of the elderly and provide companionship, knowledge and happiness for left-behind children. We will continue to address the concerns and expectations of the people in areas such as living conditions, employment, education and healthcare, ensuring they enjoy a better life in all respects.

Just now, I addressed the development of our province's characteristic industries. The income growth of rural residents is closely related to agricultural industry development. Mr. Wang Xiangang will now elaborate on how to continue strengthening and improving plateau characteristic agriculture.

Vigorously developing plateau-featured agriculture is General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest advice to Yunnan's "three rural issues," namely, agriculture, rural areas and rural people. In fact, Yunnan encompasses almost every type of climate in China from the southernmost to the northernmost and from the easternmost to the westernmost, including tropical, subtropical, temperate and cold zones. The highest altitude is 6,740 meters and the lowest altitude is 76 meters. Yunnan has unique conditions for developing agriculture. Whatever you plant will grow, and whatever grows will be in good quality. For example, as we all know, Yunnan's flowers are world-renowned and Yunnan is the world's largest fresh cut flower production area. Last year, our fresh cut flower production reached 19 billion, which is equivalent to an average of 3 flowers for each person in the world. Kunming Dounan Flower Market has become a benchmark for flower trading in Asia and even the world. For another example, Yunnan's tea leaves are fragrant and have a profound history. Yunnan is the core origin of tea trees in the world. There are still a large number of ancient tea trees that are thousands of years old on the banks of the Lancang River. According to the verification and confirmation by relevant national departments, Yunnan's tea leaf area, output, and green organic tea gardens ranked first nationally in 2023. The cultural landscape of the old tea forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er, has been included in the World Heritage Site. Besides, Yunnan's coffee is fragrant, with an area and output accounting for over 98% of the country. Yunnan is known as one of the most suitable areas for coffee cultivation in the world. Therefore, the quality of Yunnan coffee is also recognized by the world. In addition, Yunnan's fruits have long been famous at home and abroad, and it is also the province with the richest variety of fruits in China. Among them, the output of avocados and summer strawberries accounts for more than 80% of the country. Many friends want to go to Yunnan to eat various kinds of fruits. What's more, Yunnan's traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is of high quality. Yunnan boasts more than 145 kinds of TCM plants, accounting for over 50% of the nation's total. Panax notoginseng, paris polyphylla, and gastrodia elata are well-received nationwide. Many kinds of TCM serve as both food and medicine, and a consensus has been reached that seldom TCM prescriptions are without Yunnan TCM. 

Distinctive, green and high-quality are the defining characteristics of Yunnan's agriculture. Following General Secretary Xi Jinping's directives, we will adopt "greater agriculture" and "greater food" approaches, accelerating the construction of a strong province in distinctive agriculture. In enhancing ecological agriculture, we will speed up the green transformation of planting and breeding methods, establish a comprehensive green development standard system for the entire agricultural industry chain, and resolutely avoid the excessive use of water, fertilizer and pesticides, ensuring that our good mountains and good waters produce good products. In boosting agriculture facilities, we will focus on key areas such as modern facility planting and breeding, and address the shortcomings in processing, cold chain, preservation and logistics, comprehensively improving resource utilization and input-output efficiency. In strengthening agriculture efficiency, we will make efforts in good farmland, good seeds, good practices, good systems and good machinery, facilitating agricultural modernization with technologies. In expanding shared agriculture, we will improve mechanisms that link and benefit farmers with rural industries, integrate small farmers into large industries, develop large industries and expand large markets, ensuring that more added value from industries benefits rural areas and farmers. Thus, allowing more people to enjoy the fruits of development.

Yunnan has entered its rainy season in recent days. The season is incredibly good for the province as a large variety of wild mushrooms are gradually coming on the market. Within the industry, there's a saying: "Mushrooms elsewhere are vegetables, but mushrooms in Yunnan are delicacies." We invite everyone to join a mushroom feast and come to Yunnan to taste these fresh and delicious seasonal treats.

Thank you. 

Xing Huina:

Due to limited time, the last question please. 

CCTV:

In 2020, during his inspection tour in Yunnan, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Simola village in Tengchong and urged the villagers to make the happy Wa ethnic village even happier. Could you tell us how the lives of the villagers in the Wa ethnic village have been in recent years? How has Yunnan Province performed in terms of ethnic unity and progress? Thank you!

Wang Yubo:

Thanks to the reporter from CGTN. I will answer this question. In 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Simola Wa Village in Tengchong city during his inspection tour to Yunnan, saying to the villagers: "make the happy village even happier." Simola means "a place of happiness" in the local language. After China completes the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, it is necessary to comprehensively promote rural vitalization to make the happy village even happier, General Secretary Xi Jinping said this to the villagers during his visit. Over the past four years, we have kept General Secretary Xi Jinping's expectations in mind and developed rural industries with local features in light of actual conditions. More and more people have made their living by engaging in tourism and other eco-friendly businesses. Some of them are engaged in livestreaming e-commerce, turning the local mountain specialties into trending products on the internet. Simola Wa village has now become a national 4A-level scenic area, a beautiful leisure village and a demonstration village on rural governance. Its per capita net income in 2023 reaching 23,000 yuan, nearly double that of 2019. 

As we all know, Yunnan is home to a large number of ethnic groups, with all 56 of China's ethnic groups distributed, including 25 indigenous ethnic minorities. It is one of four provinces within the country where the minority population is larger than 10 million. All nationalities are one family, and the whole family should live better lives. The work we will carry out is enriched with the connotation and significance of forging a strong sense of community among the Chinese people, we will coordinate improving people's livelihood and winning public support to rally the people of all ethnic groups like pomegranate seeds. 

We insist on building a beautiful homeland together as one family. We focus more policies, projects and investment to areas with large ethnic minority populations. There are 11 airports operating in areas with large ethnic minority populations. High-speed rail or bullet trains are available in six of the eight autonomous prefectures. Villages in all areas with large ethnic minority populations have access to paved roads, postal communication and 4G networks. Every year, over 5 million people leave the mountains with many of them go to the eastern regions to find jobs. In the new era, GDP of ethnic autonomous areas has grown by an average of 9% annually, higher than the national and provincial average. In 2023, collective annual economic income of 374 villages exceeded 100,000 yuan and the per capita disposable income exceeded 20,000 yuan, an increase of nearly 10,000 yuan compared with the end of 2019. 

We are committed to safeguarding ethnic unity as one family. In Yunnan, scenes of people of different ethnic groups living in harmony can be seen everywhere. Like He Wanchun's family in Diqing, there are four ethnic groups his family of more than 20 people. Our research has found that there are seven ethnic groups among the 186 households in Dali's Zhengjiazhuang village. We educate, guide and inspire the people with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to core socialist values, deepen cultural efforts to revitalize Yunnan, carry forward and develop fine traditional Chinese culture as well as promote the standard spoken and written Chinese language to let people of all ethnic groups build a shared spiritual home for the Chinese nation through exchange, interaction and integration. 

We are united as one family in safeguarding our sacred national territory. Yunnan is one of the provinces with the longest borderline in the country, with 16 cross-border ethnic minorities. We have strengthened China's national defense through joint efforts of the Party, the government, the military, police and civilians. In addition, we are strengthening the construction of infrastructure and public service facilities in border areas, developing border tourism and other industries, striving to achieve prosperity for border residents, and build beautiful and stable borders with strong border defenses. Veteran Party chiefs from border villages of the Cangyuan Wa Autonomous County have got a letter in reply from General Secretary Xi Jinping. As one of the border villages, Xiabanba village in recent years has attracted a large number of tourists to visit border areas by developing tourism with local features. Over the past three years, the average annual growth rate of per capita net income has been 34.3%. The villagers say that they are now living prosperous lives and that they can, at the same time, take care of their families and protect the borders.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

That concludes today's press conference. Thanks to the three speakers as well as all the reporters.

Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Wang Qian, Li Xiao, Wang Yanfang, Ma Yujia, Yuan Fang, Liu Caiyi, Huang Shan, Xu Kailin, Wang Yiming, Wang Ziteng, Xiang Bin, Yang Xi, Li Huiru, Liu Jianing, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Huang Qiang, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Sichuan Provincial Committee and governor of Sichuan province

Mr. Zuo Yongxiang, vice governor of Sichuan province

Mr. Dai Yongbo, director of the Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission

Mr. Wu Qungang, director of the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 27, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 24th briefing in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Huang Qiang, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Sichuan Provincial Committee and governor of Sichuan province, to brief you on promoting high-quality development and undertaking Sichuan's mission to boost development of China's western region, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Zuo Yongxiang, vice governor of Sichuan province; Mr. Dai Yongbo, director of the Sichuan Provincial Development and Reform Commission; and Mr. Wu Qungang, director of the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province. 

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Huang to his introduction.

Huang Qiang:

Good morning. Thank you for your interest in Sichuan.

Sichuan has long been a strategic heartland of China, known for its large population, strong scientific and education sectors, and robust economy. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made multiple inspection visits to Sichuan, issuing a series of important instructions. We have firmly borne in mind the general secretary's instructions, perceiving our strategic position and mission based on the overall national development. We are resolutely promoting high-quality development, and have got off to a good start in leading Sichuan's modernization through Chinese modernization. 

The development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, personally envisioned by General Secretary Xi Jinping, is a major regional strategy of the country and a main driving force behind Sichuan's modernization endeavor. Together with Chongqing, we are creating a key growth driver and new source of momentum for the high-quality development of the western region. The development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle emphasizes integration and high quality, enhancing the synergy between the two megacities of Chengdu and Chongqing. It prioritizes the growth and expansion of the two cities to accelerate the rise of the western region, while improving infrastructure connectivity. Chengdu and Chongqing are jointly fostering world-class industrial clusters such as in electronic information and automobiles to build a western science city and a financial center. A series of services that can be offered in both Sichuan and Chongqing have been introduced for the benefit of residents, providing them with a more convenient cross-city lifestyle. Additionally, Chengdu is expediting efforts to build itself into a park city demonstration zone that applies the new development philosophy. Last year, Chengdu's economic output exceeded 2.2 trillion yuan. 

Despite being a western province, Sichuan boasts abundant resources in science, education and talent, and covers all 41 industrial categories. We have vigorously advanced the deep integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation, fostering new quality productive forces according to local conditions. Sichuan is home to 137 universities and 369 research institutions. In recent years, the authorities have launched several strategic sci-tech initiatives in Chengdu, bringing the total number of national-level sci-tech innovation platforms to 205. Two weeks ago, the fifth plenary session of the 12th CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee announced the decision to focus on developing new quality productive forces and steadfastly promote high-quality development. Leveraging our industrial foundation as well as research advantages, we have initiated efforts to break new ground in cutting-edge technologies, implementing a number of major sci-tech projects. We have prioritized artificial intelligence (AI) as the top innovation project and driven the development, popularization and application of the whole green hydrogen industrial chain. We have fostered strategic emerging industries such as biotechnology, satellite networks, intelligent connected new-energy vehicles, drones and industrial internet, and vigorously developed low-altitude economy and commercial spaceflight. At the same time, Sichuan's traditional industries are also substantial in scale. We have energetically updated traditional industries with intelligent and digital technologies, and accelerated the growth of three national strategic emerging clusters and three national advanced manufacturing clusters. Chengdu, Deyang, Mianyang and Yibin have made the list of the country's top 100 advanced manufacturing cities.

Sichuan's economic output is rising steadily. Earnestly implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directive that major economically developed provinces should shoulder greater responsibilities, we have promoted high-quality development as quickly as possible, striving to contribute to the nation's stable economic growth. Last year, the province's economic output exceeded 6 trillion yuan, growing by 6% and ranking joint-first among the top 10 most economically developed provinces. In the first quarter of this year, economic output increased by 6.1%. Regarding promoting new industrialization as the primary economic growth driver, we have vigorously enhanced the scale and quality of six major advantageous industries, with the scale of the electronic information, food and textiles, as well as energy and chemicals industries each exceeding 1 trillion yuan. we have facilitated investment in sectors such as industrial development, infrastructure and livelihood programs. Last year, our industrial investment grew by 22.3%, with railway and highway investments ranking first nationwide and total investments in ongoing water conservancy projects hitting a historical high. Consumer potential has been unleashed, with the growth rate of total retail sales of consumer goods in Sichuan exceeding the national average by 2 percentage points. The hosting of the Chengdu Universiade and the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2024 has revitalized sports and entertainment consumption. Nowadays, tickets for sports events and concerts in Chengdu are in high demand. Additionally, we have endeavored to stabilize foreign trade and investment, maintaining eighth place nationwide in terms of imports and exports. 

Sichuan bears significant responsibility for safeguarding China's food security, energy resource security, and ecological security. We are rapidly developing strategic production bases to secure the nation's supply of vital primary goods, while simultaneously elevating Sichuan's agricultural sector to new heights in the new era. Last year, grain production reached a record high of 35.94 billion kilograms, the highest in 26 years. Sichuan stands as China's leading producer of hydroelectric power. With electricity transmission from west to east, 30 out of every 100 kilowatt-hours of hydropower in the country is generated in Sichuan. Sichuan boasts the nation's largest reserves and highest annual natural gas production, including shale gas. With gas pipelines transmitting resources from west to east, 24 out of every 100 cubic meters of China's natural gas output originates from the province. We are implementing a new round of strategic actions to explore mineral resources and accelerate the comprehensive development of vanadium, titanium, rare earths, lithium, and other mineral resources. We are relentlessly pursuing blue skies, clear waters, and clean lands, while constructing world-class facilities like the Giant Panda National Park and the Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve. The water quality of the Sichuan sections of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River's main channel remains at Class II or above, allowing clean water to flow eastward.

At the same time, we remain committed to pursuing high-quality development while maintaining a high level of safety. We are steadfastly upholding critical redlines for safety, ecological preservation, arable land conservation, local government debt levels, and statistical data integrity.

Although Sichuan's economic aggregate has risen to rank fifth nationwide, the province still grapples with the fundamental challenge of imbalanced and insufficient development. Faced with a severe and complex situation, we have fully implemented the policy decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We are resolutely tackling these challenges, focusing on practical work, and striving to accomplish the annual economic and social development goals and objectives.

That's all for now. Thank you, everyone.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Huang, for your introduction. Next, we will move on to the Q&A session. Please identify the media organization you represent before asking your questions.

CCTV:

We have noticed that the term "high-quality development" appeared frequently in Sichuan's provincial government work report this year, appearing more than 30 times. Could you please elaborate on how Sichuan is prioritizing high-quality development as a key focus, and share some of the specific initiatives and measures being taken? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. High-quality development is a long-term and challenging task. I will address this issue from the perspectives of our understanding, our approach, and the key breakthrough areas we have identified.

In terms of our understanding, Sichuan adheres to the guidance of the new development concept, emphasizing that development must be of high quality and can only be achieved through high-quality means. For the first time, this year's Sichuan provincial government work report lists significant progress in high-quality development as one of the important objectives, calling for a comparative assessment of real achievements in high-quality development among all regions in the province.

Regarding our work approach, Sichuan persistently considers sci-tech innovation as the primary driving force for high-quality development. We advocate the integrated advancement of science and technology, industry, education, and talent. While Sichuan possesses abundant innovation resources, there is still a disconnect between research and production. How can we resolve this issue? To address this, we have taken the lead in establishing technology innovation centers or innovation consortia with enterprises as the main entities, bridging the gap between "labs" and "production lines." We strongly encourage, motivate, and embrace disruptive, cutting-edge, and pioneering innovations. While emphasizing innovation from "zero to one," we also focus on breakthrough innovations, enabling more research achievements to quickly transform into industrial products and development outcomes. For instance, heavy-duty gas turbines are often referred to as the "heart" of many significant equipment in national industries. After 13 years of dedicated efforts, Dongfang Electric Corporation independently developed and commercially deployed the first domestically produced F-class 50 MW heavy-duty gas turbine, breaking foreign monopolies. The media have praised this achievement as a source of pride for China. We have supported leading enterprises in establishing seven innovation consortia in areas such as green hydrogen, vanadium-titanium, and humanoid robotics, breaking through several key core technologies and developing multiple significant products.

In breaking through bottlenecks, Sichuan persists in utilizing innovative mechanisms to overcome institutional barriers. When progress stagnates, we rely on innovation, and when innovation faces obstacles, reforms become necessary. We approach the challenges and difficulties encountered in achieving development goals with a mindset of reform and innovative solutions, making incremental changes that lead to profound transformations. We persevere and strive for long-term, impactful results. For example, the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is the most challenging railway project in human history. The section under construction from Ya'an to Nyingchi will traverse seven rivers, eight mountain peaks, and over 200 active fault zones – a feat akin to building a "giant roller coaster" amidst towering mountains and steep ridges. We are exploring the creation of a "testing ground" for the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide. This involves enterprises and local governments jointly establishing the National Sichuan-Tibet Railway Technology Innovation Center, integrating the strengths of different systems to form a cohesive force. We have already overcome, and continues to tackle engineering challenges associated with this global project of the century. Thank you.

The Paper:

We've noticed that, during the May Day holiday, Sichuan reached new records in multiple consumption-related statistics, with popular and consumption-heavy cities such as Chengdu, Leshan and Yibin becoming hotspots for consumer activities. In addition, Sichuan also launched a year-long campaign to boost consumption in 2024. What plans and progress has Sichuan made in terms of boosting consumption? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you. Mr. Zuo will take this question.

Zuo Yongxiang:

Thank you for your interest in Sichuan's consumer sector. As mentioned earlier by Mr. Huang, Sichuan is not only an economically developed province but also a major player in the domestic consumer market. With a population of 91 million, Sichuan has a market reach covering nearly 400 million people in the surrounding region. In 2023, our total retail sales of consumer goods amounted to 2.63 trillion yuan, ranking the fifth in China, up 9.2% year on year. The province boasts a profound business heritage and vibrant consumption atmosphere. Local people's catchphrases, such as "bashi (meaning good and comfort) and anyi (meaning comfort and ease) in Chinese pinyin," serve as a testament to the people's love for life and their inclination towards consumption.

Catering consumption is a highlight of Sichuan's consumer market, with world-renowned Sichuan cuisine attracting visitors from around the globe. We have been working to promote local cuisine brands and strengthen brand protection. Through the development of specialties, well-known restaurants and celebrity chiefs, we have preserved and innovated the time-honored brands of Sichuan cuisine. We have also improved local legislation in this sector. Sichuan offers a wide range of catering choices throughout its streets and alleys. Chengdu alone boasts over 10,000 tea houses, 20,000 hotpot restaurants and 300,000 eateries of all kinds. In recent years, Chengdu has hosted world-class sporting events such as the 31st FISU World University Games, the 2022 World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals and the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024, driving a continued boom in the consumer market. The International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu kicked off in the city on April 26, already attracting over 300,000 visits for consumer activities.

We also keep upgrading business forms and redoubling efforts to improve the quality of business circles at different levels. We have implemented smart renovations in traditional commercial areas while also making progress in constructing demonstrative pedestrian streets. Attracting a number of well-known brands, Chengdu's Chunxi Road and Jiaozi Park have emerged as iconic business hubs with global influence. In addition, each year within the province we have introduced 40 consumption scenarios, with each one showcasing distinctive Sichuan characteristics. We also publish a "heat map" based on consumer popularity annually. As a result, tourist attractions such as the Eastern Suburb Memory Fashion Industrial Park in Chengdu, the International Dinosaur Lantern Show in Zigong, and Zhanggong Bridge Food Street in Leshan have all been bustling with visitors.

Walking on the streets in Chengdu, you will find the thousand-year-old Daci Temple standing adjacent to the fashionable Taikoo Li business circle. The integration and coexistence of traditional and modern elements offer a glimpse into the connection between Sichuan's consumer market and the rest of the world. Furthermore, we advocate for the development of the first-store economy, and have attracted 45 international brands to establish in Sichuan their first stores either domestically or globally. We also give equal emphasis to both "bringing in" and "going global" strategies, supporting local enterprises in exploring both domestic and overseas markets. As a result, locally produced caviar has entered the international market, accounting for 12% of the global market share. A world-renowned liquor conglomerate has also established its first whiskey producing base in Asia here in Sichuan, with their products selling out immediately upon launch.

Currently, we are expediting the development of consumer destinations with distinctive Bashu (the ancient name for Southwest China including Sichuan province and Chongqing) characteristics. We believe that a Sichuan known for its delicious local cuisine, exciting recreational facilities and exceptional consumer choices will remain vibrant. Thank you.

Guangming Daily:

This year marks the fifth year of the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. According to our observations, entrepreneurs from both regions have been engaging in more frequent communication and cooperation, with coordinated development among industries becoming a new highlight of this development strategy. Can you elaborate on the progress made in industrial coordination between Sichuan and Chongqing? Thank you.

Dai Yongbo:

Mr. Huang also just briefly spoke on the initial progress of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle construction. The strategy has yielded fruitful results since its implementation. In 2023, the GDP of the dual-city economic circle reached 8.19 trillion yuan, contributing 6.5% of China's GDP with only 2% of the country's land area. Its role as China's strategic hinterland has been significantly enhanced.

Sichuan and Chongqing enjoy abundant scientific and educational resources as well as having a strong industrial foundation. The two regions have collaborated to advance new industrialization, accelerating the integration among industrial chains involving supporting facilities, factor supply, product value and technological innovation. They have also launched a campaign to develop advanced manufacturing clusters in the Chengdu-Chongqing region. Such industrial coordination has yielded notable results, making the whole greater than the sum of the parts.

We have also redoubled efforts to boost four pillar industries: electronic information, equipment manufacturing, automobile and specialty consumer goods, each worth a trillion yuan. Additionally, we have coordinated efforts to improve industrial support, establish related platforms and develop brands, leading to the emergence of a world-class industrial cluster. The electronic information industry in Chengdu and Chongqing is the country's first cross-provincial advanced manufacturing cluster at the national level, with its output value accounting for one-seventh of China's total. Sichuan ranks the third domestically in the shipment of new display panels, with nearly one-fifth of the world's flexible display screen products being made in Sichuan.

The industries of Sichuan and Chongqing have long been deeply intertwined, with both places focusing on creating a symbiotic and win-win industrial system, and the trend of industrial synergy has become increasingly evident. Over 400 auto parts companies provide services for vehicle assembly, achieving a comprehensive matching rate of 80%. In the field of new energy vehicles, Sichuan Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. have jointly established CATL-Changan EV Battery Co. Ltd. and power batteries made in Sichuan are continuously being installed in vehicles made in Chongqing.

Sichuan and Chongqing are jointly building a sci-tech innovation center with national influence, advancing industrial innovation through sci-tech innovation. We have jointly fostered three national advanced manufacturing clusters, four national strategic emerging industry clusters, a batch of major scientific and technological infrastructure such as a deep underground dark matter laboratory and the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), producing globally influential scientific research results that are rapidly being promoted and applied. Currently, Sichuan and Chongqing are jointly upgrading traditional industries, expanding emerging industries and cultivating future industries, actively undertaking the national layout of major productive forces, and accumulating new momentum for high-quality development.

The industrial collaboration between Sichuan and Chongqing aligns with both of their development needs and the principles of industrial development. It is flourishing and has a very promising future. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

At present, Sichuan and other southern regions are in the middle of the busy farming season. We know that Sichuan has been an important granary and a major agricultural province since ancient times. Could you tell us how this year's summer harvest in Sichuan is going? What good practices have been adopted in recent years to ensure food security? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you. I will answer these questions. Sichuan, which enjoys the reputation as the "Land of Abundance," is a region that General Secretary Xi Jinping is deeply concerned about and values greatly. He has issued instructions to us to make comprehensive efforts to promote rural revitalization, build a higher-level "Granary of Abundance" in the new era, and enhance our standing as a major agricultural province.

There is an old Chinese saying: "Food is the first necessity of the people; Stability comes through grain and livestock." As one of China's main grain-producing provinces, Sichuan has made every effort to stabilize policies, maintain cultivation areas and increase per-unit yield. For three consecutive years, our grain output has remained stable at over 35 million metric tons. Currently, the land of Sichuan is bustling with harvesting and planting activities. In response to the journalist's question about the summer harvest, I can tell you that a good summer grain harvest in Sichuan is already a certainty. Last year, Sichuan produced over 66 million pigs, ranking first in the country. To ensure that the "Granary of Abundance" thrives, we must first have fertile fields. We have implemented stringent measures to protect arable land, which is our lifeblood. Last year, we added 33,333 hectares of arable land and reclaimed 2,800 hectares of abandoned land, ensuring every piece of land is utilized.

It is not just about ensuring there is grain in the granaries and meat on people's plates. Sichuan has adopted an all-encompassing approach to food, striving to diversify the food on people's tables and increase farmers' incomes through various means. Sichuan leads the nation in the production of 15 agricultural products, including rapeseed and potatoes. We are committed to making the most of our unique local products and promoting the integrated development of primary, secondary and tertiary industries. Ziyang city produces over 70% of the country's lemons, with last year's exports reaching 128 million yuan. In Meishan, the hometown of (famed historical poet) Su Dongpo, small pickles have been turned into a multi-billion-yuan industry.

Sichuan has 25.33 million hectares of forests. We have taken the lead nationally in establishing the "Forest Granary of Abundance," seeking food from the forests. In the primeval oak forests of Ganzi, Aba and Liangshan, about 4,000 metric tons of matsutake mushrooms are produced annually. Harvesting the delicious matsutake, known as the "King of Mushrooms," can provide farmers with an annual income of up to 100,000 yuan. Bamboo is also highly valuable, serving as a substitute for plastic and wood and representing a 100 billion-yuan industry. Sichuan has one-fifth of the country's bamboo forests. We all know giant pandas mostly live in Sichuan and like to eat bamboo, so we have plenty of it. We have vigorously promoted the comprehensive use and full-chain development of bamboo, turning bamboo forests into scenic spots and treasure troves in the beautiful countryside. Forests serve as reservoirs, treasuries, granaries and carbon stores. We are working to make Sichuan a demonstration province for the construction of the "Four Forest Reserves" nationwide, actively promoting "water stored in mountains," "money growing on trees," "grain stored in forests" and "carbon sequestered in wood," striving to achieve a harmonious balance between ecological, economic and social benefits. Thank you.

The Poster News APP:

The governor mentioned earlier that Sichuan has fostered many scientific research institutions and innovation platforms, with abundant resources for sci-tech innovation. As for leveraging the advantages of sci-tech innovation to develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, what specific measures has Sichuan taken? Thank you.

Wu Qungang:

I'll answer this question, and thank you for your interest in Sichuan's scientific and technological work. Sci-tech innovation is an endless source of strength for developing new quality productive forces, and Sichuan has the confidence and strength to excel in this area. Here, two words can be used to summarize the work: extraordinary and promising.

Speaking of being extraordinary, Sichuan has excellent resource strengths and conditions for developing new quality productive forces. Since the beginning of the "Third Front" program, China has placed significant scientific and technological resources in Sichuan, some of which are China's first or only units in their respective fields. This provides support and confidence for Sichuan to develop these new quality productive forces. For example, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Sichuan recently developed a high-speed communication technology with a transmission speed of 80 gigabytes per second, setting a new industry record. The application of this technology during the Chengdu Universiade allowed global audiences to experience the games as if they were there in person. In Sichuan, many institutions have such unique capabilities as the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China.

Speaking of potential, Sichuan is focused on fostering and developing new quality productive forces. The province has planned carefully based on its actual situation, given high political attention to the implementation of these plans, and adopted a proactive strategy. Therefore, we have confidence in the future. As Mr. Huang mentioned, the fifth plenary session of the 12th CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee was held two weeks ago. At this meeting, arrangements were made for a program to achieve breakthroughs in cutting-edge science and technology. This program, led by innovation, focuses on accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. By launching this initiative, we aim to maximize the pivotal role of sci-tech innovation.

We understand that to fully leverage the role of sci-tech innovation, we must first intensify efforts to secure breakthroughs in core technologies within key fields. In accordance with the arrangements of the plenary session of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee, we will take solid steps to implement six major national sci-tech projects in fields such as aerospace, advanced materials, and biological manufacturing. Over the next few years, we aim to solve several bottlenecks and achieve landmark advances that will lead and support future industrial development in Sichuan.

At the same time, we must pay special attention to translating scientific and technological advances into productivity. We will accelerate the improvement of the service system for the application of these advances, making quick progress in building several provincial-level pilot-scale experimental R&D platforms and bases in various sectors and fields. This will help ensure more cutting-edge scientific and technological advances are applied more effectively and faster.

To fully leverage the role of sci-tech innovation to create significant impact with a single breakthrough, we must continue to optimize the environment for sci-tech innovation. We will deepen reforms of the scientific and technological system, and enhance mechanisms for attracting and cultivating talent to inspire greater innovation and creativity. This year, Sichuan will launch a special project for leading scientists in cutting-edge technologies, providing up to 10 years of long-term support for selected high-level talents. This initiative aims to ensure that scientists can fully dedicate their time and energy to research without distractions, achieving major achievements in science and technology, much like a blacksmith in the past would spend years forging the perfect sword. Thank you.

The Beijing News:

We know that Sichuan province boasts abundant cultural and tourism resources, such as sanctuaries for adorable giant pandas, the mysterious Sanxingdui Ruins site, and the amazing Jiuzhaigou. All these places are popular tourist destinations during holidays and festivals. What have been the highlights in recent years regarding Sichuan's efforts to tap into its cultural and tourism resources and advance more high-quality cultural and tourism products? Thank you. 

Huang Qiang:

Thank you. We'll invite Mr. Zuo to answer this question.

Zuo Yongxiang:

Thank you. I can see that you're very familiar with Sichuan's cultural and tourism resources. In the Southern Song dynasty, a poem stated that "the finest landscapes under heaven are in Sichuan," highlighting the province's long-standing reputation for culture and tourism since ancient times. In recent years, we have accelerated efforts to establish Sichuan as a leading province in culture and tourism. The appeal, influence and competitiveness of Sichuan's culture and tourism have continuously increased. During the past May Day holiday, Sichuan welcomed over 40 million tourist visits, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 9.5%. 

First, we have fostered a harmonious interplay among the ancient Shu civilization, Three Kingdoms culture, Red Classics, and various cultural masterpieces. By organizing a series of exhibitions and performances in the Ancestral Temple of the Three Sus, a family known for producing three famous poets whose traditions have been passed down through the ages, we have brought the culture of family traditions out of history and into contemporary life. This embodies the profound familial and national sentiments of the Chinese people. The Sanxingdui site had been buried for thousands of years. When it was uncovered, the Sanxingdui site amazed the world. The new Sanxingdui Museum, completed in July last year, has tripled its previous reception capacity, yet it remains fully booked every day. Since its opening, the museum has received over 4 million visits.

On the other hand, we also cherish nature's precious natural resources and strive to build a world-class tourist destination. We have constructed roads and bridges, improved the transport system and enhanced supporting facilities for tourism, allowing tourists to spend less time traveling and more time sightseeing. Tourists can now easily reach remote scenic spots whenever they want, greatly improving their experience and convenience of travel. For example, with the opening of the Chengdu-Huangshengguan section of the Sichuan-Qinghai Railway, the travel time from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou has been reduced from 10 hours to three hours. This makes it possible to visit Dujiangyan in the morning and Jiuzhaigou in the afternoon. We have also developed new and diversified tourism products, such as ice and snow hot springs and sun therapy. Previously, ice and snow resources in Sichuan were little known, but now people can enjoy both ice and snow activities in the mountains of Sichuan and warm sunshine in the Panzhihua-Xichang region, sparking a new tourism boom. Last winter, the number of tourists visiting Sichuan province rose 32% and tourism revenue increased 36%, which is a very strong indicator of success.

At the same time, we also highlighted Sichuan's distinctive features by selecting and promoting signature tourism counties and famous products. We created new cultural tourism experiences such as the "Night Cruises along Jinjiang River," "Greenway Cycling," and "Hiking Adventures." Nowadays, it is a vibrant and stylish travel experience for tourists to fly in or take high-speed trains to Sichuan, savoring hotpot, lodging in homestays, admiring pandas, and enjoying concerts. Going to concerts and traveling for music have become new trends in Sichuan's cultural and tourism industry. During the May Day holiday, Chengdu held the "Cactus Music Festival," attracting 60,000 attendees over three days, with more than 60% coming from outside the province.

With its unique cultural and tourism resources, Sichuan has great potential for development. Here, I welcome everyone to visit Sichuan. Our beautiful province will ensure your trip is worthwhile. Thank you.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

In recent years, Sichuan has focused on addressing the issue of unbalanced urban and rural development by using counties as the key entry point for promoting integrated urban-rural development. Could you brief us on the latest progress? Thank you.

Dai Yongbo:

Thank you for your question. Sichuan has a distinct urban-rural dual structure. To promote integrated urban-rural development, we have placed emphasis on the counties and recognized the difficulties in rural areas. We have established the targeted approach of "focusing on both ends while ensuring smooth connectivity in the middle," using the county level as a pivotal entry point to foster urban-rural integration, drawing a new picture of shared prosperity across our urban and rural landscapes.

The idea of "focusing on both ends" refers to building up counties, which serve as the gateway for farmers moving to urban areas. Data from the seventh national census in 2020 showed that the proportion of the population residing in Sichuan's county towns has continued to increase over the past decade, rising from 15% to 30%. In light of this trend, Sichuan has in recent years delegated financial and administrative powers to the county level to improve the functionality of counties and attract more people and industries to settle there. The "other end" refers to developing rural areas. Even if Sichuan's urbanization rate reaches 70% in the future, there will still be 25 million people living in rural areas. We have learned from and applied the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang province, establishing 1,000 demonstration villages every year and speeding up the construction of beautiful villages with the charm of Bashu. For instance, in Chengdu, there is a bamboo art village, boasting an intangible cultural heritage of more than 2,000 years in bamboo weaving. In transforming the village, we paid special attention to integrating bamboo products, architecture, and landscapes, creating a unique attraction that becomes a favored leisure spot among Chengdu residents.

The concept of "ensuring smooth connectivity in the middle" is about linking towns and villages, with a focus on achieving "four integrations." The first is the integration of resources, which involves opening the "city gates" to allow the rural population to "enter and stay," ensuring they have access to better services. It also includes supporting professionals from all walks of life to contribute to rural revitalization. The second is industrial integration. We have encouraged deeper integration of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, promoted the intensive processing of agricultural products, and fostered leisure and sight-seeing agriculture. The third is the integration of facilities. We have made efforts to narrow the gap in infrastructure and public services between urban and rural areas, ensuring they are more accessible in rural areas. The fourth is the integration of governance, where efficient governance drives high-level integration. Thank you.

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV: 

At present, a key focus of the new round of large-scale development in the western region is to accelerate industrial transformation and upgrading through sci-tech innovation. Could you please provide an update on the latest developments in this regard? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you for your question, I'll invite Mr. Wu to answer it.

Wu Qungang:

Thank you for your question. You have raised a pertinent issue. Sichuan has always prioritized building a modern industrial system driven by sci-tech innovation. Right after this year's Spring Festival, the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and the provincial government held the first major meeting of this year to advance new industrialization, where we laid out comprehensive plans. Generally, we will advance along "two main lines" in light of the specific situation in Sichuan.

First, promoting the industrial commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. Sichuan is not only rich in innovative resources, but also has extensive industry categories. As Mr. Huang just mentioned, Sichuan covers all 41 industrial categories. Therefore, we pay more attention to promoting the integration and alignment of the innovation and industrial chains. In recent years, we have vigorously implemented the initiative for gathering research resources to help Sichuan in the application of sci-tech achievements, supporting the state-level research institutes, universities and colleges in Sichuan to work hand in hand with local enterprises to transform innovative research findings locally, which has yielded good results. For example, an enterprise in the city of Mianyang, Sichuan, developed the first medical cyclotron in China by transforming the cutting-edge technology from a research institute in Sichuan. This equipment can be used to produce isotope drugs, and can also be used to directly treat diseases, while we used to have to rely on imports. Now the company's products have not only occupied one-quarter of the domestic market, but also opened up overseas markets.

Second is upgrading and promoting the high-end development of traditional industries. We have given full play to the role of science and technology as a booster, strived to do a good job in high-end, smart and green development, upgrading the quality and effectiveness of traditional industries, and tried to inject new vitality into traditional industries. For example, Dongfang Turbine Co., Ltd. in Deyang, Sichuan, has built the first 5G digital factory for energy equipment manufacturing. Through the industrial internet platform, the factory's nine workshops, 21 production lines and more than 1,500 machines are operated intelligently, including a very traditional welding workshop. Through technical transformation, the per capita efficiency has been increased by four times, and carbon emissions have been reduced by 380 metric tons each year, which is highly effective. In the future, there will be more and more such intelligent factories and digital workshops in Sichuan, and sci-tech innovation will empower the development of traditional industries, which will surely yield a series of wonderful and exciting achievements.

That is all from me for this question. Thank you.

Cover News:

As an inland province, Sichuan has actively promoted coordinated opening-up between inland and coastal, riverside and border areas, and stepped up efforts to integrate into and serve the national opening-up pattern. What measures has Sichuan taken in expanding high-standard opening-up and what results has it achieved? Thank you.

Zuo Yongxiang:

You raise very important questions. Sichuan is not in the border areas or by the sea, it is as you put it — a typical inland province. However, Sichuan has relied on the Tea Horse Road and the southern Silk Road to trade with the world since ancient times. Nowadays, in accordance with the requirements of quickly developing a hub for opening-up to the west and a new base for international competition as the strategic position of Sichuan, we are making strides to transform the inland province into a pioneer of opening-up. In our work, we are mainly focused on the following four aspects: channels, platforms, markets and the environment.

We have accelerated the construction of channels for opening up domestically and internationally, building a three-dimensional, diversified transportation system for opening-up to the world. We have built 48 major channels leading outside of the province and 17 airports. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is the third city in China to have two international airports. Last year, the air passenger throughput surpassed 75 million. Sichuan's international trains connect with 112 cities abroad, and the China-Europe Railway Express (Chengdu-Chongqing) has handled 30,000 train trips.

We have also strengthened the gathering function of opening-up platforms, expanding the main areas and main force of opening-up. More than 50 national comprehensive bonded zones, high-tech zones, and economic development zones and 121 provincial development zones lead Sichuan's opening-up. The Sichuan Pilot Free Trade Zone has gathered one-quarter of the province's foreign-funded enterprises and accounted for one-tenth of the total foreign trade. A total of 14 reform and innovation outcomes have been replicated and promoted across the country. Chengdu Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone has launched 68 national-level innovation platforms, attracting 800,000 high-level professionals and 134 Fortune Global 500 companies.

We have also focused on cultivating business entities that are open to the world, helping enterprises tap the international market. Last year, we implemented a special initiative to cultivate foreign trade entities, adding nearly 1,000 enterprises with actual achievements in the field, and organized about 3,000 enterprises to participate in more than 150 overseas market expansion activities. Provincial leaders led delegations to explore overseas markets, and added orders worth 68 billion yuan. We also launched a special initiative to expand imports. Imports grew by 25.8% in the first quarter of this year, which was the biggest highlight in foreign trade in the quarter. We continue to host the Well-known Chinese and Foreign Enterprises' Visit to Sichuan serial activities. Foreign direct investment has totaled more than 100 billion yuan in five years, and last year, an average of 2.5 foreign-funded enterprises settled in Sichuan every day.

We have been building a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. We have implemented measures to facilitate payments for foreign visitors, resulting in a ninefold increase in mobile payment consumption by foreigners during this year's Labor Day holiday compared to last year. Since last year, we have also introduced five policies supporting further opening-up, leading to a continuous improvement in international logistics efficiency. Just the day before yesterday, a China-Europe Railway Express train loaded with consumer goods from Sichuan departed from Chengdu to Moscow. The train will reach its destination in 10 days, which is six days shorter than before.

Next, we will soon hold a provincial conference to convey to the world our firm determination to expand opening-up. Thank you.

CNR:

Sichuan is located in the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow rivers and is of significant ecological importance. People who travel to Sichuan for business or tourism often praise the picturesque landscapes of lucid waters and lush mountains through their WeChat accounts. Additionally, the phenomenon of being able to see snowcapped mountains from urban areas of Chengdu frequently trends online. Could you please elaborate on the ecological conservation efforts that Sichuan has undertaken in recent years? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you for your question; I'll answer it. As we all know, Qinghai is the source of both the Yangtze and Yellow rivers, and Sichuan is one of the provincial-level regions through which the two major rivers flow. Sichuan contributes one-quarter of the surface water resources of the Yangtze River Basin, providing 40% of the water during the dry season and 26% during the rainy season for the main stream of the Yellow River. It is also one of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, bearing significant responsibility for maintaining national ecological security.

We have firmly developed a strong sense about the protection of the upstream reaches, with the rate of water quality deemed "good" and "excellent" at national monitoring sections in the province reaching 100% last year.

When it comes to ecology, we should look toward the beloved giant panda. Together with Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, we are actively developing the Giant Panda National Park to a high quality to protect the largest habitat of giant pandas globally. It is gratifying that the status of the giant panda has been downgraded from "endangered" to "vulnerable". Wild giant pandas often come down from the mountains, while just last month, researchers in the Wolong National Nature Reserve encountered three pandas in just one day.

The 3.96-meter-tall bronze divine tree in the Sanxingdui Museum is particularly eye-catching, showcasing the reverence for nature of the people in the ancient Shu Kingdom, a tradition that has endured to this day. Along the Cuiyu Corridor, a section of the Ancient Shu Roads in Guangyuan and Mianyang, there is the world's largest artificial cypress forest, now a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Today, I would like to recommend another scenic spot — Yunfeng Mountain in Ya'an, where there are magnificent Phoebe zhennan trees, with 124 trees over 100 years old, including two towering, lush trees that are 1,700 years old and blossom every year. Having worked in Sichuan for three and a half years, I was surprised to find that Phoebe zhennan trees over 1,000 years old could still produce seeds. Typically, the seeds fall in the spring after remaining on the trees throughout fall and winter, perpetuating the cycle of life. Fourteen years ago, CCTV hailed these two trees as the "Kings of Phoebe Zhennan Trees," and their wood is commonly referred to as "golden nanmu." This forest of Phoebe zhennan trees is truly remarkable.

"Green" is an inherent property of Sichuan, and we will continue to protect and cherish it.

Chengdu is currently hosting the International Horticultural Exhibition, and next year it will host the World Games. We sincerely invite you all to come to Sichuan, experience the vibrant atmosphere of high-quality development firsthand, enjoy the beautiful scenery, taste the delicious food, drink Sichuan wine, and savor Sichuan tea to refresh both body and mind. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

The last two questions.

Phoenix TV:

Sichuan possesses abundant water and natural gas resources. Could you please elaborate on the development, utilization and the role of these resources in ensuring national energy security? Thank you.

Dai Yongbo:

Thank you for your question. Sichuan has unique advantages in clean energy. We are promoting the coordinated development of hydro, wind and solar power, hydrogen, and natural gas to accelerate the construction of world-class high-quality clean energy bases, transforming energy advantages into development advantages.

Sichuan is a significant hydropower base in China, with an installed capacity of around 100 million kilowatts, ranking first nationwide in both installed capacity and annual power generation. Sichuan's greatest advantage lies in the complementary function of hydro, wind and solar power. The basins of the Dadu River, Jinsha River and Yalong River, where hydropower resources are concentrated, are also the richest areas in wind and solar resources. We are advancing the construction of an integrated base for hydro and wind power in the Yalong River Basin, which is expected to have an installed capacity of about 80 million kilowatts after completion.

Sichuan serves as a crucial hub in China's west-to-east power transmission project. Currently, the province has established seven ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) power transmission lines and nine 500-kilovolt alternating current (AC) power transmission lines. Over the past decade, Sichuan has delivered more than 1.4 trillion KWh of green electricity to areas outside the Yangtze River Delta region. Last year alone, the total volume of electricity supplied by Sichuan to eastern China was equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 60 million households.

Sichuan is a major national base for natural gas production. With 40% of its annual production supplying other provinces, Sichuan delivered 223 billion cubic meters of natural gas last year. We are now collaborating with Chongqing to establish a national production base for natural gas (shale gas) with a production capacity of 100 billion cubic meters, which will better serve the West-to-East Gas Pipeline Project.

Sichuan boasts a solid foundation in hydrogen production equipment, hydrogen storage equipment and hydrogen refueling facilities. The province's abundant renewable resources provide favorable conditions for developing the hydrogen industry. In March, the world's first Chengdu-made hydrogen-powered metro train completed its operations test, and now over 100 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles travel daily along the Chengdu-Chongqing Highway. Consequently, Sichuan has identified green hydrogen as a key new quality productive force and is actively promoting the development of the entire industry chain and its related applications. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Due to time constraint, last question please.

Science and Technology Daily:

As previously mentioned, Sichuan has designated artificial intelligence (AI) as its "No. 1 innovation project" for this year. Could you please elaborate on Sichuan's advantages in this field and outline the specific measures the province plans to implement? Thank you.

Huang Qiang:

Thank you for your questions. Mr. Wu will answer them.

Wu Qungang:

Thank you. Sichuan is a crucial node in China's east-to-west computing resource transfer project. The province is home to two national computing power platforms and over 1,100 AI enterprises. Additionally, 27 universities and colleges offer AI-related programs. Leveraging this strong foundation, Sichuan has made AI development a top priority to drive high-quality development, concentrating efforts on overcoming significant challenges. Our approach focuses on three key areas: technology, policy and reform.

In promoting technological innovation, we have focused on key areas such as AI chips, computing power servers and algorithm models, conducting organized research efforts to accelerate breakthroughs in original technologies. For instance, a Chengdu-based tech company has innovatively developed "AI plus satellite technology," which intelligently processes images captured from space, filtering out low-value ones and significantly improving satellite efficiency. This company is continuously making advancements, such as striving to process data and generate results directly in space, thereby creating new possibilities for future deep space exploration.

In terms of enhancing policy support, Sichuan has integrated various policies and resources to provide exceptional and targeted assistance, particularly to those promising and committed enterprises. We offer support wherever it is needed, ensuring comprehensive and timely policy backing. For instance, we have facilitated the collaboration of Tsinghua University, Sichuan University and the Chengdu Rongchuang Company, bringing together top resources from both within and outside the province. This special initiative has led to the establishment of the Sichuan Intelligent Sensing and Computing Technology Innovation Center, which quickly gathered over 300 innovative professionals in fields such as chips, algorithms and robotics, rapidly building a strong innovation chain cluster.

To fully leverage the role of reform, as Mr. Huang emphasized, we must overcome institutional barriers through bold innovation. Sichuan has adhered to the principle of "small incision, deep impact," ensuring the smooth integration of education, talent, and science and technology to provide continuous momentum for AI development. Recently, we have introduced new mechanisms by establishing the Sichuan Province Artificial Intelligence College. This initiative is led by the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, with participation from eight other provincial universities and major companies like Huawei and Tencent. This collaboration has enabled joint efforts between schools and enterprises in talent cultivation, aligning the supply and demand of talent, as well as integrating industry with education. As the saying goes, AI is a great opportunity, but favorable conditions are necessary to seize it. Sichuan will continue to explore new mechanisms and models to drive AI development forward through reform, opening new chapters and seizing the momentum.

That's all from me. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to Mr. Huang and all the other speakers and the journalists who are present. Today's press briefing will conclude here. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang qian, Liu Caiyi, Wang Yiming, Zhu Bochen, Wang Yanfang, Mi Xingang, Huang Shan, Xu Kailin, Zhang Rui, Zhang Tingting, Liu Qiang, Yan Bin, Liu Sitong, Wang Ziteng, Zhang Junmian, Qin Qi, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wu Xiaojun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Qinghai Provincial Committee and governor of Qinghai province

Mr. Wang Linhu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Qinghai province

Mr. Liu Tao, vice governor of Qinghai province

Mr. Yang Zhiwen, vice governor of Qinghai province

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 24, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we are holding the 23rd press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." We are very pleased to have invited Mr. Wu Xiaojun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Qinghai Provincial Committee and governor of Qinghai, to brief you on unswervingly being the guardian of "China's Water Tower" and pursuing high-quality development in Qinghai, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Wang Linhu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Qinghai province; Mr. Liu Tao, vice governor of Qinghai province; and Mr. Yang Zhiwen, vice governor of Qinghai province. 

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wu for his introduction. 

Wu Xiaojun:

Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I'm very pleased to meet you all here, and introduce the situation regarding Qinghai's high-quality development. First, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to friends from the media and people from all walks of life for your long-term care and support for our work in Qinghai. 

Known as the "Origin of the Three Major Rivers" and "China's Water Tower," Qinghai province is rich in resources and holds strategic importance. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has twice embarked on inspection tours across the Qinghai plateau, and twice participated in the deliberations of the Qinghai delegation to the National People's Congress. He has clearly stated that "Qinghai's greatest value lies in ecology, its greatest responsibility lies in ecology and its greatest potential also lies in ecology" and stressed Qinghai's significant role in the country's security in ecological, homeland, and resources and energy spheres when implementing the new development philosophy and creating the new development pattern in the new development stage. He encouraged us to safeguard China's Water Tower and discover a distinct path for the high-quality development of Qinghai. We have borne the general secretary's words in mind and feel grateful, striving to realize the blueprint he has drawn, taking solid steps to promote ecological conservation and high-quality development, and making new progress and breaking new ground to build a new, modern Qinghai. 

Through our collective efforts, we have promoted ecological progress, cementing the ecological conservation role of China's Water Tower and ensuring ample water resources. Qinghai is one of the best examples of biodiversity. It is also a sensitive area and an important trigger point in terms of climate change for Asia, the Northern Hemisphere, and even the entire globe. Every year, 60 billion cubic meters to 90 billion cubic meters of water flows from its river sources to lower reaches. We firmly shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding China's Water Tower, leading the nation in terms of national park construction. The Three-River-Source National Park was one of the first national parks established in China and covers the largest area. We are also moving quickly to establish the Qilian Mountain National Park and the Qinghai Lake National Park. Qinghai is China's only provincial region that is developing three national parks at the same time. Currently, the Three-River-Source area has resumed its picturesque scenery made up of thousands of lakes. The population of Tibetan antelopes, which is a topic of great concern, has grown to more than 70,000 from fewer than 20,000 in the 20th century. As the flagship species of the plateau, more than 1,200 snow leopards are being monitored. More than 600,000 birds of different species now call Qinghai Lake their home. The stock of scaleless carp in Qinghai Lake stood at over 2,500 metric tons in 2002 when we initiated protection of the species, but has now rebounded to more than 120,000 metric tons. If visitors go to Qinghai Lake now, they can watch the migration of tens of thousands of scaleless carp, filling half of the water with swimming fish, which is a real spectacle. 

Through our collective efforts, we have constructed a green and low-carbon modern industrial system, continuously strengthening growth drivers and development vitality. Qinghai has abundant resources. Its reserves of potassium salt, magnesium salt and lithium salt account for more than 80% of the national total. Our potential hydroenergy resources rank fifth nationwide. The annual total solar radiation ranks second across the country. Home to the fourth largest wind farm in China, Qinghai is reputed as one of four least polluted areas on earth. To promote high-quality development, we keep in mind the dos and don'ts, fostering new drivers for high-quality development by leveraging the unique features and advantages of resources and energy of the plateau. We focused on creating a world-class salt industry base, a national hub for clean energy industries, and an eco-tourism destination attracting international visitors, as well as exporting green, organic agricultural and animal husbandry products, making new breakthroughs and taking strides forward. In 2023, the regional GDP rose 5.3%, general public budget revenue grew 15.9%, and disposable income per capita increased 5.9%. Of the "new trio" of foreign trade products, exports of solar cells and lithium-ion batteries grew by 2 times and 3.6 times, respectively. Nowadays, Qinghai has shown a clear trend of transformation-oriented development, increasingly expanding the methods of high-quality development. 

Through our collective efforts, we have made achievements in building the province into an excellent example for promoting ethnic unity and progress in the country, making firm efforts to boost common prosperity. Qinghai is home to many ethnic groups and a diverse mix of cultures. There are currently 54 ethnic groups in the province, with ethnic minorities accounting for 49.74% of the total population, the highest proportion nationwide. Qinghai has also allocated the largest area for regional ethnic autonomy in comparison to other provinces. We have always maintained a people-centered approach, prioritizing the work in forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. More than 75% of fiscal expenditure has been used for improving people's livelihoods. A large number of policies, measures and projects have been effectively implemented to benefit the public. The growth rate of per capita income of farmers and herdsmen in the province is above the national average. National demonstration zones for ethnic unity and progress have been established in all prefecture-level administrative regions and 93% of counties in Qinghai. People from different ethnic groups help one another and live harmoniously together, embracing each other like the seeds of the pomegranate, with the aim of creating better lives. 

On the new journey, we will insist on promoting high-quality development in the new era as our top priority. We will work hard to write a new chapter for Qinghai in pursuing Chinese modernization, with the aim of making contributions to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. We welcome journalists to come explore Qinghai and help make its beauty even more well known. 

That is all for my introduction. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Wu, for your introduction. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.

Xinhua News Agency:

We know Qinghai province occupies a crucial ecological position as it contains the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers. Could you brief us on what the Qinghai government has done in recent years to protect the eco-environment? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

Thank you for your question. I'll take this one.

Thank you for your concern about ecological and environmental protection in Qinghai. As you mentioned, Qinghai holds an important position in ecological matters. Therefore, we always prioritize ecological protection in our development efforts and protect every blade of grass and tree with heartfelt efforts to promote sustained ecological improvement. Our work focuses on the following four aspects.

First, we have highlighted institutional innovation. We have steadily advanced the construction of a national park demonstration province, adhered to the principle of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of natural ecosystems, and taken the lead in establishing a standard system for nature reserves. The Three-River-Source National Park implemented a five-tier national park management system at the provincial, city, county, township, and village levels. The Qilian Mountain National Park integrated ecological conservation with livelihood development and ethnic unity, encouraging the Party branch committees of rural villages, village committees, and local communities to jointly contribute efforts and share benefits. The Qinghai Lake National Park formed a symbiotic ecosystem featuring the plateau's distinctive "water, grass, fish, birds, and animals," making solid progress toward harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Second, we have strengthened systematic management. We have coordinated the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grass, sand, and ice, continuously improving the quality and stability of the ecosystem. The province increased its vegetation coverage ratio of grasslands, with comprehensive vegetation coverage reaching 58.12%. Statistics also showed a decline in both desertification and sandification in Qinghai. The environmental quality of air, water, and soil has continuously improved, and the proportion of days with good air quality in the province stayed above 96% throughout the year. Additionally, the cross-sectional water quality of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers flowing out of Qinghai remained at Level II and above.

Third, we have advanced scientific transformation by vigorously promoting eco-friendly industries and the industrialization of environmental protection. Take the "photovoltaic sheep" project as an example. We placed photovoltaic panels in desert areas, which decreased wind speeds by 50% and soil water evaporation by 30%. As a result, the previously barren land has been transformed into grassland, attracting cattle and sheep, to return. Local herders now graze their animals around the photovoltaic panels and call their sheep "photovoltaic sheep." In doing so, we have integrated ecological protection and clean energy development, increasing income for local farmers and herders.

Fourth, we have emphasized inclusive sharing. We are committed to the principles of an ecological civilization based on collaboration, participation, and common interests, and we aim to popularize it among the public. We have created public welfare posts for ecological conservators, helping 146,000 herders across the province put down their grazing whips and become conservation workers. Some of them have even become photographers thanks to their proximity to nature. Many of their photos have won awards in domestic and international competitions. Their photographic works, mainly about animals, not only showcase the local ecosystem, but also reflect their deep love for the land.

Sanjiangyuan, which means the "source of three rivers," is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers. As the home of Sanjiangyuan, Qinghai province has been dubbed China's "water tower." Sanjiangyuan belongs not only to Qinghai but also to China and the whole world. We will steadfastly guard China's "water tower" and ensure that lush mountains and lucid waters remain Qinghai's greatest advantages and pride. Thank you.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

Chaka Salt Lake is an iconic tourist destination in northwest China. Praised as "the mirror of the sky," it has attracted numerous tourists. In recent years, cultural and tourism departments in various regions have made efforts to promote their local tourism industries. What measures will the Qinghai government take to explore more ecotourism resources and increase the high-altitude province's popularity? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

Thank you for your attention to Qinghai's ecotourism. Mr. Liu will answer your question.

Liu Tao:

Thank you for your question. Although ecotourism in Qinghai is relatively new in Qinghai, it is gaining momentum. As the Chinese saying goes, "The landscape here is beyond compare." Traveling in Qinghai has gained wide popularity in recent years, especially during the high season from May to October. We welcome all journalists here to come and experience the province's beauty.

Qinghai enjoys abundant tourist resources. Qinghai Lake is called the "sapphire of the plateau." Beautiful Chaka Salt Lake has earned the moniker "the mirror of the sky." National Highway 315 has become an internet sensation, attracting scores of travelers. The scenery there is breathtaking and worth exploring. You can find various types of natural scenery within the province, including snow-capped mountains, green meadows, herds of cows, and flocks of sheep.

Our unique natural resources lay a solid foundation for developing ecotourism in Qinghai, which is also a valuable treasure for the province. Home to Kunlun Mountain and Qilian Mountain, Qinghai is honored as the "origin of mountains" in China, inspiring a series of Chinese myths like the Kunlun Legend and the goddess Queen Mother of the West. Home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers, Qinghai is hailed as the "source of water" in China. As Mr. Wu mentioned, 90 billion cubic meters of water flow from its river sources to lower reaches every year, bringing fresh water to the vast land across the country. Qinghai deserves its reputation as the "origin of mountains" and the "source of waters." With more than 5,000 lakes, Qinghai is also known as one of China's "provinces of a thousand lakes." Over 4,200 rivers crisscross the province, providing the best conditions for local ecotourism. It is our pride to take good care of Qinghai's fauna and flora, our responsibility to protect mountain origins and water sources, and our pursuit to make full use of our ecological advantages.

We will continue to increase our efforts in ecological conservation, build a green foundation, improve on Qinghai's beauty, always put the conservation of Qinghai's lucid waters and lush mountains first as well as strive to promote the construction of a beautiful Qinghai. We will constantly build strong ecological security shields, improve the quality of the eco-environment, and lay a solid foundation for building an international ecotourism destination. Developing ecotourism is not the only goal. Our higher pursuit is to create an international ecotourism destination.

In the future, Qinghai will cultivate a great number of world-class ecotourism resource brands. The Three-River-Source area tracing journey, the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau snow-capped mountain exploration journey and the eco-experience journey through our national parks, that everyone longs for, will become accessible to everyone.

We will leverage the high-quality ecotourism resources to highlight Qinghai’s ecological value and great beauty. We will give full play to the advantages of Qinghai's blue skies, clean lands and clear waters to establish the image of a pure land for ecotourism. We will hold major festivals and events such as the Qinghai Green Development Investment and Trade Fair and the Tour of Qinghai Lake to enhance the international penetration and influence of Qinghai's ecotourism. We will establish and improve the tourism service system to provide everyone with a safe, secure and pleasant Qinghai trip.

I, once again, would like to sincerely invite all our friends to visit Qinghai and have a look around the limpid Qinghai Lake as well as the magnificent and colorful Three-River-Source area. I also hope that you will stay in Qinghai for a while to experience the colorful ethnic customs and taste the rich and diverse delicacies.

I believe that the beautiful Qinghai will become the 'poetry and distant land' of your dreams. Here you will hear more and more beautiful and touching stories.

Thank you.

CCTV:

The governor just mentioned that Qinghai is focusing on creating "four industrial areas," which are: a world-class salt industry base, a national hub for clean energy industries, an ecotourism destination attracting international visitors as well as an exporting base for green, organic agricultural and animal husbandry products. We know that Qinghai has unique resources endowed by the plateau. Could you please give us a detailed introduction to the specific situation of the "four industrial areas"? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it.

Developing "four industrial areas" is our strategic path to promote high-quality development based on Qinghai's endowed resources and regional characteristics. Over the years, we have focused on constructing the "four industrial areas" and have made breakthroughs.

In creating a world-class salt industry base, we insist on promoting development that is orderly and eco-conscious. We have formulated a package of plans, programs and policy measures, conquered many world-class technical difficulties, formulated more than 10 national and industry standards in the salt lake field and have gradually formed five major industrial clusters for potassium, sodium, magnesium, lithium and chlorine. Last year, the output value of the salt lake industry reached more than 58 billion yuan, and the output of potash fertilizer accounted for 77% of the country's total, ensuring Qinghai's contribution to China's food supply and support for the development of new energy and new materials.

In building a national hub for clean energy industries, we have always adhered to the "five-in-one" promotion of planning, policies, bases, projects and enterprises. Last year, our clean energy installed capacity exceeded 51 million kilowatts, accounting for 93% of the total, and the new energy installed capacity exceeded 38 million kilowatts, accounting for 69% of the total, with both ranking first in the country. We have built the country's first green electricity channel, which continuously transports green electricity to 15 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across the country. Green electricity from Qinghai lights up Beijing Daxing International Airport and Hangzhou Asian Games venues. The second and third green electricity channels are currently in the works. At the same time, we have also built a relatively complete photovoltaic industry chain. There is a "photovoltaic street" in Nanchuan Industrial Park, Xining city, where more than ten leading photovoltaic manufacturing enterprises are gathered, forming an industrial cluster.

In terms of building an international ecotourism destination, Qinghai is endowed with rich, diverse and unique tourism resources. We are striving to build a new pattern of ecotourism development with Xining city at the center, ringed by the Qinghai Lake ecotourism loop and multiple ecotourism belts. The limpid Qinghai Lake, the Chaka Salt Lake, which is known as the "Mirror of the Sky," the colorful Emerald Lake, the quality pastures at the foot of the Qilian Mountains and the cole flower fields in Menyuan Hui autonomous county are all well-known both home and abroad. The brand of the beautiful Qinghai is getting more and more renowned as the "origin of mountains" and the "source of waters."

In terms of creating an exporting base for green, organic agricultural and animal husbandry products, we give full play to the geographical and ecological advantages of the "pollution-free zone" of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau as well as insist on improving quality, stabilizing quantity, shoring up weak links in the industrial and supply chains, and expanding export. The monitored area of organic grasslands in Qinghai has surpassed 150 million mu (10 million hectares). More than 8 million cattle and sheep have achieved origin tracing and the output of salmon and trout has accounted for 40% of the country's total production. Qinghai has become China's largest production base for organic livestock products, organic goji berries and cold water fish. Today, Qinghai's beef, mutton, organic goji berries, quinoa and other agricultural and animal husbandry products are popular among domestic and foreign consumers for their excellent quality.

On our new journey, we will remain committed to the goal of building the "four industrial areas," adhere to high-end, green and intelligent development and embark on a path of high-quality development with Qinghai characteristics. We are full of confidence. Thank you!

Economic Daily:

My question is about the economy. Promoting the development of the private economy is an important task in deepening reforms in key areas. What specific measures does Qinghai have in promoting the development of the private sector? Thank you.

Wang Linhu:

I will answer your question. As you know, Qinghai is located in the western part of the country. Due to factors such as nature, geography, history, transportation, information and population, the economic volume and scale of the private economy in Qinghai are not as large as those in the coastal areas of China's mainland. However, we should follow the principle of "an act of kindness, no matter how trivial, is worth performing." Over the years, Qinghai province has placed great importance on the development of the private sector and has unswervingly implemented a series of policies and measures issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on spurring the growth of the private sector to promote the high-quality development of this sector.

Since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the private sector entities have been growing at an annual average rate of 6.7%, and the total number of such entities has now reached 538,000. Based on Qinghai's resource endowment and regional characteristics, we have, on one hand, built and formed characteristic industries such as eco-environment protection, salt lake chemical engineering, clean energy, agricultural and livestock products, and cultural tourism. On the other hand, we have fostered and developed local specialty products and brands such as hand-pulled noodles, Qinghai embroidery, yaks, Tibetan sheep, Chinese wolfberries and highland barley. The private economy contributes 40% of Qinghai's GDP and 80% of urban employment in the province, making it a significant force driving the construction of a modern new Qinghai.

In practice, as just mentioned by Mr. Wu, while we are fulfilling our responsibilities as guardians of China's "water tower" and protecting the ecological security of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we are also striving to explore a path of private economic development with Qinghai's local characteristics that is green, low-carbon and circular. First, in terms of policy guarantees, we have introduced multiple policies and measures related to optimizing the business environment, strengthening the private economy and promoting the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Second, in terms of environmental optimization, we have deepened the "one-stop" service reform by efficiently handling each matter, focusing on improving the core indicators of the business environment, slashing items subject to approval by 70% and streamlining procedures by 60%. Third, in terms of improving efficiency, we have launched the "Spring Breeze Action to Assist and Warm Enterprises," providing one-on-one assistance to 13,000 enterprises. We have developed the mobile app Qingsongban, enabling enterprises to handle matters instantly with just a mobile phone, which may previously require multiple trips and hundreds of kilometers of travel. Fourth, in terms of financial services, we have established a Qinghai province micro and small enterprises credit financing service platform and customized credit models with Qinghai characteristics such as "hand-pulled noodle loan," "caterpillar fungus loan" and "Chinese wolfberry loan." Since the establishment of the platform, it has provided loans totaling 14.7 billion yuan to 12,400 micro and small enterprises, saving nearly 40 million yuan in financing costs for enterprises.

Dear journalists, although Qinghai is at a high altitude, our passion for doing business and starting new ventures is even higher. Although Qinghai is in a distant place, it is also linked and connected to the world. We warmly welcome all types of investors, especially private entrepreneurs, to visit Qinghai for exploring investment opportunities or purchasing properties. We will strive to create a better market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, providing comprehensive services and guarantees for the high-quality development of private enterprises. Thank you.

CNR:

You just mentioned that Qinghai's unique natural conditions and ecological environment are a precious gift from nature, which has led to the development of various characteristic industries. Could you please elaborate on the evolution of Qinghai's local specialty industries over the years, their impact on lifting people out of poverty and towards prosperity as well as any future plans? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

Thank you for your question. I would like to ask Mr. Yang to answer this question.

Yang Zhiwen:

Thank you for your question as well as for your attention and support towards the development of characteristic industries in Qinghai and our efforts to increase people's incomes. Over the years, Qinghai has capitalized on its resource endowment and comparative advantages, developing and expanding plateau-specific industries according to local conditions. This has helped nearly 540,000 people of all ethnic groups in the province to escape poverty and increase their incomes. The per capita disposable income of farmers has more than doubled compared to ten years ago. We have also carefully identified the channels for increasing incomes, mainly in the following four aspects:

Firstly, agriculture and animal husbandry have contributed to a steady increase in incomes. We have accelerated the development of Qinghai as a green and organic agricultural and livestock product output base. We have meticulously cultivated characteristic industries such as yaks, Tibetan sheep, cold-water fish, highland barley and Qaidam Chinese wolfberries. Over the past three years, the output value of agricultural and livestock products to other regions has exceeded 30 billion yuan. Last year alone, the total income from picking Chinese wolfberries reached 589 million yuan, with a per capita income of 8,000 yuan, significantly aiding in an increase to incomes.

Second, we have capitalized on the salt lake and clean energy industries to boost incomes. Thanks to the vigorous development in recent years of the salt lake industry and clean energy industries, such as solar and wind power, 283,000 people have been lifted out of poverty, gaining a stable income through various means such as employment, land transfer and participation in management. We have explored a new model of "photovoltaic plus agriculture and animal husbandry." As Mr. Wu just introduced, we use photovoltaic panels to generate electricity and conduct farming and grazing underneath these panels, achieving a "win-win" for industrial development and income increase.

Third, we have integrated into the eco-friendly industry in order to increase incomes. By leveraging our richly endowed green ecology, we are developing new income-generating business formats such as forest health resort, under-forest economy, rural tourism and grassland nomad tourism. As more people seek to experience the beauty of the green ecology, locals have begun to reap the benefits from the ecological resources and the tourism industry, leading to an increase in income right at their doorstep.

Fourth, we have driven income growth by building characteristic industry brands. Through the cultivation and promotion of the Qinghai hand-pulled noodle brands, nearly 200,000 people of all ethnic groups have opened almost 30,000 Qinghai hand-pulled noodle restaurants in 337 cities both domestically and internationally, with a per capita average annual income of more than 30,000 yuan. Our Qinghai embroidery industry has generated fresh vitality, with more than 300,000 embroiderers using their skilled "needlework" to "stitch" together happy new lives.

Moving forward, we will concentrate on three areas: First, we will effectively implement preferential policies. Policies such as fiscal rewards, tax reductions and exemptions, refunding unemployment insurance premiums are favorably tilted towards characteristic industries. Over 60% of the funding from east-west cooperation is allocated for the development of characteristic industries. We aim to rapidly and directly disseminate the dividends of these policies and maximize the synergy of different policies. Second, we're expanding channels for increasing income. Each year, characteristic industries provide jobs for more than 200,000 people who have been lifted out of poverty. We support them in developing characteristic industries that suit their realities. We are improving and implementing a cooperative economic model driven by leading enterprises and stabilizing income increases through various methods, such as shareholding dividends and land transfer. Lastly, we are focusing on building labor brands well. We effectively use various financial products unique to Qinghai, and promote the upgrading of industries and labor brands such as Qinghai hand-pulled noodles, Qinghai caterpillar fungus, Qinghai embroidery and Qaidam Chinese wolfberries picking. We aim to cultivate a new batch of labor brands in areas like plateau ecology, clean energy and modern service industries, continuously expanding brand influence and awareness as well as enhancing the income through the power of branding.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you!

Qinghai Radio and Television Station:

We understand that Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shandong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, as well as relevant national departments, ministries and central enterprises, have established assistance and cooperation relationships with Qinghai. Could you introduce the role of the aiding cadres in Qinghai's economic and social development? Thank you.

Wang Linhu:

First, thank you for your concern and attention to the paired assistance work in Qinghai. It should be noted that the economic and social development of Qinghai in recent years has achieved relatively good results, which cannot be separated from the strong support and help of the assisting provinces, cities, and cadres aiding Qinghai.

Since the CPC Central Committee made the strategic deployment of paired assistance in 2010, five batches of over 3,800 cadres and technical professionals from Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Shandong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and various central state institutions and central enterprises have participated in the assistance work in Qinghai. Over the past decade, these dedicated individuals have regarded Qinghai as their hometown and the local people as their families. Focusing on the region's needs and the assisting parties' capabilities, they have implemented over 3,000 assistance projects in succession. They have helped farmers and herders improve housing conditions, enhance teaching quality, allocate medical resources, expand employment channels, and increase economic income. It can be said that the paired assistance work has made very important contributions to Qinghai's fight against poverty, the simultaneous building of a moderately prosperous society with the rest of the country, promoting common prosperity, and embarking on a new journey of Chinese-style modernization.

During their work, the vast number of aid cadres demonstrated through their actions that a lack of oxygen does not mean a lack of spirit. They showed resilience in the face of tough conditions and maintained moral standards that were even higher than the altitude of the plateau. With their wholehearted dedication, they have written many touching stories of their efforts in Qinghai. Among them are those who, by imparting medical skills, left behind a "Capital's Famous Doctors" medical team in Yushu that cannot be taken away; the "Jiangsu Mamba" who completed over 2,000 eye surgeries on the plateau; and the "Renowned Zhejiang Teachers" couple who helped over 1,000 herders' children leave the mountains. There is also the "Tianjin Talent," who came from the banks of the Haihe River to the Yellow River to create the beautiful Deji village; the "Yimeng Heroines," who with their craftsmanship, built bridges and roads to facilitate travel for herders; and the "Shanghai Girl" who founded a youth orchestra in the Maqin grasslands of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture at an altitude of 4,200 meters. She also established a folk music orchestra named after the local Anme Machin Snow Mountain, helping many herders' children realize their musical dreams. The cadres aiding Qinghai have become an important force in Qinghai's economic and social development and in promoting exchanges and integration among local ethnic groups, thereby enhancing national unity. The people of all ethnic groups on the plateau have personally felt the benefits of the Party's policies for aiding Qinghai and the warmth of the Chinese nation's big family.

Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the people of all ethnic groups in Qinghai, I express our gratitude to General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee for their kind concern for Qinghai. I also want to thank the assisting provinces and cities for their full support, and the cadres aiding Qinghai for their selfless dedication. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

In recent years, Qinghai's green computing industry has developed rapidly. What unique advantages does Qinghai have for developing the green computing industry? How can these advantages be transformed into drivers for high-quality development? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

I'll answer this question. First, thank you for your concern regarding the development of Qinghai's green computing industry. Currently, the entire province is making every effort to promote the development of this industry, focusing on three main aspects:

First, we have "favorable timing." As we all know, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing very rapidly. The key to AI is computing power, which relies on energy. The future of this energy is clean energy. Qinghai's biggest advantage is its abundant clean energy. The province's electricity prices have been maintained at the lowest in the country for a long time. We are seizing the favorable opportunity presented by the country's "east data, west computing" project, focusing on turning "green electricity" into "green computing," "cables" into "optical cables," and "watts" into "bits," striving to cultivate new development momentum and open up new development tracks.

Second, we have "geographic advantages." Qinghai has a dry, cool, and clean climate, with a dryness index of 2.38 and an average temperature of 3.4 degrees Celsius. The province's data centers can rely on natural cooling for 314 days a year, reducing cooling electricity consumption by 40% compared to the national average. It is estimated that investing in computing power in Qinghai will reduce investment costs by about 20%, lower operating costs by 30%, and shorten the investment return period by two years. Simply speaking, Qinghai is a "great natural harbor" for the development of the green computing industry.

Third, we have "favorable human resources." We have built a green computing industry base, which has received strong support from various national departments, ministries, provinces, cities, and leading enterprises. Now, a large number of enterprises and data are gathered in Qinghai. Recently, we held industry promotion conferences in Beijing, Shenzhen and Nanjing, resulting in the signing and implementation of numerous projects. Recently, we have also introduced local standards for green computing and a package of policies to support the development of the green computing industry. Additionally, we are promoting the coordinated development of green computing and green electricity, creating an increasingly favorable environment for the green computing industry in Qinghai.

Taking this opportunity, I sincerely invite friends from all walks of life to visit Qinghai and join us in advancing the development of the green computing industry in Qinghai.

That's all from me. Thanks!

China Daily:

As Mr. Wu just introduced, Qinghai is a place inhabited by multiple ethnic groups. What has Qinghai done to promote ethnic unity and progress as well as economic and social development in ethnic regions? And what are the characteristics of these efforts? Thank you.

Yang Zhiwen:

Thank you for your concern and attention to Qinghai's ethnic affairs. As Mr. Wu Xiaojun just introduced some information, I'd like to introduce three characteristics of Qinghai's ethnic work here.

First, the sense of belonging for the Chinese nation is more unified. Guided by core socialist values, we have firmly grasped the main line of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. By riding on horseback to each household and in down-to-earth ways that are easily understood by the local community, we clearly explain the Party's people-benefiting policies and address issues of concern, gaining the people's support for the Party's voice. We adhere to govern ethnic affairs in accordance with the law and safeguard national unity. Six autonomous prefectures of Qinghai all released regulations for promoting ethnic unity and progress. We have taken the lead nationwide in establishing a series of innovative measures, including four-level party committee secretaries to focus on the creation of ethnic unity and progress as well as the dynamic management of demonstration units. We have consolidated a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation into various regions and industries, permeating the hearts of grassroots communities and bringing all Chinese people to rally more closely around the Party.

Second, extensive exchanges and interactions of different ethnic groups have become more intimate. We have innovatively created 388 communities called "pomegranate seed homes" for people from all ethnic groups to live, study, work and enjoy themselves together as well as jointly contribute to its development. All ethnic groups are learning from each other, like brothers and sisters who work and live together and help each other out, cooperatively painting a beautiful picture of harmony and integration. After the "12.18" Jishishan earthquake last year, people from all ethnic groups, including Han, Tibetan, Hui, Salar and Tu, helped each other and overcame the difficulties together. Many of our compatriots came from far away to cook for the disaster victims for free. When bowls of steaming Qinghai noodles were delivered to the disaster-stricken people, many people were moved to tears. In times of crisis, the Chinese nation demonstrated its strong cohesion and solidarity as one family.

Third, different ethnic groups are more enthusiastic about participating in modernization construction. We seize the opportunities of the times, rely on resource endowments of ethnic minority areas, find the right path for development, focus on key industries and constantly stimulate internal growth momentum. The GDP of our six autonomous prefectures has doubled compared to 2012. We do our best to ensure employment, education, medical care, elderly care and other people's livelihood issues, ensuring that no ethnic group is left behind in the new journey of modernization. For example, people of all ethnic groups in Guoluozanggongma Village of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture keep in mind the earnest instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection in 2021, and use the power of national unity to unlock the code to wealth. Industries such as organic animal husbandry and characteristic tourism have actually increased people's income, and everyone's faces has a happy smile. Following the instructions and guidance of the Party as well as feeling grateful for the Party have become the common aspiration of all ethnic groups in Qinghai.

Next, we will continue to build a national model province for ethnic unity and progress, adhering to tradition while fostering innovation. With unwavering effort, we will steadily guide ethnic regions towards socialist modernization. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Two last questions, please.

Jinan Times APP:

We have noticed that Qinghai is currently advancing the development of building the province into a model of the nature reserve system centering on national parks, as Mr. Wu mentioned just now. My question is: what are the specific changes and impacts on the local ecology and residents' lives? Thank you.

Liu Tao:

Thank you for your question. The construction of national parks is a topic of concern for the whole of society. Qinghai started its national park construction relatively early nationwide, with a pilot project starting in 2015, as Mr. Wu just mentioned. Qinghai is the only province in China with three national parks simultaneously under construction. The overall work is progressing smoothly. The Three-River-Source National Park, which is a place that everyone longs for, covering a total area of 190,700 square km, is the largest national park in China. Globally speaking, it is also a national park with a relatively large land area. Qinghai has three national parks: the Three-River-Source National Park, which has been officially established and is now entering a new stage of high-quality construction, the Qilian Mountains National Park, which has made comprehensive preparations for its establishment and the pilot work has been basically completed, and the Qinghai Lake National Park, which is under comprehensive construction.

In general, the construction of a demonstration province for the nature reserve system centering on national parks is a major initiative of Qinghai, which demonstrates the awareness and responsibility of the Qinghai Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government to protect "the water tower of China" and build a solid national ecological security shield. National parks have the highest type of protection and conservation intensity within our country's system of natural protected areas.

After years of unremitting efforts, the ecological environment of magnificent Qinghai is more beautiful. The wild animals living here are more "comfortable," as we can see from the scene of four snow leopards in the same frame. During China's two sessions two years ago, a representative from the Qinghai delegation showed a photo to General Secretary Xi Jinping. This photo, which can be found online, features four snow leopards together. This is rare to see, which shows that our ecological environment is getting better and better. Take a trip to Qinghai and you'll see wild animals such as leopard cats, wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes and Przewalski's gazelles leisurely roaming around. Biodiversity is on full display in Qinghai. For example, the bharal is a very timid animal. Now, it no longer hides from people when eating grass in the mountains. You go your way, and I eat my grass. The bharal live there very leisurely and comfortably. These beautiful and harmonious scenes are the best reward for Qinghai's efforts to strengthen ecological protection, and are also evidence of the improving ecological environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Looking ahead, through a series of ecological protection measures and restoration projects, we aim to make Qinghai's skies bluer, its land greener, and its waters clearer. This will ensure that the construction of Qinghai's nature reserves system progresses steadily along the path of high-quality development.

The reporter just asked about the impact on local residents. Generally speaking, it has been positive. The harmonious coexistence of humans and nature is gradually taking shape in Qinghai. For instance, in the Three-River-Source National Park, we have implemented a "one household, one position" policy, training 17,200 ecological stewards. This initiative not only protects the environment but also increases local herders' income. During a field survey, I met a herder who proudly showed me his steward's armband with a national identification number, saying, "I work for the country." I could sense his deep pride and honor at that moment. It became clear to me that the vast majority of Qinghai's herders have transformed from being "users" of the ecosystem to "protectors" and from "consumers" to "producers" of the ecosystem.

Of course, with the increase in wildlife populations, conflicts between humans and animals, such as competition for grazing land between wild and domestic animals, do exist. I have two things to say about this. First, in Qinghai, herders' awareness of ecological protection is growing. They feel genuine joy in seeing the increasing numbers of Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, Przewalski's gazelles, and Tibetan wild asses. It must be said that Qinghai's herders have made significant concessions for biodiversity protection, and they deserve our respect and praise. Second, we will continue to control the carrying capacity of the grasslands through ecological restoration and scientific management, making grazing more sustainable. We will also maximize compensation for the herders through government subsidies and insurance payouts.

I believe that through our efforts, we can surely find the optimal balance between humans and nature, allowing for harmonious coexistence. Qinghai is vast enough to accommodate countless living beings. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

One last question.

CRNTT:

We understand that Qinghai is building the world-class Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base. What advantages does Lenghu have in becoming a world-class astronomical observation base? What is the current status of the base's construction? Additionally, what can we expect once the base is completed? Thank you.

Wu Xiaojun:

I'll answer this question. Lenghu town in Mangya city, Haixi prefecture, in Qinghai's Qaidam Basin, is the most Mars-like place on Earth. There is a mountain there called Saishiteng Mountain, which stands over 4,200 meters high. Scientists say this area is cool, dry, and clean year-round, with no light pollution. It enjoys clear nights 70% of the time, providing over 300 days annually suitable for astronomical observation. This makes it the best location for astronomical observation in the Eastern Hemisphere. Traditionally, the best astronomical observation sites have been in the Western Hemisphere. The establishment of Lenghu town fills this gap, creating a comprehensive global network for time-domain and spatial-domain astronomical observations.

Currently, the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base has attracted over 10 research institutions and universities, including the National Astronomical Observatories, Purple Mountain Observatory, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and the University of Science and Technology of China, gathering scientific teams and large scientific facilities. Currently, 43 telescopes of various types have been introduced, including the well-known Micius Survey Telescope and three other telescopes, which have officially begun scientific observations. They have discovered over 200 main-belt asteroids and four near-Earth asteroids, achieving groundbreaking scientific results. Additionally, several large-diameter telescopes are being introduced and are currently under construction.

Regarding expectations, we believe the Lenghu Astronomical Observation Base will become an important international astronomical observation site and a significant platform for scientific exchange and cooperation between China and other countries. Furthermore, it will become a must-visit destination for astronomy enthusiasts and tourists. Moving forward, we will maintain a global perspective, encourage open cooperation, and adopt a future-oriented approach. Our goals include building the astronomical town, sharing compelling science stories, and innovating industry models. By promoting the integration of astronomical observation, ecological tourism, and green computing power, we aim to make Lenghu town a world-class astronomical observation base and an international ecological tourism destination.

Here, I would like to invite our media friends and people from all over the country to visit Lenghu and observe the brightest and most beautiful stars in the night sky. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Governor Wu Xiaojun, and thank you to all the speakers and reporters for participating. This concludes today's press conference.

Translated and edited by Liu Sitong, Huang Shan, Lin Liyao, Zhou Jing, Yan Bin, Li Xiao, Zhang Rui, Wang Yanfang, Yan Xiaoqing, Li Huiru, Wang Mengru, Wang Yiming, Xiang Bin, Yuan Fang, David Ball, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Yan Jinhai, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Xizang Autonomous Region

Mr. Xu Zhitao, vice chairman of Xizang Autonomous Region

Mr. Wang Niandong, secretary of Party Leadership Group and deputy director of the Development and Reform Commission of Xizang Autonomous Region

Mr. Wang Xiaodong, director of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Xizang Autonomous Region

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 23, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 22nd press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are very glad to be joined by Mr. Yan Jinhai, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Xizang Autonomous Region. Mr. Yan will brief you on promoting long-term stability and high-quality development in Xizang in the new era, and then take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Xu Zhitao, vice chairman of Xizang Autonomous Region; Mr. Wang Niandong, secretary of Party Leadership Group and deputy director of the Development and Reform Commission of Xizang Autonomous Region; and Mr. Wang Xiaodong, director of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Xizang Autonomous Region.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Yan for his introduction.

Yan Jinhai:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good afternoon. It is my pleasure to meet with you today on May 23. On this day 73 years ago, the "17-Article Agreement" was signed in Beijing, declaring the peaceful liberation of Xizang. The snow-covered plateau has since been embracing promising prospects and a new life. On such a special day, it is my honor to share with you the development stories of China's Xizang. Here, on behalf of the CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and the government of Xizang Autonomous Region, I would like to express my deep appreciation to people from all walks of life who have consistently taken interest in and supported Xizang's development.

General Secretary Xi Jinping attaches great importance to the work related to Xizang and deeply cares about people of all ethnic groups in the region. He has made three inspection tours to Xizang and also chaired two central symposiums on work related to the region, charting the course for its development and establishing CPC policies on governance of Xizang in the new era. Always keeping in mind General Secretary Xi's keen expectations, we have focused on maintaining stability, promoting development, improving the eco-environment, and strengthening border defense in Xizang. Moreover, we have also been dedicated to developing model communities of ethnic unity and progress in Xizang, and building it into a pioneering area for high-quality development of the plateau economy, a model in advancing eco-civilization, as well as a demonstration region for safeguarding, developing and bringing prosperity to border areas. Through these efforts, we have significantly enhanced the region's long-lasting security, stability and high-quality development. Since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Xizang's GDP has grown from 190 billion yuan to 240 billion yuan in 2023, with its per capita GDP rising from 52,300 yuan to 60,000 yuan. The growth rate of per capita disposable income in the region has consistently ranked among the highest nationwide for years. As a result, Xizang has been following a new path of high-quality development of the plateau economy, achieving specific accomplishments in the following areas:

First, with a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, we have been pooling strength for high-quality development. Centered on safeguarding national unity and enhancing ethnic solidarity, Xizang has led the country in introducing regulations and plans for establishing model communities of ethnic unity and progress. Currently, the creation of these communities has been comprehensively implemented across the autonomous region, as well as in its prefecture-level cities, counties, townships and villages. People of all ethnic groups have engaged in extensive interaction, exchange and integration, jointly safeguarding the sacred homeland and building a happy home. The people's sense of security and satisfaction remain over 99%. Barkhor Street in Lhasa, which General Secretary Xi Jinping visited in 2021, boasts a history of over 1,300 years. In over 100 residential compounds, people of more than 20 ethnic groups including Tibetan, Han, Hui and Monba live alongside one another, studying, working and enjoying life together. Just like "tea and salt," they are as close as family members, living together in harmony.

The stage play "Barkhor's Northern Courtyard," inspired by the stories of ethnic unity that happened on Barkhor Street in Lhasa, narrates heartwarming stories of individuals from different ethnic groups learning from and helping each other, living together as one family. In addition, as time progresses, individuals who contribute to fostering ethnic unity in this snow-covered plateau region, often revered as gesang flowers by the people of Xizang, have also traveled beyond the geographical barriers and taken root across the country. Not long ago, a Party and government delegation conducted an exchange tour in Changsha, central China's Hunan province. During a symposium with representatives of college students from Xizang who work in Hunan, we leant about Tenzin Drolkar, a Tibetan college graduate, who works as a primary-level staff member at a township government in Hunan's Zhuzhou. Not only did she learn the local dialect, but she also married a local man, with their child becoming an embodiment of ethnic unity.

Yan Jinhai:

Second, following region-specific strategies with clear priorities, we have been developing our distinct advantages in high-quality development. In accordance with our available resources and development conditions, we have selectively fostered the growth of new industries, new models and new growth drivers. We have continuously bolstered our unique and competitive sectors such as cultural tourism, specialized agriculture and animal husbandry, advanced digital industries and traditional Tibetan medicine. We have also expedited efforts to develop emerging industries such as plateau-appropriate light industry, in a bid to enhance our internal growth momentum. In terms of cultural tourism, as you are all aware, Xizang, with its unique natural landscape and ethnic culture, is a popular tourism destination for people around the world. In 2023, Xizang received 55.17 million visits by tourists from home and abroad, with total tourism revenue reaching 65.1 billion yuan, up 83.7% and 60%, respectively, both setting new records. Specifically, the number of foreign visitors amounted to nearly 20,000. In the first quarter of this year, the figure exceeded 4,300. In this sense, the tourism sector has truly become an industry that benefits local people. On May 15, I made an inspection tour to Cuogao village, Cuogao township in Gongbo'gyamda county in the city of Nyingchi. I learnt that all 438 villagers of the 108 households there used to rely on natural resources from the mountains and forests for their livelihoods, mostly by logging. Nowadays, after being relocated from inhospitable areas, every household now lives in a two-story building, with cement roads leading right up to their doorsteps. Most of the villagers run homestays, and the forests have been transformed into scenic spots. In 2023, the village's tourism revenue alone reached 2.36 million yuan, and the average per capita income amounted to 27,000 yuan, exceeding the average level of Xizang's rural residents by 7,000 yuan. The total income of one family in the village consisting of four family members reached 155,000 yuan last year, with 80,000 yuan coming solely from their homestay earnings.

In terms of distinctive agriculture and animal husbandry, Xizang saw a 14.9% increase in added value of the primary industry last year, with grain production consistently exceeding 1 million tons for nine consecutive years. Our efforts have focused on scientific breeding. Although yaks, known as the "boats of the plateau," are valuable, traditional breeding methods are time-consuming, and valuable byproducts such as yak bones and blood are often thrown away as useless things. Through selective breeding and efficient farming techniques at the Gesangtang Modern Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Industry Demonstration Park in Lhunzhub county, Lhasa, the yak breeding cycle has been shortened from eight to 12 years to just three to four years. This has significantly improved economic efficiency, increasing breeding profits by over 50% compared to traditional methods. Additionally, to turn yak bones into valuable resources, Lhasa has introduced a private enterprise producing yak bone ceramics. The highest-value ceramic artwork sells for up to 2 million yuan per piece, and the export price of the best ceramic thangka artwork is as high as $300,000. Last year, this enterprise achieved nearly 20 million yuan in sales, with an expected breakthrough of over 100 million yuan this year. Xizang's highland barley is rich in beta-glucan and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), both beneficial for the human body. Beta-glucan is known for its blood sugar-lowering effects, while GABA is recognized for its antioxidant properties and ability to prevent the development of atherosclerosis. In the past, despite living in cold, high-altitude areas, the people in Xizang maintained robust health due to barley and tea, even though fresh vegetables and fruits were scarce. In October last year, the Chinese team won the iba.UIBC.CUP of Bakers 2023 in Germany using highland barley flour from Shigatse. Currently, Xizang has developed over 70 varieties of superior barley seeds. The most widely planted varieties are Zangqing 2000 and Zangqing 3000. Last year, the total barley output reached 840,000 tons, a 6.1% increase from the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), enough to feed 310,000 more people. Xizang consumes 700,000 tons of highland barley annually, leaving a surplus of 140,000 tons. The remaining volume and 700,000 tons of barley stored by individuals are enough to meet the region's consumption needs for over a year. At present, we are extending the industrial chain with processed barley products such as barley wine, biscuits, noodles, and meal replacement powders, which are sold domestically and exported to countries and regions including Nepal and Canada.

In terms of the high-tech digital industry, Xizang's unique climate features of low sulfur, low temperature, low pressure, and low humidity, along with low-cost clean energy, provide unparalleled advantages for developing high-tech digital industries. Currently, Xizang hosts a national green data center, aiming to create the world's highest-altitude green big data center driven by innovation in computing power. With a planned investment of 11.8 billion yuan, it can accommodate 70,000 racks. Last year, the digital economy in Xizang exceeded 25 billion yuan, a 19% increase year on year.

Regarding Xizang's medicine industry, sales of the most popular traditional medicine, Seventy-flavor Pearl Pills, reached 147 million yuan last year.

In terms of the light industry, Xizang's independently developed Snow Lotus and Gesang Flower branded cookware products suitable for plateau areas, including pressure soup pots and frying pans, have obtained 18 national patents and sold 840,000 pieces over the past two years. Due to the high-altitude and low-oxygen environment in Xizang, in cities like Lhasa, water boils at 82 degrees Celsius, which is insufficient for adequately cooking dumplings or noodles. By combining our country's advanced technologies with local market demand, we have developed pressure cookers suitable for the plateau environment, fundamentally solving the problem of insufficient boiling and undercooking. In Xizang, it is common for us to drink hot water in big gulps, and this habit persists even when we are in Beijing, sometimes leading to mouth burns.

Yan Jinhai:

Third, we adhere to a people-centered development philosophy, demonstrating our commitment to high-quality development. We continue to implement 10 key livelihood projects, effectively carrying out initiatives such as school heating supply projects, oxygen supply in border counties and towns, heating supply in public hospitals in counties and districts, and addressing seasonal water shortages in high-altitude agricultural and pastoral areas. We vigorously improve infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, communication, and housing, leading to a profound transformation in the lives of people of all ethnic groups, manifested by the transition from water buckets to tap water, from oil lamps to electric lights, from dirt roads to paved roads, and from felt tents to tile-roofed houses. Now, all primary and secondary schools in Xizang have heating supply.

We have solved the water shortage problem. In the past, many high-altitude areas in Xizang faced seasonal water shortages, especially in places with cold winter climates where tap water was unavailable. The reason was that construction engineering in high-altitude areas is carried out in summer when the ground-water level is high. During well drilling in summer, construction workers often assumed they had reached the bottom when they saw water gush out. However, the water table would drop in winter, causing tap water to stop flowing. To tackle this problem, we have stepped up infrastructure efforts, mainly through burying pipelines deep and installing electric water pipe heating wires. With a simple activation, tap water can now be heated and made available within 15 minutes.

We have tackled electricity shortages. Ten years ago, the main power grid in Xizang only covered 40 counties, supplying electricity to less than half of the population. By the end of 2020, the last prefecture-level administrative area in the region, Ngari Prefecture, was connected to the main power grid, achieving full coverage in all 74 counties and districts. 

We have solved transportation problems. Currently, the region's highway mileage exceeds 120,000 kilometers, with all counties, townships and administrative villages having access to asphalt or paved roads. Its expressway mileage reaches 1,105 kilometers. All the seven prefecture-level cities, except Qamdo city and Ngari prefecture at the eastern and western ends, have now access to expressways. The Fuxing high-speed trains have also reached the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Previously, it took about a week to travel by car from Lhasa city to Nyingchi city, less than 500 kilometers apart. After the opening of the expressway in 2019 and the railway in 2021, it now takes only three and a half hours to travel between them. People can go to Nyingchi on some errand in the morning and return to Lhasa in the afternoon.

We have resolved difficulties in communication. In 2012, only 4% of our administrative villages had access to optical fiber broadband, and smartphones were then a rare luxury for many people. Nowadays, optical fiber broadband and 4G signals have achieved full coverage in all administrative villages of the region. In rural and pastoral areas, as well as in the countryside, mobile phones have become tools that bring wealth. For example, Ajiawangmu, a self-media anchor from Nyingchi city, promotes and sells chili peppers from Nangxian county via livestreams. Last year, the chili peppers generated an output of 15.5 million yuan, benefiting 1,856 households and 5,565 individuals, with an average increase in income of over 5,800 yuan per household.

We have eased housing difficulties. Currently, the per capita floor space of rural residents in the region reaches 41.32 square meters, an increase of 11.74 square meters compared to 2012. For example, in Caiqutang village, Yangbajing town, Damxung county, situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters, villagers used to live in earthen or stone houses. However, now they have all been replaced with two-story brick houses, and each household has access to hot spring water in their courtyard, since Yangbajing has abundant geothermal resources. The Tibetan Medicine Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region has also established a research base for the prevention and treatment of rheumatic diseases in the village, where villagers can enjoy free hot spring baths and acupuncture treatments.

We have worked out ways to help people get rich. In 2023, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in the region reached nearly 20,000 yuan, an increase of over 5,300 yuan compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), representing a growth of 36.5%. For example, there is Tuiwa village, located in Nagarze county, Shannan city, at the northern foot of the Himalayas. This village, situated at an altitude of 5,070 meters, is known as the closest village to the sky. During the poverty alleviation campaign, all its 152 villagers from 40 households moved into houses built by the government. The first college student of the village, Dowang, returned home after graduation and opened a guesthouse called "5070." Through specialized farming and rural tourism, villagers here achieved a per capita income of over 20,000 yuan last year. This newfound life is beyond the wildest dreams of the villagers who previously relied on traditional herding.

Yan Jinhai:

Fourth, we prioritize ecological conservation and highlight it as the defining feature of high-quality development. We resolutely implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, who emphasized that "protecting the ecological environment of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is the greatest contribution to the survival and development of the Chinese nation" and urged us to "transform the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau into a highland of ecological conservation at the national and international levels." Since 2015, the Party Committee and the government of Xizang autonomous region have never approved any energy-intensive, high-emission, or low-level projects. As a result, the living beings, vegetation, and vast mountains and waters on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau have received the most effective protection. Currently, the protected natural areas in Xizang autonomous region account for 36% of its total land area, while the areas protected within "ecological conservation red lines" cover over 50% of the region. Xizang features approximately 16.5% of the total water resources in China, 30% of the grassland area, 41% of the glacier area, 18.3% of the wetland area, and 40% of the lake area in the country. The results of the second scientific expedition to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau show that the total water volume on the Plateau exceeds 9 trillion cubic meters, equivalent to the annual runoff of the Yellow River over 150 years or the Yangtze River over 10 years. The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has achieved overall carbon neutrality. Xizang remains one of the world's best-preserved ecological regions. For instance, in terms of wildlife, well-known Tibetan antelopes had a population of only around 30,000 at its lowest point in history. However, the number has now increased to 300,000. Similarly, the population of black-necked cranes has exceeded 10,000. In Doilungdeqen district of Lhasa city, there is a valley called Nehnang Valley, where proof of rare wildlife such as snow leopards, alpine musk deer, red foxes, and Tibetan snowcocks has been captured by infrared cameras. While driving on the Qinghai-Xizang Highway, it is common to encounter packs of wild wolves, Tibetan wild donkeys, and Tibetan antelopes. In terms of wild plants, the most famous tree in Xizang is Cupressus gigantea, aged 3,229 years, which has been certified as the world's oldest of its kind. There is also Asia's tallest tree, a Tibetan cypress tree in Tongmai village, Bomi county, with a height of 102.3 meters. Xizang is also home to many well-preserved 1,000-year-old walnut groves and sea buckthorn forests. For example, there is a walnut grove in Gyaca county, Shannan city, recognized as the world's largest 1,000-year-old walnut grove, with over 3,600 walnut trees planted together for over 1,000 years. A large number of Xizang residents have also gained benefits from our efforts to protect the environment and promote ecological progress. Currently, Xizang provides 440,000 ecological conservation jobs throughout the region each year, bringing an additional income of 3,500 yuan per person per year. We are vigorously implementing greening programs in the northern and southern mountains of Lhasa. In 2022 and 2023, a total of 380,000 mu (25,333.33 hectares) of land has been afforested. Now, we have obviously achieved a virtuous cycle of ecosystems in certain areas of Lhasa, where we can see clouds covering mountaintops and cloud belts appearing in mountain valleys during the summer.

Fifth, we continue to boost development, raise living standards in border areas, and expand opening-up in order to create ample space for high-quality development. We have always prioritized both military development and public welfare in border regions to ensure stability and prosperity. We have consistently improved public services and infrastructure in these areas. Four national-level ports in Xizang, including Gyirong, Burang, Zham and Lektse, facilitate passenger and freight interflow between China and neighboring countries. Additionally, 15 traditional border trade points have been authorized to resume operations. Last year, our total imports and exports reached a historic record of 1 million yuan. The Lhasa Comprehensive Bonded Zone, which began operations in July 2022, is Xizang's first and only comprehensive bonded zone. It has attracted Xizang's first chip-processing project, established its first cross-border e-commerce store, and launched its first new energy vehicle export business, achieving a total trade volume of nearly 1.7 billion yuan. Through deepened openness and cooperation, more products made in Xizang are reaching global markets from the plateau. Last year, Xizang exported 310 metric tons of mineral water to countries like Singapore, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. In April, 23 metric tons of Xizang apples were exported to Nepal through the Gyirong port, marking the first locally grown fruit from Xizang to be exported.

Currently, Xizang is embracing a strategic opportunity for high-quality development, leveraging its advantages in politics, policy, resources, population, and its distinct advantages as a late comer. The future holds infinite possibilities. We will rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important directives on the work related to Xizang and the Party's policies for the governance of Xizang in the new era, and focus on our major priorities and initiatives. We will resolutely prioritize high-quality development, cultivate new quality productive forces suited to local conditions, continuously expand effective investment, accelerate the upgrading of consumer spending quality, vigorously develop distinctive industries, further advance rural revitalization strategy and continue deepening reform and opening-up. Our goal is to open a new chapter for Xizang's role in Chinese modernization and make new contributions to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely invite friends from the media to visit Xizang. Seeing is believing. We hope you can present a comprehensive, objective, and true image of Xizang to the world through your visits and writings.

That's all for my opening remarks. Thank you, everyone.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Yan, for your introduction. We now move to the Q&A session. Please state the news outlet you represent before raising your questions. The floor is now open for questions.

The Paper:

Xizang is known as the "roof of the world" and "water tower of Asia." I would like to ask, what are the main approaches and strategies of the autonomous region in advancing the construction of a Beautiful Xizang? Thank you.

Wang Xiaodong:

Thank you for your question. As we know, Xizang, with its blue skies, lush landscapes, clear waters, and beautiful scenery, is hailed as the "roof of the world" and "water tower of Asia." It provides a pristine environment in which local residents live and thrive.

In recent years, Xizang's ecological foundation for high-quality socioeconomic development has been further strengthened amid our drive to implement the construction of national ecological security shields. Green and low-carbon industries have been expanding, such as clean energy and the digital economy. Our cultural and tourism sectors particularly emphasize Xizang's pristine environment as their most attractive feature. For instance, the "Winter Tourism in Xizang" program has become increasingly popular, attracting visitors to experience the blue skies, white clouds, sunshine, snow-capped mountains, and lakes. While these green industries boost high-quality development, we have also created over 440,000 eco-related jobs. More than 2.2 million rural residents benefit from grassland ecological conservation and environmental protection grants. The people of Xizang are gaining increasing benefits from our ecological efforts.

Looking ahead, we will accelerate the development of a national demonstration area for ecological conservation, focusing on five key aspects: First, we will strive to demonstrate the beauty of Xizang in its green development. We will improve the development of China's geographical space, accelerating the transition towards greener development modes and lifestyles. We aim to provide the cleanest energy sources, the purest products, and the most beautiful landscapes so that more people can enjoy the high-quality living that comes with green development. Second, we will strive to improve Xizang's environmental quality. We will continue our efforts to keep the skies blue, waters clear, and lands clean, and comprehensively improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ecological governance to make Xizang even more beautiful and increase its ecological value. Third, we will focus on protecting Xizang's natural ecological landscape. We will take a holistic and systematic approach to the protection and conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, desert and ice ecosystems, advance the building of Qiangtang and Mount Qomolangma national parks, and create a series of beautiful countryside areas, lakes, and glaciers with distinctive plateau characteristics. Fourth, we will strive to safeguard ecological harmony in Xizang. We will coordinate the development of different green resources, actively cultivate ecological industries, and improve the protection system for ecological security to enhance the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the plateau's ecological system. Fifth, we will safeguard the beauty of Xizang through laws and governance. We will advance the legislative process for local laws on glacier resource protection, water pollution prevention and control, and the implementation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Ecological Protection Law. By improving systems for ecological conservation, we aim to build a beautiful Xizang through collaboration, participation, and shared benefits. We will continue our efforts to make Xizang a model for the Beautiful China Initiative. Thank you.

Correo del Orinoco:

What is the projected number of tourists and visitors to Xizang in 2024? Do you have specific plans to attract more visitors to Xizang? Thank you.

Xu Zhitao:

Thank you for your questions. Xizang boasts magnificent natural scenery and a unique, long-standing ethnic culture, particularly the harmonious coexistence of the Tibetan people with nature, which unsurprisingly attracts tourists. Visitors to Xizang can experience diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, lakes, forests, grasslands, deserts, and glaciers. You can also see majestic palaces, beautiful temples, and residences with unique architectural styles. In Xizang, you can hear the melodious sounds of the Zhanian, a unique Tibetan musical instrument, and the soulful pastoral songs that resonate throughout the region. These elements always surprise and delight tourists on their journeys. As a result, Xizang's tourism industry has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, 158 million trips were made to Xizang, 2.3 times that of the 12th Five-Year Plan period. In 2023, 55.17 million trips by domestic and international tourists were made to Xizang, an increase of 83.7% compared to 2022. We are confident that we can still achieve double-digit growth in 2024. Of course, we also face certain challenges and bottlenecks in developing tourism, especially the lack of convenient tourism transportation infrastructure in Xizang. Because of the region's vastness, many tourists visiting Xizang face high transportation costs and significant time expenditures. Additionally, Xizang's tourism sector needs to better integrate culture and tourism, as many parts of the tourism economy still relies heavily on ticket sales at scenic areas. Another significant bottleneck lies in addressing the concerns of altitude sickness among domestic and international tourists, given Xizang's average altitude of over 4,000 meters. We need to do a significant amount of work to scientifically explain altitude sickness and alleviate the various problems it causes.

Going forward, we will focus on the following aspects to propel the development of tourism in Xizang:

First, we will strengthen top-level design. Following the recent National Tourism Development Conference, the autonomous region will soon implement the guiding principles of the conference and hold the Xizang Autonomous Region Cultural Tourism Industry Development Conference. Here, we plan to release the Xizang Cultural Tourism Industry Development Plan. Through several years of efforts, we aim to build several cultural tourism corridors and world-class tourist attractions that embody Chinese cultural identity and the national ecological civilization in the highland. We endeavor to establish and promote cultural and tourism brands nationwide and even worldwide.

Second, we will promote the integration of culture and tourism. We will create immersive ethnic cultural tourism experiences, establish the "Chinese Cuisine: Tibetan Flavors" food brand, promote unique Tibetan medicinal products for health preservation and weight loss, and systematically develop deep experiential tourism activities such as high-altitude hiking and study tours.

Third, we will accelerate the pace of opening-up to the outside world. On the one hand, we aim to enrich inbound tourism routes and products in Xizang, improve the efficiency of procedures for entering Xizang, and address issues such as language translation and payment convenience. This will attract more international tourists to visit Xizang. On the other hand, we are also developing outbound tourism products to enable the people of Xizang to conveniently travel and sightsee in various countries and regions worldwide.

Fourth, we will enhance the quality of services. We plan to open more direct routes to domestic cities and international destinations, attract more investment enterprises to enter the Xizang cultural tourism market, improve the high-altitude rescue linkage mechanism, strengthen supervision of the cultural tourism market, and provide tourists with a better overall experience. Thank you.

CCTV:

Mr. Yan has just given a brief introduction to Xizang's economic and social development. Could you please provide more details on the specific explorations and practices in stabilizing growth, expanding consumption, and increasing momentum? Thank you.

Yan Jinhai:

First, thank you for your question. There was a popular song in Xizang in the past, and the lyrics go like this: "The Himalayas, though tall, have peaks; the Yarlung Tsangpo, though long, has its source." Every new step and achievement in the economic and social development of Xizang is rooted in the leadership of the CPC, the special care of the CPC Central Committee, and the tremendous superiority of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. As I just introduced, last year, the entire region's total GDP was nearly 240 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 9.5%, ranking first in the country. Last year, the total fiscal resources of the entire region reached 380 billion yuan, and the per capita fiscal resources also ranked first nationwide. However, last year, the revenue in the local general public budget was only 24 billion yuan, meaning that for every yuan spent in Xizang, more than 90% came from the central government. Under the caring guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, and with selfless assistance from people of all ethnic groups across the country, we always remember their entrustment and forge ahead with gratitude. We are fully committed to stabilizing growth, expanding consumption, and increasing momentum, steadily promoting the high-quality development of the plateau economy to new heights.

First, investment remains the main driving force for high-quality development in Xizang. We have established and vigorously promoted mechanisms such as provincial-level leadership responsibility for major projects, specialized service teams, list-based scheduling, joint review and approval for key projects, and the "green guarantee channel." Prioritizing successful investment execution, we have adopted an approach targeting on key projects. This approach features enterprises submitting checklist, government on-site office support and strict adherence to defied timeframes. Last year, nearly 80 billion yuan of central government investment was utilized, resulting in a 35% increase in fixed asset investment, the highest growth rate in the nation. From January to April this year, fixed asset investment in the entire region increased by 27.9%. Particularly encouraging is that private investment increased by 18.6%, also ranking first nationwide in terms of growth.

Second, consumption has become the "ballast" for high-quality development in Xizang. We have implemented the "Happy Xizang, Enjoyable Consumption" special action, directly driving consumption by nearly 3.2 billion yuan. We are developing new business forms such as the holiday economy and nighttime economy. Last year, Lhasa was selected as one of China's top 100 cities for nighttime economic prosperity. The total retail sales of consumer goods in the region increased by 21% year on year, outpacing all other regions in the country. During this year's May Day holiday, within five days, 591 cars were sold in Lhasa, generating nearly 80 million yuan in sales revenue.

Third, the business environment is a critical foundation for the high-quality development of Xizang. We have always followed the market law of "releasing more water to nourish more fish in the pond" and have made consistent efforts to optimize the business environment. We have carried out programs to achieve the four standards of administrative approval with the least number of items, the shortest timeframe, optimized processing and best services. The number of items for administrative approval has been reduced from 347 to 182, and all of the items can be processed online. People no longer need to access these services in person, but can turn to online channels. We have also tapped every means possible to reduce the burdens placed on enterprises as well, implemented the central government's various preferential policies such as tax and fee reductions, reducing or exempting a total of 24.4 billion yuan over the past three years. Xizang's local fiscal revenue was only 24 billion yuan last year. We have made great efforts to help market entities to sustain themselves and assure success for the future. For example, there is a company that produces highland barley liquor in the Lhasa Economic Development Zone in Xizang and it has benefited from government tax cuts, subsidies, and rebates totaling 106 million yuan between 2012 and 2023. 

Fourth, opening-up is the only path for high-quality development of Xizang. We have adhered to expanding a circle of friends for opening up and cooperation. Last year, we successfully held the 5th China Xizang International Tourism and Culture Expo, the 3rd China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation, the 1st Xizang Forum on Strengthening the Sense of Community of the Chinese Nation and the 1st Namcha Barwa Forum, where over 450 foreign guests from more than 80 countries gathered on the snowy plateau to seek a common vision of cooperation. Last year, Xizang carried out import and export trade with 175 countries and regions, with the total value of imported and exported goods increased by 138.3%. From January to April this year, the total foreign trade volume of the region reached 2.8 billion yuan, with an increase of 201.7%. 

Today, Xizang can be said to have stable politics, harmonious society, thriving economy, healthy ecosystems, ethnic unity and religious harmony. People enjoy peace and contentment toward work and life; everything is thriving and flourishing. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

We have noticed that Xizang is located in a plateau and boasts resources with local characteristics including highland agriculture, animal husbandry and clean energy. How will these resources with local characteristics be utilized in order to develop these distinctive and competitive industries? And what progress has been made? Thank you.

Wang Niandong:

Thanks to the reporter from the Phoenix TV for your questions. Just as you mentioned, Xizang is endowed with many resources, which Mr. Yan and Mr. Xu both just mentioned in their exchanges with reporters. CPC Xizang Autonomous Regional Committee and the People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region have proposed to develop nine industries consistent with local conditions, such as cultural tourism, clean energy, agriculture and animal husbandry, Tibetan medicine and general aviation. Initial progress has already been achieved through the last few year's efforts. It has become a consensus among people that the National Highway 318 is a must-visit place for road trips and many people are yearning to travel there. The world-class landscape highway G219, a major artery running through China's western border areas, is named as "the road of the nation" by many driving enthusiasts. The large-scale true-to-life epic musical "Princess Wencheng" is a highlight of Tibetan cultural tourism and has been include in the National Tourism and Performance Excellence List. Bomi County and Medog County in Xizang were placed on the list of China's most beautiful counties.

Xizang has abundant clean energy resources. Around 30% of our annual investment in key construction projects is to support the construction of clean energy projects. Xizang is changing from traditional butter lamp lighting in homes to clean electricity that is generated and transmitted from the plateau. Currently, Xizang's installed power-generating capacity that has been constructed or is under construction has reached 24.14 million kilowatts, of which over 95% is from clean energy, ranking among the top in China. The main power grid extends to 74 counties or districts within the autonomous region.

In recent years, we have vigorously developed highland barley, yaks, Tibetan sheep, Tibetan pigs, Tibetan chickens and other quality resource industries with plateau characteristics through scientific and technological empowerment. We have bred seven high-yield new varieties of highland barley, such as Zangqing 3000, as well as multiple new livestock and poultry varieties, such as semi-fine wool sheep and snow land white chickens. In 2023, the total grain output in the entire autonomous region stayed above 1 million tons, of which the output of highland barley was over 840,000 tons, with an increase of 1.4%. We have vigorously developed local characteristic agriculture, with the vegetable production of greenhouses last year reaching 880,000 tons, an increase of 8.4%.To ensure food security, we have built a Xizang rice planting base of 20,000 mu in Beidahuang Agricultural Reclamation Group. The new rice produced from the base has begun to be supplied to the Xizang market. We have promoted the inheritance and development of the Tibetan medicine industry, with the Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO and the Four Medical Tantras on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The first Tibetan medical equipment in China, a single-use Tibetan medical bloodletting kit, has been released on the market. The total output value of the Tibetan medicine industry has reached 3.1 billion yuan, rising by 23.8%.

Distinctive and competitive local industries in Xizang have taken shape and their benefits are steadily increasing. Next, we will increase financial input, step up innovation and accelerate the improvement of major infrastructure such as water, electricity and telecommunications. We will optimize the environment of development, give full play to policy incentives, tap into resource advantages, show location advantages and make good use of the latecomer's advantages. We will smooth the economic cycle and leverage our diverse strengths to propel our development. Thank you.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

Chinese culture has a long history, and Xizang boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. What measures has Xizang taken in cultural preservation and development? Looking ahead, what plans are there to continue promoting cultural prosperity and development? Thank you.

Xu Zhitao:

Thank you for your questions. The culture of Xizang has been created by people of all ethnic groups living on the plateau over thousands of years. It has been enriched and developed through interactions and mutual learning with Central Plain Culture and surrounding cultures. Xizang culture has a long history and unique forms. It is a treasure of Chinese culture and an important component of it. At the same time, Xizang culture enjoys a high reputation and is deeply loved by many people and countries worldwide.

The People's Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region attaches great importance to the preservation and development of Xizang culture. First, we aim to protect the valuable cultural heritage left by our ancestors. Xizang now has three national famous historical and cultural cities and five famous historical and cultural towns, with 50 traditional villages added to the state protection list. Tibetan opera, Gesar epic tradition, and Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa have been included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace of Lhasa has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Second, culture should be shared by the people. With the support of the CPC Central Committee, all of the more than 5,000 administrative villages in Xizang have established their own art troupes, spreading across the plateau like Galsang flowers to perform folk songs and dances and Tibetan operas for villagers. At present, there are various full-time and part-time art performing troupes consisting of 100,000 people, and there are over 100,000 free or subsidized performances every year. In recent years, libraries, ancient book museums, and intangible cultural heritage museums have been built in famous temples in Xizang, such as Jokhang Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Nenang Nunnery. This allows monks and nuns to better access various kinds of knowledge and enables more people, including tourists, experts and scholars, to learn about the cultural treasures housed in these temples. Third, culture should serve economic development and improve people's living standards. Xizang now has 106 items listed as state-level representative intangible cultural heritage items and 460 at autonomous region level. Hundreds of intangible cultural heritage workshops distributed throughout the region are not only a platform for cultural inheritance but also an important channel for ordinary people to increase their income. At present, there are over 8,000 cultural enterprises of various types. The output of the cultural industry in Xizang has reached 8.987 billion yuan in 2023, with an increase of 42% on a year-on-year basis.

Regarding our follow-up plans, while preserving Xizang culture as a treasure of Chinese culture, we will further innovate our working ideas and optimize supporting elements to promote the prosperity and development of Xizang culture. We will focus on conducting a survey of cultural artifacts and intangible cultural heritage to understand our resources better and promote the creative transformation and innovative development of more fine traditional cultures. We aim to create high-quality literary and artistic works that become well-known nationwide, like "Laundry Song" and "A Walk in New Lhasa," and create more good songs, plays, and operas with Xizang characteristics that can be popular in the new era. We will further build the culture and tourism industry into an important pillar industry in Xizang, bringing more benefits to people of all ethnic groups and meeting people's expectations for a better life through the high-quality development of culture and tourism. Thank you. 

Shou Xiaoli:

Due to time constraints, we will have one last question.

China News Service:

What comparative advantages does Xizang have in the new pattern of high-quality development? What are the future considerations and plans? Thank you.

Yan Jinhai:

I'll answer the questions. Concerning the comparative strengths of Xizang, we can quote General Secretary Xi Jinping. In September 2021, during his visit to Haojiaqiao village, Suide county, Yulin city of Shaanxi province, General Secretary Xi Jinping said that to ensure people living in mountainous areas get rich and live a better life, we must rely on good policies, people's efforts, and local resources. Xizang is located on a snow-covered plateau and is large but sparsely populated, with high mountains and deep ravines. Its population density is less than three people per square kilometer. All the achievements we have so far made in high-quality development depend on good policies, people's efforts, and local resources, which are also the key to continuing to achieve high-quality development.

Our political and policy strengths are self-evident. I will just talk about Xizang's advantages in clean energy. First, Lhasa is known as the city of sunshine, with 3,500 hours of sunshine per year. Xizang's technically exploitable solar power resources are equal to 9.8 billion kilowatts, with hydropower resources at 170 million kilowatts and wind energy resources at 180 million kilowatts. Excluding geothermal energy and pumped storage hydropower, Xizang's total installed capacity exceeds 10 billion kilowatts, all of which is clean energy. Just now, my colleagues have made comprehensive presentations of Xizang's tourism resources as well as the agriculture and animal husbandry with plateau characteristics. Anything that can be grown and raised in Xizang will have the best quality in the world. These are our comparative advantages. In the 1980s, Comrade Deng Xiaoping once said that Xizang has a vast land, a small population, and rich resources, and that it can take the lead in achieving modernization as long as it chooses the right path. We also have strengths in population. Xizang is the least populous among 31 province-level administrative regions, with a population of 3.65 million last year. Based on the current natural population growth rate of 8.7‰, the total population of Xizang will be only 4.2 million by 2035. By developing our advantageous resources, it is entirely possible for Xizang to rank among the top in the nation in terms of per capita income by 2035. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, we are confident and determined to lead the people of Xizang to a better and happier life. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to Mr. Yan and all other the speakers. Thank you to our media friends for your participation. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Zhu Bochen, Huang Shan, Wang Yanfang, Liu Caiyi, Wang Ziteng, Xu Kailin, Wang Wei, Liu Sitong, Zhang Junmian, Guo Yiming, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, Tom Arnstein, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Mr. Chen Weijun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Ms. Sun Hongmei, vice chairperson of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Mr. Wang Kuiran, secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission and deputy director of the commission

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 21, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 21st press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to brief you on Xinjiang's practices in advancing Chinese modernization with breakthroughs in high-quality development, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Chen Weijun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; Ms. Sun Hongmei, vice chairperson of the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region; and Mr. Wang Kuiran, secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Development and Reform Commission and deputy director of the commission.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz for his introduction. 

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to meet you here. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee, Xinjiang regional government, and the people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your long-term interest in as well as support and assistance for Xinjiang. 

The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core attaches great importance to the work related to Xinjiang, and shows special care for the people of all ethnic groups in the region. General Secretary Xi Jinping once stated, with deep affection, that he has always closely followed the development and progress of Xinjiang. He made consecutive visits to Xinjiang in 2022 and 2023, where he delivered important speeches and made significant instructions, charting the course and drawing the blueprint for the region. 

Over the past two years, the central government's transfer payments to Xinjiang have reached 1.05 trillion yuan, while 19 provinces and cities provided pairing assistance to Xinjiang, collectively offering over 39 billion yuan of funds. Through these efforts, the 25.98 million residents of diverse ethnic groups in Xinjiang have deeply felt the special care from General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, as well as the profound friendship of the people across the nation. 

We have consistently kept in mind the instructions and pressed ahead with gratitude, firmly adhering to Xinjiang's strategic positioning in the country's overall development. We have fully and faithfully implemented the Party's strategy for governing Xinjiang on all fronts, coordinated development and security as well as opening-up and stability, and promoted high-quality development with a focus on improving people's well-being. Last year, the growth rates of the six major indicators in Xinjiang, namely GDP, investment, consumption, imports and exports, fiscal revenue, and residents' income, all ranked among the top five nationwide, making it the best year in recent times in terms of the quality and efficiency of the region's economic and social development. 

First, we have promoted high-standard domestic and external opening-up, working to build Xinjiang into a crucial corridor connecting Asia and Europe and a gateway for the country's westward opening-up. We have adhered to the principle of "welcoming in and going global," and enhanced high-level visits and practical cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, especially the five Central Asian countries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. We have deepened exchanges and cooperation with provinces and cities providing pairing assistance to Xinjiang as well as neighboring provinces and regions. The construction of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone has been fully initiated, securing a historical breakthrough in Xinjiang's opening-up. In the past two years, Xinjiang's imports and exports have increased by 57% and 45.9%, respectively. The China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains passing through Xinjiang have made up over 60% of the national total, with the "Tianshan" freight train services operating regularly. Xinjiang is opening its door even wider. 

Second, we have been actively fostering a modern industrial system to cultivate a strategic fulcrum for the new development pattern. Leveraging Xinjiang's resource endowments and industrial foundation, we have accelerated the development of eight major industrial clusters, including oil and gas, coal, coal-fired power and coal-based chemicals , green mining, and strategic emerging industries. Now, the industrial system integrating the primary, secondary and tertiary industries is becoming increasingly sound. Driven by major projects, we have advanced the implementation of 11 100-billion-yuan level projects across Xinjiang and 11 10-billion-yuan level projects in southern Xinjiang. Last year, the output of industrial silicon and polysilicon increased by 27.3% and 26.8%, respectively. The number of tourists reached a record high, with tourism revenue increasing by 2.27 times. The development of a number of high-level innovation platforms such as the Xinjiang base of the Huairou Laboratory and a laboratory of photovoltaic materials and batteries, has been expedited, empowering the transformation and upgrading of industries. We have actively absorbed industries transferred from the central and eastern regions of the country, constantly exploring effective pathways to serve and integrate into the new development pattern. 

Third, we have furthered the construction of the "three bases and one corridor," with the aim of establishing a national strategic base for energy and resource security. Based on the nation's needs and Xinjiang's capacities, we have constantly advanced the construction of the national large-scale base for oil and gas production, processing and storage, the national large-scale base for coal, coal-fired power and coal-based chemicals, the national large-scale base for wind power, and the national energy and resources land corridor, representing Xinjiang's contributions to ensuring national energy and key mineral resources security. In 2023, Xinjiang's oil and gas production equivalent reached 66.06 million metric tons, ranking first nationwide for three consecutive years. The increase in raw coal production stood at 46 million metric tons, with the growth ranking second nationwide. The installed capacity of new energy such as wind and photovoltaic power has exceeded 70 million kilowatts, representing nearly one-fifth of the region's total . Xinjiang supplied 120 million metric tons of locally produced coal and 126.3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to other parts of the country in 2023 , illuminating and warming countless households across the country.

Fourth, we have accelerated agricultural development to invigorate the autonomous region, forging an important national supply base for quality agricultural and animal husbandry products. We have focused on ensuring national food security and the security of important agricultural product supplies, leveraging the advantages and releasing the potential of modern agriculture. In 2023, food output increased by over 6 billion jin (3 million metric tons), accounting for 34.4% of the total national increase. After achieving a balance of food supply and demand within its jurisdiction, with slight surpluses, the autonomous region now produces additional food to supply other parts of the nation. Its cotton output has reached 5.112 million metric tons, accounting for 91% of the national total, with a mechanical harvest rate of 89%. The main quality indicators were the best of the past five years. The output of aquatic products reached 183,900 metric tons, ranking first among the five provincial regions in the northwest of China. Salmon and other seafood produced in Xinjiang have become new favorites nationwide.

Fifth, we have firmly safeguarded ethnic unity and national reunification, creating a strategic shield of national geo-security. We have insisted on law-based governance, achieving stability through unity, nurturing people's souls with culture, enriching the public, bringing prosperity, and developing the region with a long-term goal. The entire society has continued to improve, with the perception of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation developing deep roots. The sinicization of Islam has made solid progress in Xinjiang. Interaction, exchange, and integration among various ethnic groups have expanded. More than 75% of fiscal expenditures were used to ensure and improve the people's wellbeing, capitalizing on development achievements to continuously improve people's lives and rally their support.

In the first quarter of this year, Xinjiang's GDP grew by 5.6% year on year, with the total value added of the industrial enterprises above the designated size increasing by 8%. Fixed-asset investment rose 12.8%, general public budget revenue grew by 10.7%, and foreign trade surged by 42.7%. Key indicators outperformed expectations, marking a strong start. Going forward, we will continue to thoroughly implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and instructions, and practice the strategy for the governance of Xinjiang in the new era in a thorough, accurate, and comprehensive manner. Our aim is to improve livelihoods, strengthen social cohesion, promote high-quality socioeconomic development, and make new and greater contributions to building a great country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Recently, the TV series "To the Wonder" has received widespread attention and sparked heated discussions. We sincerely invite everyone to visit Xinjiang, discover its beauty, and be enchanted by our hospitality. 

I will end my introduction here. Thank you, everyone!

Xing Huina:

The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the news agency you represent before raising questions. 

CCTV:

Xinjiang has demonstrated unique strengths in producing agricultural and animal husbandry products, including grain, cotton, fruit, beef and mutton. What are your considerations for developing modern agriculture in Xinjiang? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thank you for the question. I will answer it myself. As the lyrics of "The Wonderful Xinjiang" depict, there are excellent pastures to the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains; rocky areas and deserts have been transformed into fertile fields; and grapes, melons, and other fruits taste exceptionally sweet. Xinjiang has unique advantages for carrying out our work on agriculture, rural areas and farmers. Thanks to its unique photo-thermal conditions and soil and water resources, Xinjiang has achieved coordinated and efficient water resource utilization. Last year, the grain planting area reached 42.372 million mu (about 2.825 million hectares), an increase of 5.863 million mu, accounting for more than 60% of the total increase nationwide. Grain output stood at 42.38 billion jin, increasing by 6.11 billion jin, accounting for more than 30% of the national increase, with a per unit area output of 1,000 jin. The increases in planting area and grain output ranked first nationwide for two consecutive years, and grain output per unit area ranked second across the country. As a national base for producing quality cotton, Xinjiang's total output and per unit area output of cotton have both ranked first nationally for 30 years in a row. Through these achievements, Xinjiang has ensured food security for locals and positively contributed to ensuring the national security of grain and other important agricultural products.

From a new starting point, we will adhere to our goals for developing strengths in agriculture, spare no effort to build an important national base to supply quality agricultural and animal husbandry products, and implement the major strategy of all-around rural revitalization through solid steps. First, we will further improve the capacity to supply grain and other important agricultural products. Utilizing favorable natural and climate conditions as well as ample farmland, we will explore the potential of water resources, striving to maintain a total cotton output of more than 5 million metric tons and increase grain output by at least 2 billion jin this year. We are creating a "granary in western China" and aim to provide more Xinjiang-produced grain to feed the country. Second, we will make special efforts to step up the clustered development of agriculture and related industries, involving grain and oil, cotton, textile and apparel, green and organic fruit and vegetables, and quality animal husbandry products. We will empower leading enterprises, complete industrial chains, foster new business formats, and cultivate famous brands, with the aim of quickly establishing a modern agricultural industrial system. You may have heard Xinjiang folk songs extolling local fruit products, such as grapes from Turpan, melons from Hami, and fragrant pears from Korla. Xinjiang will continue to build its reputation as a land of fruits, promoting more quality agricultural products to become household names, such as Kashgar pomegranates, Aksu apples, and Hotan jujubes. It is also well known that Xinjiang produces quality beef and mutton, as the cattle and sheep here drink melted snow water flowing down the Tianshan Mountains and eat natural grass. Xinjiang's lamb skewers have gained national fame. We will enhance advantageous famous brands, expand marketing channels, and provide more people with quality animal husbandry products from Xinjiang. Third, we will enhance the provision of farmland, water resources, and scientific and technological strengths, among other factors. We will firmly promote the development of high-standard cropland and high-efficiency, water-saving irrigation, carry out action to revive the seed industry, and increase efforts to develop core agricultural technologies regarding high-yield cultivation and the prevention and control of crop pests and diseases. We aim to accelerate high-quality agricultural development and enable farmers and herders to steadily increase their income and wealth while benefiting from the achievements of rural revitalization. That's all I have to say; thank you all! 

CRNTT:

Xinjiang enjoys a good reputation across the country. The recent hit TV series "To the Wonder" has made Altay an ideal place in the minds of many people . What measures will Xinjiang take to promote the high-quality development of tourism in the future? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

I would like to invite Ms. Sun to answer your question.

Sun Hongmei: 

Thank you for your question. Just now, Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz also mentioned the TV series "To the Wonder." I believe that the reason this show has moved and attracted so many viewers is because of Xinjiang's splendid natural scenery, distinctive ethnic customs, as well as the exchanges and interactions among multiple ethnic groups. In this way, Altay prefecture is an epitome of Xinjiang. Xinjiang boasts world-class cultural tourism resources, including unique natural landscapes, snowy mountains, the Gobi Desert, forests, grasslands, lakes and other deserts. It also enjoys profound history and culture as the four ancient civilizations converged there. The ancient city of Loulan, Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins, Gaochang Ancient City Ruins, Kizil Grottoes and Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins are well-recognized throughout the world. Multiple ethnic cultures blend with each other and coexist harmoniously in Xinjiang, creating a vibrant tapestry of intangible cultural heritage resources including the Uygur Muqam art, the Kirgiz epic Manas, the Kazak Aytes ballad singing, and the Mongolian epic Janger.

We will earnestly implement the important instructions issued by General Secretary Xi Jinping on tourism, uphold fundamental principles, break new ground, improve quality and efficiency, promote integrated development, and step up efforts to transform Xinjiang from a region abundant in tourism resources to a region with strong tourism performance, thus making tourism a pillar industry to bring greater prosperity to the region and its people.

First, we will deepen the integration of cultural and tourism industries. With a focus on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, we will shape tourism through culture and highlight culture through tourism, so that we can fully explore and make good use of our rich historical, cultural and revolutionary legacies to create quality tourism products with rich cultural connotations and distinctive characteristics. We will accelerate the development of archaeological site parks such as the Ruins of the Western Regions Frontier Command Headquarters, and Beiting Ancient City Site, while building high-quality tourist attractions based on world-class cultural heritage such as the Kizil Grottoes and the Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins. Meanwhile, the Xinjiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum will be completed and open to public this year thanks to the deep integration between intangible cultural heritage and the tourism sector. 

Second, we will build a gathering area for high-level tourism brands. We will exert greater efforts to upgrade tourist attractions, give full play to the driving role of UNESCO World Heritage sites and national 5A scenic spots, and develop world-class tourist destinations. We will improve the quality of the Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway, G219, Yining-Zhaosu Highway, Altay-Hemu Highway and other unique scenic roads, to create top self-drive tour routes in China.

Third, we will foster distinctive models of tourism. Relying on the advantages of rich snow and ice resources in the Altay and Tianshan mountains, we will encourage the development of winter economy clusters to create winter sports and tourism resorts that are known worldwide. We will also vigorously develop special tourism aimed at adventure, study, health care, desert exploration and low altitude experiences, and promote tourism related to ethnic customs while developing products for both border and cross-border tourism. 

Fourth, we will optimize the quality of tourism services. We will improve comprehensive service facilities in transportation, accommodation and catering sectors, accelerate the development of smart tourism, facilitate inbound tourism, and strengthen the supervision of the tourism market, thus building a "smiling Xinjiang" service brand.

Xinjiang is now entering its best season for tourism. I would like to welcome all of you to visit. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

We know that Xinjiang's economy is dominated by traditional industries and the region is facing challenges of industrial transformation and upgrading. How is Xinjiang promoting the development of a modern industrial system?

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thank you for your question; I'll answer it. Xinjiang is a vast region with abundant resources, just as a saying goes: "Xinjiang's mountains all boast rich mineral resources of gold, copper and iron, while its basins have huge reserves of coal, oil and gas." Making the best use of its natural resources is crucial for fostering Xinjiang's modern industrial system and realizing its high-quality development. We are stepping up efforts in the development of a new power system, the increase of petroleum and natural gas reserves and production, the promotion of a cleaner and more efficient use of coal, as well as the exploitation and utilization of mineral resources. Through these efforts, we will create a strategic base for guaranteeing the country's energy resources and provide important support in terms of energy resources for China's modernization drive.

Next, our considerations will focus on several aspects. First, we will consolidate and enhance our competitive industries, particularly in the oil, gas, and coal sectors. Xinjiang has ranked first in oil and gas production for three consecutive years, and the first 10,000-meter-deep well in Asia was drilled in the Tarim Oilfield. Our output of synthetic natural gas converted from coal accounts for 45% of the national total, and the world's first direct liquefaction coal-to-liquid fuel project is under construction in Hami. The concept of "turning coalfields into oilfields" is gradually becoming a reality. We will step up efforts to increase oil and gas reserves and production, unleash the advanced and high-quality capacity of coal, and continuously extend the industrial chain to maximize the efficiency of every piece of coal, every drop of oil, and every cubic meter of gas. Second, we will cultivate and expand emerging industries and explore new paths for clean energy. Xinjiang has abundant wind and solar energy resources, ranking among the top in the country. In recent years, we have comprehensively developed the wind and solar energy industry chain. In 2023, our solar and wind power generation accounted for 4.6% and 7.3% of the national total, respectively; and Xinjiang ranked second nationwide in terms of newly added capacity of new energy connected to the grid. The vast Gobi Desert has transformed into a treasure land for the development of new energy and other industries. We will accelerate the construction of wind power, photovoltaic power, and other clean energy bases , promote the large-scale and intensive development of new materials such as silicon-based and aluminum-based materials, vigorously build a new type of power system, and achieve coordinated development of photovoltaics, deserts, and ecology. Third, we will transform and upgrade traditional industries to stimulate new green and low-carbon growth drivers. In recent years, Xinjiang has made great efforts in enhanced industrial foundation, efficiency improvement, and transformation and upgrading. Last year, we specifically held a conference on green industrial development and released the "100 Major Low-Carbon Technologies in the Industrial Sector." As a result, an increasing number of low-carbon and zero-carbon factories have emerged. With the continuous advancement of green production in the manufacturing industry, the traditional image of our industrial structure that is "heavy, coarse, and polluting" is gradually fading away. As you just mentioned, in spite of a greater share of traditional industries, Xinjiang has seen continuous improvements in its industrial structure. We will accelerate digitalized and intelligent transformation, strongly support enterprises in adopting new technologies and models, promote equipment renewal and process upgrading, and continuously make the manufacturing industry more intelligent and eco-friendly with higher quality. Furthermore, in the country's new round of strategic initiative for mineral exploration, 120 key mining areas have been designated in Xinjiang, ranking first nationwide. We will exert all efforts to promote the exploration, development, and utilization of important mineral resources, conduct in-depth surveys and examinations of mining sites, and strive to realize the full value of mineral deposits. We will make our own contributions to ensuring the security of China's energy resources as well as the country's important industrial and supply chains.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

The Orinoco Post: 

How does Xinjiang promote youth employment? What is the employment level of young people in Xinjiang in 2023 and the expected employment in the future? What fields do they prefer to work in? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

I'd like to ask Mr. Chen, our executive vice chairman, to answer this.

Chen Weijun:

Thank you for your questions. The youth, with their vitality and courage to innovate, are a vital force for the development of Xinjiang and represent hope. Over the years, we have always focused on promoting employment for young people, especially college graduates, and have made every effort to support their employment and entrepreneurship. In 2023, the employment rate of college graduates reached over 90% in Xinjiang. This year, the number of young people, including recent graduates from universities in Xinjiang, has further increased. While it may appear to bring pressure to the job market, we understand that fundamentally it provides solid talent power for Xinjiang's high-quality development, which is a positive thing. We will introduce targeted policies and measures, carry out a series of service activities, and support them in showcasing their talents and abilities and making achievements in various industries.

First, we will enhance efforts to expand employment channels. We will stabilize and expand recruitment in government agencies, public institutions, state-owned enterprises, and grassroots projects, and encourage graduates to seek employment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and grassroots organizations in urban and rural areas. We also support their self-employment and flexible employment.

Second, we will enhance efforts to promote job opportunities. We will continue to combine online and offline methods and further promote public employment services in universities and colleges. We will make job information, guidance, training, and entrepreneurial support services easier to access for graduates. Recently, we held the 2024 Spring Job Fair for college graduates, where more than 1,031 companies and public institutions offered over 25,000 job positions. The event attracted 36,000 job seekers, and the live online broadcast had over 3.3 million participants.

Third, we will enhance efforts to improve their skills. We will continue to implement the recruitment program for youth employment internships to improve their practical skills. To address the career development needs of young people, we will actively organize skill training programs and encourage them to participate. Our goal is to support their employment by helping them to acquire relevant skills.

Fourth, we will intensify support for those facing difficulties. We will promptly provide personalized services to graduates who have not found employment after leaving school. Focused support and priority services will be offered to graduates with employment challenges. Additionally, unemployed youth will be quickly included in employment and unemployment management services to help them better integrate into the job market.

Here, I would like to emphasize that Xinjiang has a vast land, significant employment potential, and great opportunities for entrepreneurship. We warmly welcome ambitious young people to actively engage in the vibrant development of Xinjiang and write a splendid chapter of their lives.

That's all from me. Thank you!

Guangming Daily:

General Secretary Xi Jinping highlighted that forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be the main task for the Party's ethnic work and all other initiatives in areas with large ethnic minority populations. As Xinjiang is an ethnic region, what are the considerations in this regard? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches on nurturing a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation have provided clear guidance for the Party's ethnic work and initiatives in regions with large ethnic minority populations in the new era. Recently, the regional Party committee convened a meeting focused on this central theme, clearly stating that all efforts in Xinjiang's reform, development, and stability must revolve around and serve this primary objective.

We have always been committed to improving people's livelihoods to promote high-quality development. We have not only focused on overall growth volume and speed, but also prioritized addressing the issues that concern the people most. After years of effort, the lives of people from various ethnic groups across the region have changed tremendously. They have genuinely felt the care of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, as well as the warmth of the Chinese nation. As I mentioned earlier, several measures have been introduced to promote high-quality development. The most significant of these is ensuring that people of all ethnic groups share the benefits of development, leading to better lives and increased unity.

We have always aimed to enhance cultural identity by conducting cultural initiatives and promoting the vibrant integration of fine traditional Chinese culture into the work, study, and lives of people from various ethnic groups. Tourists from across China and abroad can easily witness the vibrant cultural tapestry of Xinjiang, with people from different ethnic groups performing the traditional Meshrep dance, singing Qin and Henan operas, and embodying a true sense of harmony. Moving forward, we will fully leverage historical facts, archaeological findings, and cultural relics to tell compelling Xinjiang stories that strengthen the sense of community for the Chinese nation. This will unite people of all ethnic groups and contribute to building a modern Chinese civilization.

We have always considered ethnic unity our lifeline, vigorously promoting interactions and integration among different ethnic groups. Many touching stories have emerged in Xinjiang, such as Pan Yulian, a teacher who has voluntarily cared for and tutored more than 2,000 Uyghur children over 32 years. Many of these children have gone to college and fulfill their dreams, affectionately calling Pan "Mother." Another inspiring example is Anipa Alimahong, known as the "Legendary Mother," who has adopted 10 orphans from four different ethnic groups. Her story has been adapted into the film "True Love," which I highly recommend for its incredible emotional impact. Additionally, there is the story of Abudujiapaer Mengde, affectionately known as "Uncle Party Badge." He selflessly helps tourists in need without expecting anything in return. Unable to speak standard Chinese, he shows his Party badge to refuse monetary gratitude, a gesture that has touched many hearts online. After helping a tourist, he lifted his shirt to reveal his Party badge and said, "I can't accept the money." We will continue to foster a strong atmosphere of coexistence, co-learning, co-working, and co-enjoyment among all ethnic groups, promoting unity as tightly as pomegranate seeds clinging together.

That's all from me. Thank you.

Beijing Radio and Television Station:

As Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz mentioned, the pairing assistance program has provided substantial help to Xinjiang. Nineteen provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, have taken on this task. How does the autonomous region leverage these supporting policies to continually improve its self-reliance? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Mr. Wang will answer this question.

Wang Kuiran:

There is a consensus across Xinjiang on the pairing assistance program: this initiative is efficient, and people of all ethnic groups are immensely grateful. We express our gratitude to General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee for tailoring this national strategy specifically for Xinjiang, showcasing the political advantage of socialism in mobilizing resources for major initiatives. This strategy has played a pivotal role in consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty alleviation, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to common prosperity. We also give thanks to the 19 provinces and municipalities, central government agencies, and central enterprises for their unwavering support for Xinjiang. With over 17 billion yuan invested in Xinjiang annually, 70% of which goes to southern Xinjiang, this support has been instrumental in helping the region achieve high-quality development alongside the rest of the country. Additionally, we deeply appreciate the thousands of officials who have come to support Xinjiang. Their selfless dedication and commitment are invaluable. They have engaged in multi-level, multi-channel, and regular exchanges and interactions by forming close bonds with local officials and residents. This collaboration has significantly contributed to the remarkable progress in Xinjiang's development in the new era.

Next, we must integrate the forging of a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation into the entire process of supporting Xinjiang, adhere to the principle of putting equal emphasis on receiving aid and becoming self-sufficient, work hard on self-sufficiency and consolidate the material, social and ideological foundations for uniting people.

First, we need to consolidate the foundation for self-sufficiency. We will focus on science and technology, education, and human resource, which are fundamental and basic works key to the long-term development of Xinjiang. We will improve education and teaching activities of various types and at all levels, and firmly promote the education of standard spoken and written Chinese. We will build, renovate and expand a group of colleges and universities. Various teams will be sent here to offer support not only in education and medical care but also in culture, science and technology and industrial development, and at the same time, we will deepen the exchange and cooperation of officials and professionals to improve Xinjiang's own development capabilities.

Second, we will make good use of our strength in achieving self-sufficiency. Xinjiang is very rich in resources. We should better absorb the industrial capacity transferred from provinces and municipalities involved in pairing assistance, and extend, strengthen and supplement the industrial and supply chains of the eight major industrial clusters . Xinjiang also enjoys geographical advantages. Together with the provinces and cities involved in the pair assistance with Xinjiang , we will join hands to open up to the west, make good use of our free trade zones and ports, exert the role as a core area of the Belt and Road, and leverage opening-up platforms including the China-Europe Railway Express assembly center. We must build the tourism industry into an important pillar for opening up, exchange and communication, so that the employment of all ethnic groups can be boosted and their livelihoods can be improved through tourism. At the same time, we can enhance mutual understanding and recognition through exchange.

Third, we aim to achieve positive results through self-sufficiency. We will deepen cooperation and exchange with provinces and municipalities involved in pairing assistance to Xinjiang, especially strengthening a guarantee to energy security and systematically planning electricity and coal exports as well as gas transmission to the east, thus building a national strategic base for energy and resource supply. At the same time, we will give full play to the advantages of integrated water resource utilization efficiency, vigorously develop protected agriculture, build high-quality grain, oil, fruit and vegetable, and livestock product industrial clusters as well as contribute Xinjiang's strength to the country's food security and the supply of important agricultural products.

That is all from me for this question. Thank you.

People's Daily:

I noticed that Xinjiang in recent years has continued to promote many projects to benefit the people. How is the progress going? What aspects will you focus on to ensure as well as to improve people's wellbeing in the next stage? Thank you.

Erkin Tuniyaz:

Thank you for your questions. I will answer these questions. No matter is too small if it delivers benefits to the people. Over the years, we have focused on the major practical issues of greatest public concern that directly affect people's wellbeing, such as education, employment, medical care and housing, and have solved many pressing difficulties and problems.  

In terms of education, we have continued to increase investment in related resources in recent years. 15-year free education from kindergarten to high school has been achieved in southern Xinjiang's urban and rural areas. On average, there is one kindergarten for every 102 children in Xinjiang and one primary school for every 783 students. The gross enrollment ratio for high school has reached 98.25%. A great number of young people from all over the country have taken root in Xinjiang and devoted themselves to the cause of education. Now in the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, the best buildings are schools, and the most beautiful sceneries are on their campuses. We will accelerate the implementation of the initiative to upgrade basic education so that more families and children can enjoy quality educational resources.

In terms of employment, we do our best to support employment, which is pivotal to people's wellbeing . Mr. Chen Weijun just gave a detailed introduction on this issue. We leave out nobody with employment difficulties, provide comprehensive assistance and implement targeted policies for everyone in need. In 2023, a total of 482,200 new urban jobs were added, and the phenomenon of urban zero-employment families has always been addressed in no time. We always recommend surplus rural labor obtain employment locally, and also fully respect personal willingness and support them to find jobs elsewhere. We will take more policy measures to promote employment, increase income and warm people's hearts, as well as improve service inputs, remove bottlenecks and solve difficulties, promote employment and entrepreneurship through multiple channels and strive to achieve fuller and higher-quality employment.

In terms of medical services, we channel more high-quality medical resources toward lower-level medical institutions, and a medical and health service network covering urban and rural areas has been established. Now every village has a standardized clinic, and county-level hospitals can provide telemedicine, achieving the goal of minor illnesses, common illnesses and serious illnesses being cured locally at village level, town and township level, and county level medical facilities, respectively. We will focus on the development of a healthy Xinjiang, make every effort to improve the quality of public medical services, continuously strengthen the supply of high-quality medical resources and even distribution among regions, as well as provide the people with more and higher-quality health services.

In terms of housing, we have built a total of 2.7 million rural earthquake-resistant houses in Xinjiang, and more than 11 million farmers and herdsmen have moved into new homes. In January this year, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Wushi county, Aksu prefecture. The houses of farmers and herdsmen in that area withstood the test of this severe earthquake, bringing not only comfort but also a sense of security to the people. We will continue to improve the housing conditions of the people, scale up the construction and supply of government-subsidized houses, and strive to create a happy home for people of all ethnic groups.

At the same time, Xinjiang will continue to address the "10 livelihood matters," ensuring the fulfillment of our commitment. Overall, our work will focus on the people's needs and ensure that development fully benefits all ethnic groups.

That's all I have to say. Thank you.

China Daily:

We know that Xinjiang is an important passage connecting Central Asia, West Asia and Europe. In recent years, we have observed rapid growth in Xinjiang's foreign trade. Could you explain how Xinjiang is leveraging its new advantages to promote high-level opening-up? Thank you.

Chen Weijun:

Thank you for your question. As for this question, Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz mentioned some important information earlier. In general, with the promotion of the country's westward opening-up and the building of the core areas of the BRI , Xinjiang has transformed from an isolated inland area into the forefront of opening-up, emerging as the main gateway for our country's westward opening-up. In 2007, Xinjiang's total import and export volume surpassed 100 billion yuan, and in 2022, it exceeded 200 billion yuan. It took 15 years to go from 100 billion to 200 billion yuan. However, it took only one year to go from 200 billion to 300 billion yuan. Last year, the total import and export volume reached 357.3 billion yuan; this year, it is expected to exceed 400 billion yuan.

We are now focusing on the strategic positioning assigned to Xinjiang by the nation as a "golden channel" between Asia and Europe as well as a bridgehead for China's westward opening-up . We aim to integrate Xinjiang's regional opening-up with the national overall layout of westward opening-up, accelerating its progress and efforts to promote both domestic and international openness. Our work addresses three aspects:

First, we have deepened extensive cooperation with neighboring countries across various fields. Over the past two years, we have intensified efforts under the principles of "welcoming in" and "going global," resulting in an expanding network of economic and trade partnerships in Xinjiang. Since last year, Xinjiang's top leaders, including Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and Chairman Erkin Tuniyaz, have personally led delegations to major Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. This has led to the comprehensive implementation of the consensus reached by the heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, resulting in numerous cooperative initiatives in the new energy, healthcare, and agricultural product processing industries. Consequently, Xinjiang's comprehensive and pragmatic cooperation with neighboring countries has reached an unprecedented level. Xinjiang has established eight mechanisms for regular cooperation with neighboring countries and regions. Activities such as the China-Kazakhstan Entrepreneur Matchmaking Event and forums with some countries in certain fields are conducted regularly. Additionally, we are strengthening exchanges and cooperation with central enterprises, provinces and municipalities involved in the pairing-assistance to Xinjiang, and neighboring provinces and regions. Therefore, the building of the core area of the BRI relies on joint efforts and collaboration from all parties.

Second, we have been constructing a large-scale westward opening-up channel. Practice has proven that this channel is fundamental and decisive. Currently, 118 bilateral international road transport routes have been opened, accounting for approximately one-third of the national total. The cargo-handling capacity of cross-border railways through Horgos Port and Alashankou Port has significantly increased. The construction of the third cross-border railway between China and Kazakhstan, the Ayagoz -Tacheng railway, has commenced, and the China-Kyrgyzstan Biedieli Port is expected to become operational this year. We will accelerate the construction of the China-Central Asia transportation corridor through a series of measures, strengthen port infrastructure, and further enhance our customs clearance and cargo handling capabilities.

Third, we have been fully leveraging the role of opening-up platforms. These platforms are a major comparative advantage for Xinjiang. Xinjiang currently has 18 foreign opening-up ports officially approved by the State Council and 56 national-level key opening-up and industrial development platforms across 14 categories, comparable to those in other regions. We will make good use of various opening-up platforms such as the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center , comprehensive bonded zones, cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, and specialized import and export processing zones to vigorously develop the import and export processing trade, service trade, and cross-border e-commerce. We will promote high-quality and efficient foreign trade development and contribute Xinjiang's efforts to achieve a stable volume, improved structure, and increased market share in foreign trade.

That's all I have to say. Thank you!

Erkin Tuniyaz:

I would like to add one more thing here. The 8th China-Eurasia Expo will open in Xinjiang on June 26. We extend a sincere welcome to all our friends to join us for this occasion.

Xing Huina:

One last question due to time constraints.

Beijing Youth Daily:

The China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is the nation's youngest pilot FTZ. A general plan issued by the State Council for establishing the Xinjiang pilot FTZ proposed 129 pilot tasks. What specific progress has been made in regard to these tasks? What's your plan for the next step? Thank you.

Sun Hongmei:

Thank you for your questions. After the approval of the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region upheld the principle of planning before taking actions and formulated an implementation plan for the pilot FTZ construction based on the actual conditions of the autonomous region. We initiated 129 pilot tasks across the board, 15 of which have seen implementation. Our goal this year is to complete more than half of these tasks. Next, we will focus on three areas:

First, building an open and distinctive industrial system. The autonomous region will actively embrace the transfer of export-oriented industrial chains from the eastern region, especially those labor-intensive industrial chains. It will also expand market access to and increase the import of products from Central Asian countries and other neighboring countries, create a regional processing and distribution hub for international primary products, and establish industrial clusters for industries, such as specialty agricultural and sideline products, pharmaceuticals, refining and petrochemicals, textiles and garments, equipment manufacturing, and general aviation.

Second, constructing a comprehensive logistics hub connecting Europe and Asia. The autonomous region will build a national logistics hub in Urumqi based on its land port and airport, a land border port-type national logistics hub in Khorgos, and an international trade and logistics channel in Kashgar. At present, we are accelerating the construction of projects such as China-Europe Railway Express assembly centers, the Eurasia International Road Transport Center, and the Urumqi Airport Economy Zone. We are also promoting road-rail, rail-sea transport, and land port-airport interconnection, achieving compatibility of rules and mutual recognition of standards in regard to international transport and keeping the cross-border transport corridor more unimpeded. All these efforts have produced initial results. From January to April this year, a total of 435 China-Europe and China-Asia freight trains were operated in the Urumqi International Land Port Area, up 13.5% year on year; the number of freight trucks passed through the Khorgos highway port has more than doubled to 68,600; and the international cargo and mail throughput of the Urumqi Airport and the Kashgar Airport increased by more than three times. 

Third, enhancing the level of trade facilitation. The autonomous region will strive to cultivate cross-border e-commerce business entities and support the construction of border warehouses and overseas industrial parks. Seeking to innovate the supervision model related to foreign trade, we have adopted a "supplier-to-highway port" integrated customs clearance model, more than doubling the customs clearance efficiency. We will modernize the border ports at a faster pace and promote the smart port program. We will also strengthen economic and trade cooperation with the Central Asian countries and other neighboring countries and hold a successful China-Eurasia Expo. In this regard, Mr. Erkin Tuniyaz just extended his gracious invitation. Moreover, we will accelerate the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt Legal-services District and promote more open and innovative financial services.

The Xinjiang pilot FTZ is now in its initial stage of construction. We believe that with the consistent implementation of reform and innovation measures, development momentum will be further unleashed. That concludes my introduction. Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Today's press conference concludes here. Thank you, speakers. Thank you to all friends from the media for your participation. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Junmian, Liu Sitong, Wang Yanfang, Zhang Tingting, Liu Caiyi, Ma Yujia, Qin Qi, He Shan, Yan Bin, Wang Ziteng, Huang Shan, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, Tom Arnsten and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Zhang Yupu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region

Mr. Chen Chunping, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region

Mr. Mai Yanzhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region,

Mr. Wang Li, vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson for the SCIO

Date:

May 20, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 20th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Zhang Yupu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region, to brief you on accelerating the construction of a modern and beautiful Ningxia by leveraging the pilot zone for ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, and to also take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Chen Chunping, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and executive vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region; Mr. Mai Yanzhou, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region; and Mr. Wang Li, vice chairman of Ningxia Hui autonomous region.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhang for his briefing. 

Zhang Yupu:

Good morning. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and the Ningxia regional government, I'd like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for Ningxia's development. 

Ningxia has the reputation of being the "Treasure Land of West China" and the "Oasis Beyond the Great Wall." Thriving under the nourishment of the Yellow River, Ningxia is currently part of two major regional strategies: the large-scale development of the western region and the ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin. Caring a lot about Ningxia's development, General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally designated Ningxia's positioning as the pilot zone for ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, clarifying the goal of building a modern and beautiful Ningxia. In particular, he made the important instruction that socialism is achieved through hard work during his visit to Ningxia. These instructions serve as both encouragement and a call to duty for us. Now, I'll introduce relevant developments from four aspects.  

First, Ningxia's economy, although relatively small in scale, has seen rapid improvements in both quantity and quality. In 2023, Ningxia's GDP increased by 6.6%, ranking fifth nationwide. In the first quarter of this year, its GDP grew by 5.8%, marking the eighth consecutive quarter Ningxia has ranked among the top 10 in the nation. Notably, the growth rates for the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size and the total agricultural output have risen to the first and third place nationally, setting new historical records in Ningxia. Ningxia's leading industries have grown rapidly in recent years, with strong momentum for sustained development. For example, the total output of the modern coal chemicals industry has reached 30 million metric tons. Specifically, the output of the coal-to-oil industry has exceeded 4 million metric tons for three years running, ranking first nationwide; that of the coal-to-olefins sector stood at 4.7 million metric tons, representing one-fifth of the national total. Significant progress has also been made in deep processing. For instance, specialty silk and yarn textiles and high-end perfume ingredients have entered the international market. Meanwhile, Ningxia's industries have become more intelligent, eco-friendly and integrated. Consistently prioritizing digital economy as the primary growth driver for Ningxia's development, we have built Ningxia into the sole "dual-center" in west China — serving as both an integrated computing network hub and a new internet exchange center. Currently, more than 100 enterprises, including Amazon, China Mobile, Meituan, Westcloud Computing Technology Co., Ltd., have built data centers or application data centers in Ningxia for data storage. In addition, we are now expediting the development of some new industries, with the construction of quantum plus industrial internet platforms and online computing industrial parks progressing rapidly. Meanwhile, Ningxia's industries are becoming smarter at a faster pace, with smart casting, smart instruments and smart machine tools leading the nation. Moreover, accelerated efforts are being made in implementing a number of significant and promising projects in emerging industries, laying a solid foundation for Ningxia's future high-quality development. 

Second, we have delivered in ethnic unity, fostering a shared sense of purpose. As an autonomous region with a large ethnic minority population, we have always focused on forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation by advancing every respect of our work. In 2023, Ningxia became the first nationwide to have all its prefecture-level cities and counties built into demonstration zones for ethnic unity and progress. "Nourishing Yellow River waters, close ties with the Party and high regard for the general secretary" are views widely held among the people of all ethnic groups in Ningxia. Next, we will focus on the construction of the demonstration zone for forging a shared sense of community for the Chinese nation, aiming to solidify ethnic unity in Ningxia, thereby fostering stronger consensus and synergy towards realizing the great Chinese Dream.

Third, Ningxia has prioritized environmental protection and ecological conservation. As the sole provincial-level region entirely within the Yellow River Basin and fully included in the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program, Ningxia shoulders great responsibility in ecological conservation. In recent years, we have taken a series of measures to advance protection and management. For example, we have made every effort to win the protracted battle of protecting the Yellow River. The water quality for the section of the Yellow River within Ningxia has remained at Level II both upon entering and exiting the region for seven consecutive years. Notably, Yellow River management projects have been fully rolled out this year, continuously reinforcing the foundation of ensuring the river's peace, cleanliness and beauty. Another endeavor worth mentioning is our dedication to winning the critical battle of managing the northernly bend of the Yellow River. Ningxia once had a large area affected by desertification, but this situation has improved a lot after years of management efforts. Notably, the straw checkerboard method, invented by Ningxia people to tame desertification, has won the special prize of the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award and been selected as one of the United Nations' top 500 environmental protection cases, receiving widespread promotion. After the new round of national desertification treatment task was assigned, we have intensified efforts across the board to manage 8.2 million mu (546,667 hectares) of desertified land within Ningxia. We had planned to complete the task by 2030, but now we're on track to achieve all the goals three years ahead of schedule, thus continuously improving Ningxia's ecological environment.

Fourth, regarding the well-being of our citizens, we have achieved steady improvement. In light of Ningxia's relatively low per capita income, we have consistently prioritized employment and income growth as our foremost responsibilities and most stringent indicators. Approximately 80% of our financial resources are allocated to people's livelihoods each year. In 2023, we increased our educational enrollment quota by over 30,000 students, added more than 2,000 new hospital beds, and solved housing problems for over 20,000 new urban residents. Childcare subsidies have been implemented across the region. Notably, the region's total population has maintained positive growth for 10 consecutive years. The income of all residents has outpaced GDP growth for two consecutive years, exceeding the national average growth rate. We have also made significant progress in modern lifestyles. For example, we have established two national-level demonstration zones for "Internet + Education" and "Internet + Healthcare." By sharing digital resources, we have further improved the quality of life for our people.

In the future, we will continue to focus on building a pilot zone for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. We aim to create a national comprehensive demonstration zone for new energy, a demonstration zone of the modern coal chemical industry, and a pilot zone for the green development of agriculture. Our goal is to establish a world-renowned wine capital and a Chinese computing power capital here, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, and lay a stronger foundation for the comprehensive development of a beautiful new Ningxia. By doing so, we will contribute to writing a new chapter in the large-scale development of the western region.

That's all for my general introduction. Now, I welcome you to raise questions.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Zhang Yupu, for your introduction. Now, let's open the floor to questions. Please identify your news organization before asking your question.

People's Daily:

The TV series "Minning Town" vividly showcases the significant achievements of the cooperation between Fujian province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Could you please share any new highlights and measures Ningxia has planned to promote further cooperation with Fujian? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

Thank you for your attention to cooperation between Fujian and Ningxia. This collaboration is a model of east-west cooperation, personally initiated and directly promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping. Over the past 30 years, under the guidance of the general secretary and with the strong support and assistance of Fujian province, this work has achieved tangible results. First, we have accomplished the "two-million" goals: relocating 1 million people and lifting 1 million people out of poverty. Building on this foundation, Fujian-Ningxia cooperation has achieved numerous specific outcomes. For instance, in terms of industrial development, 12 Fujian-Ningxia industrial parks have been constructed, and 119 rural revitalization demonstration villages have been established. Currently, there are 6,000 Fujian-based enterprises and merchants operating in Ningxia, with over 4,000 cooperative projects between the two sides. In talent training, Fujian has cultivated more than 30,000 professional and technical personnel for Ningxia over the years. Institutions like Scud Technical School and Minjiang Applied Technology College have established themselves in Ningxia. Additionally, the total number of laborers Ningxia has sent to Fujian has reached 320,000. Minning Village, which was personally named by the general secretary, has now developed into Minning Town with a population of 66,000. At the time of its establishment, its per capita income was only 500 yuan. Now, it has reached over 17,800 yuan, marking a 35-fold increase, which is a significant transformation. Minning Town was the first to turn "sandy beaches" into "golden beaches." The TV series "Minning Town" vividly reflects many touching stories from this process. It has been broadcast in more than 50 countries and regions and has received widespread acclaim.

Going forward, we will continue to uphold the guiding principles of poverty alleviation, draw on and apply the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang Province, further improve the Fujian-Ningxia cooperation mechanism, and strive to achieve the goal of bringing the per capita income of farmers in the region, especially those lifted out of poverty, to the national average level within three years. We also aim to surpass the national average urbanization rate, reaching 70%. At the same time, we will focus on promoting the coordinated and harmonious development of urban and rural areas, mountains, and rivers in Ningxia, composing a successful "trilogy" of poverty alleviation, rural revitalization, and common prosperity in Ningxia. Thank you!

Beijing Youth Daily:

We have noticed that in recent years, Ningxia has introduced a large number of internet companies, and the development of data centers has been very rapid. How does Ningxia plan to seize the strategic opportunity of the national "East Data, West Computing" project to better promote the high-quality development of its digital economy? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

This question is for Mr. Mai Yanzhou, please.

Mai Yanzhou:

Thank you for your attention to Ningxia's digital economy. Ningxia is a treasure land in the western part of China. We are developing the digital economy according to local conditions, making it a new quality productive force. Ningxia has the foundation, the conditions, and the results.

First, superior natural conditions have enhanced the attractiveness of developing Ningxia's digital economy. The construction of the nation's first comprehensive demonstration zone for new energy has provided Ningxia with abundant green electricity supply. With its cool and dry climate, and an average annual temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius, Ningxia is one of the most suitable regions in the country for constructing large-scale data centers.

Second, a solid industrial foundation has strengthened support for developing the digital economy. We have established the first batch of 10,000-GPU scale intelligent computing bases in the country, leading in intelligent computing capabilities nationwide. We have also built the first batch of artificial intelligence chip adaptation bases in the country, which can provide testing, validation, and other services for domestic chips. Last year, the number of standard data center racks grew rapidly by 37%.

Third, diverse application scenarios have strengthened the driving force for the development of the digital economy. As Mr. Zhang Yupu said, Ningxia has built a smart education platform across the region, which allows students from both urban and rural areas to take the same high-quality classes and realize the dream of attending prestigious schools for the children in mountainous areas. Ningxia has also launched a remote digital diagnosis and treatment center, enabling residents to connect with medical experts from all over the country at their doorstep and realize the ability to receive medical services provided by healthcare facilities across the country while staying in Ningxia. We have taken the lead in achieving full e-commerce coverage in rural areas and have released large AI models in fields such as medical health and production safety, promoting the building of the computing power ecosystem at a faster pace.

Next, we will take extraordinary measures to support extraordinary industries and achieve extraordinary development, make every effort to build "the capital of China's computing power," and give Ningxia's contribution to the construction of digital China.

In terms of the "Eastern Data and Western Computing" initiative, we plan to build a number of green data centers and establish a national large-scale intelligent computing base as soon as possible. In this way, Ningxia's electric power will be transformed into computing power for the entire country, accelerating the growth of the digital economy.

In terms of data elements, we have accelerated the implementation of industrial digitalization, launched 100 key application projects, promoted the intelligent upgrading of traditional industries, and enabled various sectors to embrace digitalization.

Regarding artificial intelligence, we are comprehensively carrying out the AI+ action and striving to create a national artificial intelligence innovation application pilot area. We are increasing the open application of data and scenarios and endowing relevant systems with various intelligences to make them smarter.

In September this year, we will hold the third "western digital valley" computing power industry conference, which will host more content and surprises. We warmly welcome friends from all sectors to join us for this grand event. Thank you!

CCTV:

After the "Two Sessions" this year, there has been much discussion about new quality productive forces. How will Ningxia promote the construction of a modern industrial system and cultivate and develop new quality productive forces? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

I will invite Mr. Chen Chunping to answer this question.

Chen Chunping:

Mr. Zhang Yupu has already briefly introduced the high-quality development of Ningxia's industries. In recent years, Ningxia has focused on high-quality development, accelerating the development of its industries. We have initially established a modern industrial system supported by the "Six New Industries, Six Specialties, Six Excellence + N" framework. The "Six New Industries" refers to new industries represented by equipment manufacturing and new materials. The "Six Specialties" refers to agriculture with distinctive local features represented by wine and goji berries. The "Six Excellence" refers to modern service industries represented by cultural tourism and exhibitions. "N" refers to high-tech industries like advanced computing power and hydrogen energy. Next, we will accelerate the development of new quality productive forces with Ningxia characteristics according to real local conditions. We will focus on the following three aspects: 

First, we will strengthen the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation. By aligning innovation chains with industrial chains, we have implemented a gradient cultivation plan for 100 technology-based enterprises, 100 innovative enterprises, and 100 model enterprises. We have independently developed and promoted advanced technological products such as monocrystalline silicon rod rolling, transmission reducer assembly, and industrial sapphire manufacturing. And we have created a number of champions and promoted innovation achievements from the "laboratory" to the "production line," making innovation the "largest incremental" for the development of new, quality, productive forces.

Second, we will accelerate the iteration and upgrade of traditional industries. Traditional sectors of coal, electricity, non-ferrous metals, and metallurgy hold a substantial share in Ningxia, accounting for over 60% of the industrial added value. The region has facilitated the development of these traditional industries through equipment renewal, technological empowerment, and low-carbon transformation. For instance, the modern coal and chemistry industries offer advanced coal liquefaction and gasification technologies to convert "coal" into "liquids" and "gas," producing coal-based products like olefins, methanol, spandex, aramid, and graphite so as to achieve value doubling and upgrading. Currently, we are building a 200-billion-level modern chemical industry cluster and a 100-billion-level light industry and textile industry cluster, reshaping the new system of traditional industries and bringing their new advantages to traditional industries.

Third, we will accelerate the cultivation and expansion of strategic emerging industries and a forward-looking layout for future industries. We are speeding up the formulation of the implementation guidelines for Ningxia's new, quality, productive forces. On one hand, we are implementing major projects such as doubling the industrial and manufacturing sectors and upgrading industrial chains. The projects have connected photovoltaic bases and wind power stations with data centers and manufacturing workshops, promoted green energy development and green power supply, and integrated high-end manufacturing, intelligent computing power, and new materials innovation. This will result in the building of three 100-billion-level industrial clusters of new energy, equipment manufacturing, and digital information, as well as a 200-billion-level industrial cluster in new materials. On the other hand, we are also accelerating the layout of future industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced computing power, new energy storage, hydrogen energy, and quantum technology, continuously nurturing new industries, new business models, and new growth drivers. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

When talking about Ningxia, people often think of local specialties like wine and goji berries. Could you introduce the development of Ningxia's competitive agricultural industries that draw on local strengths? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to introduce the development of Ningxia's agricultural industries. "The Yellow River enriches Ningxia" primarily through agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery, earning Ningxia the reputation of being a "Saishang Jiangnan" (the place to the north of the Great Wall, which is as beautiful as south of Yangtze River) and a "land of fish and rice."

In recent years, we have leveraged Ningxia's unique resource advantages by maximizing strengths, mitigating weaknesses, and turning weaknesses into strengths to accelerate the development of Ningxia's specialty agricultural industries. We have identified six key industries: wine, goji berries, milk, beef, Tan sheep, and vegetables. Due to time constraints, I will focus on three of them today.

First, leveraging the golden climate zone, we have vigorously developed the wine industry. Ningxia is recognized both domestically and internationally as a prime wine-producing region. The industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years. In terms of volume, Ningxia's wine production from chateaus has now risen to the top position in the country. To put it figuratively, one of every two bottles of domestically produced chateau wine comes from Ningxia. Currently, our products are sold in more than 40 countries and regions and have won over 1,000 international awards. These days, the TV series "Hometown of Stars," broadcast during prime time on CCTV-1, tells the story of the development of Ningxia's wine industry. Notably, a recently released China-France joint statement mentioned promoting China's accession to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Ningxia will seize this opportunity and rise to the challenges, accelerating the development of its wine industry and striving to contribute to bringing Chinese wine to the world.

Second, relying on the golden planting belt, we have vigorously developed the goji berry industry. Ningxia is the origin of goji berries in the world, and Ningxia goji berries are the only ones recognized by the state as having both medicinal and edible properties. As the saying goes: "China's goji berries are peerless in the world, and Ningxia's goji berries are the best in China." We have made significant breakthroughs in quality improvement and deep processing in recent years. We established the China Goji Berry Research Institute and the National Goji Berry Product Quality Testing and Inspection Center to ensure product quality. Ningxia has led the formulation of over 50% of the national standards for goji berry products, and developed more than 120 new products in the categories of medicines, foods, beverages, health products, and cosmetics. Currently, 1 kilogram out of every 8 kilograms of goji berries in China comes from Ningxia, making it the country's largest goji berry distribution center.

Third, relying on the golden milk source belt, we have vigorously developed the milk industry. Ningxia is a national high-end dairy cattle breeding center and dairy product production hub. The milk produced in Ningxia boasts high output and excellent quality, with several indicators exceeding EU standards. The average milk yield per cow in Ningxia is 300 kilograms higher than the national average. Recently, market changes have impacted the dairy industry and dairy product companies. To ensure industrial security and sound development, we have implemented policies and measures to guarantee steady and sustainable growth. Currently, Ningxia has over 900,000 dairy cows, maintaining the highest growth rate in the country for five consecutive years. Fresh milk production accounts for about 10% of the national market. Besides increasing production capacity, we focus on technological innovation and have built the world's first fully smart dairy factory to achieve the goal of employing only 100 workers to produce 1 million tons of liquid milk annually and create an output value of 10 billion yuan.

Next, we will further expand and strengthen our advantageous specialty industries, allowing consumers to enjoy more and better "Ningxia-branded" products.

That's all for my response. Thank you!

China Daily:

We noted that Ningxia has held the Conference on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Private Economy and the Comprehensive Improvement of the Business Environment for two consecutive years and has introduced a series of measures. Could you please outline Ningxia's solid progress in optimizing the business environment? What measures will be taken in the next step? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

I'll invite Mr. Wang Li to answer your questions.

Wang Li:

In recent years, Ningxia has consistently prioritized optimizing the business environment as the top priority for high-standard opening-up and high-quality development. We have achieved positive results by benchmarking against international first-class standards and extensively drawing on the experiences and practices of advanced regions at home and abroad. The proportion and growth rate of private investment in Ningxia are among the highest nationwide. Yinchuan city has been selected as a benchmark city for China's business environment, and in the national business environment evaluation organized by the National Development and Reform Commission, Ningxia has seen 12 indicators rank among the top nationwide. We deeply understand that there is always room for improving the business environment. Moving forward, Ningxia will uphold the concept that "a good business environment is the greatest competitiveness" and strive to build an attractive and competitive investment hub in the western region.

In terms of government services, we have endeavored to enhance convenience. After years of effort, 95.3% of government services in Ningxia can be handled online, and the time required for business registration has been reduced to within three hours. Integrated government services and administrative licensing list management are at the forefront nationally. This year, we have significantly advanced our digital government initiatives. We have fully launched "one-stop government services" and established project approval mechanisms, including "one visit only, handling within a time limit, and reducing required materials and procedures." Additionally, we have upgraded the My Ningxia app, enabling more services to be conducted via smartphone and QR code. These efforts provide faster approvals, smoother processes, and higher efficiency, greatly assisting both the public and businesses.

In terms of supporting the development of enterprises, we have strived to increase their satisfaction. The business environment is a form of soft power, while enterprise satisfaction is a critical standard. The Ningxia government always treats entrepreneurs as family, considers the affairs of enterprises as its own, and ensures that whenever an enterprise has a need, the government acts immediately. This year, we launched a three-year action plan for the high-quality development of the private economy and systematically introduced ten mechanisms to serve and support the private sector. For example, for small and micro enterprises temporarily facing difficulties, we have implemented measures to ensure that water, electricity, gas, and heating supplies are not interrupted due to arrears. We have fully implemented tax and fee reduction policies to help enterprises solve problems, reduce costs, and take specific steps to make them feel safe, assured, and comfortable in Ningxia.

In terms of building a business environment, we have strived to make the market fairer. Ningxia has always been committed to creating a market environment of fair competition and fully implementing the negative list system for market access. In recent years, newly registered market entities have increased rapidly, with a 17.2% increase in 2023. This year, we will continue to improve the law-based business environment, further streamline the approval process for market access, and rectify practices involving unequal treatment of enterprises on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is to make the market environment fairer and to create the best possible ecological environment for the development of enterprises.

That's all for my introduction, thank you. 

The Poster News APP:

As the country's first demonstration zone for new-energy comprehensive construction, Ningxia has continuously promoted the development of clean and new energy industries, and the utilization rate of new energy has exceeded 97% for five consecutive years. With a view to the dual carbon goals of peaking carbon emissions and reaching carbon neutrality, how does Ningxia promote the transformation of energy use? Thank you. 

Zhang Yupu:

Ok, thank you. Let's invite Mr. Chen to answer your question. 

Chen Chunping:

Thanks for your question. It addresses a widely discussed issue. Ningxia has unique resources, endowments, and advantages in developing new energy and promoting energy transformation. For example, Ningxia has 32.1 billion metric tons of coal reserves, ranking ninth in China, and 5 billion metric tons of silica reserves, ranking first nationwide. Its solar and wind energy resources are abundant, with annual sunshine hours exceeding 2,800. Ningxia has three major wind belts, including the Helan Mountains, which are highly suitable for developing photovoltaic and wind power. Based on our resource advantages, we are focusing on the dual carbon goals and fully implementing new national energy security strategies. We are upgrading traditional energy sources while simultaneously developing and expanding new energy sources, accelerating the construction of a comprehensive new energy demonstration zone. The clean and efficient utilization of traditional energy sources such as coal has reached a leading level in China, and the total installed capacity of new energy sources such as photovoltaic and wind power has exceeded half. Innovation and development are primarily achieved in the following three aspects:

First, we guarantee the transformation and development of the energy sector through mechanism innovation. Over 20 policies and measures have been introduced for new energy management, construction, and grid integration. Reforms in energy consumption rights and carbon emission rights have been carried out, maximizing resource allocation efficiency and establishing an institutional framework for the transformation and development of new energy.

Second, we drive the transformation and development of energy through technological innovation. We focus on the clean and efficient use of coal, new energy storage and other fields, concentrating on the development and application of new technologies, processes, and equipment. Our independently developed technologies, such as renewable hydrogen carbon reduction and smart centralized heating, have reached industry-leading levels. These advanced technologies have established a solid "green foundation" for the transformation and development of energy.

Third, we promote the transformation and development of energy through industrial innovation. Our focus is on the construction of "one chain, one base and three channels. The "one chain" refers to the entire new energy industry chain. We have built a photovoltaic industry chain from "raw silicon" to "photovoltaic modules," a wind turbine industry chain from "parts" to "complete machine assembly," and an energy storage industry chain from the "positive and negative electrodes" of batteries to power station construction. The annual growth rate of the new energy equipment manufacturing industry exceeds 25%. "One base" refers to a clean energy production base. We are building a national large-scale wind power and photovoltaic base, along with major projects like a pumped storage power station and hydrogen production facilities. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), our installed capacity of new energy is expected to reach 55 million kilowatts, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 65 million metric tons annually. The "three channels" refers to three west-to-east power transmission channels. The two completed transmission channels from Ningxia to Zhejiang and Ningxia to Shandong have transmitted a cumulative total of 700 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, leading the nation in utilization levels. Exported electricity already accounts for 40% of the region's annual electricity generation. Another transmission channel from Ningxia to Hunan, the country's first domestic transmission channel based on new energy, is under construction. Once completed, the annual electricity transmission in our area will exceed 100 billion kilowatt-hours. At that time, 1 out of every 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity generated in Ningxia will be green energy, and 1 out of every 2 kilowatt-hours will be transmitted out of the region. It can be said that thousands of lights in the eastern and central regions will be illuminated by a steady supply of "Ningxia green electricity." Thank you!

Science and Technology Daily:

In recent years, Ningxia has intensified its efforts in scientific and technological innovation, achieving several landmark achievements, including coal-to-liquid technology. Could you brief us on Ningxia's progress in technological innovation, talent acquisition, and development? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

Let's invite Mr. Mai to answer your question. 

Mai Yanzhou:

Thanks for your interest. The coal-to-liquid technology mentioned by the reporter involves converting coal into oil through the chemical process of indirect liquefaction. This technology has broken the foreign monopolies and was awarded the first prize in the State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards. It is also a representative example of Ningxia's scientific and technological innovation. In recent years, we have vigorously implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, firmly grasping scientific and technological innovation, which is crucial to overall development. We have strengthened our innovative capabilities, cultivated innovative entities, and nurtured an innovation-friendly ecosystem. Scientific and technological innovation is becoming the defining feature of Ningxia's high-quality development.

In terms of R&D expenses, we regard science and technology as our primary productive force and have established diversified investment channels. With fiscal funds as the guiding force, corporate investment as the mainstay, and financial markets as the support, we have set up a government science and technology guaranty fund and developed financial products like ningkedai (Ningxia sci-tech loans). These efforts have effectively addressed the difficulties and expensive costs of financing faced by sci-tech innovation enterprises, driving an annual average growth rate of over 14% in R&D expenditures.

In terms of cultivation of sci-tech innovation entities, we reinforce the principal role of enterprises in technological innovation and continuously improve our incubation systems. On the one hand, we pay close attention to platform construction. Last year, 32 science and technology innovation platforms, including Liupanshan Laboratory, were newly built, bringing Ningxia's total number of innovation platforms to nearly 1,000. We have launched a science and technology innovation center in Shanghai. In other locations across the country, we have established numerous sci-tech innovation enclaves where we conduct R&D work with the results being applied in Ningxia. The Ningxia Institute for Advanced Study, one of the first such institutes jointly built by the Ministry of Education and autonomous regions, has cooperated with 28 renowned domestic universities and is making every effort to build a high-end platform for talent cultivation and commercialization and application of scientific and technological research outcomes. On the other hand, we pay close attention to enterprise cultivation. We select 300 sci-tech innovation model enterprises each year, driving continuous growth in the autonomous region's sci-tech sector. The number of national high-tech enterprises has increased by over 20% annually.

In terms of talent acquisition, we remain committed to considering talent as our primary resource and continue to enhance openness and cooperation. We have built the country's first leading demonstration zone for science and technology cooperation between the eastern and western regions, continued to build partnerships for sci-tech innovation, and conducted joint innovation with more than 800 research institutions across the country. We have implemented a talent cultivation and introduction project, attracting over 150 academicians and more than 9,200 sci-tech professionals in various fields over the past five years, reversing the trend from talent outflow to inflow.

In terms of application of sci-tech achievements, we regard innovation as our primary driver of growth, reinforce coordination between industries, universities, research institutes, and end-users, and conduct scientific and technological research on major projects addressing bottlenecks hindering high-quality development. The high-end equipment components developed by Ningxia enterprises have played an active role in China's deep-sea and lunar exploration projects. Several advanced technologies, such as water-saving drip irrigation and desertification prevention and control, have been adopted globally.

That is all from me for this question. Thank you.

CNR:

As we know, Ningxia is relatively short of water resources, with per capita water resources less than one-third of the national average. How did Ningxia overcome this bottleneck in its development process? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

I will answer this question. Water is a major issue in Ningxia. As we all know, Ningxia consists of arid and semi-arid areas, and per capita water resources are significantly lower than the national average. In the course of high-quality development, we have always regarded water resources as the core resource and key element of Ningxia's development. Especially, continuous industrial and economic development has prompted increasing water consumption, which is directly related to Ningxia's future development. Therefore, we have vigorously implemented the principle of planning urban development, land use, population growth, and industrial structure based on water resources as the determinant. This work has achieved remarkable results. Specifically, the principle can be expressed vividly, as the general secretary once said, "make the right amount of croutons for the soup." As the first and currently the only provincial region in the country to implement this principle all over its jurisdiction, we took the lead in issuing a specific implementation plan. We focused on water conservation, water control, and water usage, identifying 40 evaluation indicators, 80 key tasks, and 100 water conservancy projects, clearly defining the overall arrangement, goals and policies. After unremitting efforts, this work has achieved phased results. For example, we have strengthened the rigid constraints on water resources and implemented comprehensive management from the source to the tap, creating a good atmosphere with people paying attention to water saving in all circumstances. By the end of 2023, all prefecture-level cities in Ningxia had met national standards for water-saving cities. Ningxia's water usage per 10,000 yuan of GDP and water consumption per 10,000 yuan of industrial value added have met the objectives set by the 14th Five-Year Plan ahead of schedule. Additionally, there are some landmark advances. We were the first to create a demonstration zone for internet-facilitated urban and rural water supply, the first to establish an ecological compensation mechanism with the upper and lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin, and the first to realize cross-provincial water right transactions. Our Ningdong Energy Chemical Industry Base completed China's first inter-provincial water rights transaction with the Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Sichuan, achieving excellent results and marking a new step towards marketization. A national on-site meeting on the high-quality development of rural water supply was recently held in Ningxia. The region's experience in planning urban development, land use, population growth, and industrial structure based on water resources has also been included in the training materials for senior officials nationwide. Notably, our water-saving experience was shared at the United Nations Water Conference.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the principle of planning urban development, land use, population growth, and industrial structure based on water resources being proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping. This year is also a new starting point, from where we will accelerate the construction of the demonstration zone for implementing this principle to provide safer and more reliable water security for Ningxia's high-quality development. Additionally, we will strive to leverage the role of the demonstration zone to provide useful water-saving experiences for the whole country. Thank you.

Now TV:

The State Council approved that, starting May 27, eligible individuals from certain cities in Ningxia can apply for individual travel permits to visit Hong Kong and Macao. How is the application process going so far? In what areas does Ningxia autonomous region hope to further cooperate with Hong Kong to promote cultural and tourism exchange, ultimately boosting the economic development of both regions? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

Thank you, reporter from Hong Kong. Let me take your questions. Since the policy's introduction, it has been very well received and promises mutual benefits for both Hong Kong and Ningxia. We have organized a series of activities to implement the new policy. Several groups of people from Ningxia have traveled to Hong Kong for tourism and vacation, and they have shared very positive experiences. The first airline route we resumed after the pandemic was to Hong Kong. We now have two flights operating weekly at full capacity. Additionally, Ningxia and Hong Kong share some special connections. First, as I mentioned earlier, Ningxia's wines are exported to over 40 countries and regions, with the largest market being Hong Kong. Second, 90% of Ningxia's cool-weather vegetables, particularly Ningxia choy sum, are supplied to Hong Kong and are enjoyed by its residents.

Looking ahead, we will leverage this policy to further strengthen the existing strong friendship and exchange we have established in the past as well as enhance mutual visits. Many Hong Kong compatriots haven't had the opportunity to visit Ningxia yet. We hope that through this policy more of them will come and learn about Ningxia. On behalf of Ningxia's over 7.2 million people, I sincerely wish happiness and prosperity for the people of Hong Kong. Thank you.

Jinan Times APP:

Ningxia is an important node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Can you elaborate on the key measures Ningxia has implemented in recent years to expand its openness to the world? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

I will invite Mr. Wang to take this question.

Wang Li:

Historically, Ningxia was an important commercial hub on the northern route of the eastern segment of China's ancient Silk Road, witnessing the once-thriving Silk Road since the Qin (221-206BC) and Han (206BC-AD220) dynasties. In recent years, based on national needs and Ningxia's capabilities, we have leveraged the BRI as a major opportunity to foster high-quality development through high-level openness.

Talking about building high-energy open platforms, we actively participate in and contribute to BRI cooperation. We have received approval to establish the nation's first inland opening-up pilot economic zone. We have also successfully hosted six China-Arab States Expos and three China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expos. Our international trade network has expanded to cover over 170 countries and regions, and we've established sister city relationships with 62 cities worldwide. Ningxia's "circle of friends" continues to grow.

In terms of developing a high-quality open economy, we stick to the approach of combining "bringing in" and "going out" to create open platforms that integrate comprehensive bonded zones, foreign trade bases and specialized parks. Through implementing the "Three-Year Foreign Investment and Five-Year Foreign Trade Doubling Plan," we've attracted nearly 1,000 foreign-funded and foreign-trade enterprises to invest and establish factories in Ningxia. Over the past decade, the actual use of foreign capital grew at an average annual rate of 8.2%, and the total import and export volume increased by 6.3% annually.

In terms of facilitating corridors for high-level opening-up, we focus on smoothing land routes, expanding air routes and improving customs clearance efficiency at ports. We maintain regular rail-sea intermodal trains from Yinchuan to Tianjin Port and Qingdao Port and have stable direct flights to international destinations like Dubai and Hong Kong. The construction of the Yinchuan National Comprehensive Freight Hub and National Backbone Cold Chain Logistics Base has accelerated, continuously strengthening Ningxia's hub status and channel functions. Additionally, advancements in "East Data, West Computing," west-to-east gas transmission and west-to-east power transmission projects have reinforced Ningxia's position as a strategic channel and its role in promoting China's westward opening-up.

Moving forward, Ningxia will continue to seize the major strategic opportunities brought by the BRI and the large-scale development of China's western region. We will ensure the successful hosting of the China-Arab States Expo, focusing on building a comprehensive platform for economic and trade cooperation, commercial mediation, legal services and cultural exchanges between China and Arab states. Taking China's application to join the International Organization of Vine and Wine as an opportunity, we will accelerate the construction of the National Open Development Comprehensive Pilot Zone for Grape and Wine Industry, striving to enhance the international reputation of Chinese wine. Our goal is to make Ningxia wine a "purple bridge" for China to engage with the world and for the world to understand China.

That's all from me. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Let's move on to the last question.

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV:

Ningxia entices people who are looking for a vacation destination. Following up on the discussion about enriching mutual exchange with compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, could you elaborate on the unique features and advantages of Ningxia's culture and tourism industries? What measures will be taken to enhance its appeal to tourists in the future? Thank you.

Zhang Yupu:

Thank you. Let me introduce the basic situation of tourism in Ningxia. Ningxia boasts rich cultural and tourism resources with distinctive features and is among the first batch of national all-for-one tourism demonstration zones. However, there is still room for improvement due to insufficient development and promotion. Today, I will briefly introduce Ningxia's tourism sector from both historical and natural perspectives.

From a historical perspective, although the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was established relatively recently, it has a profound history and culture. For example, Ningxia is home to the Shuidonggou site, which dates back over 40,000 years. Every significant historical period from then to the present day has left behind iconic historical and cultural symbols in Ningxia.

For instance, Ningxia houses Great Wall ruins from six dynasties, spanning from the Warring States period to the Ming dynasty. These well-preserved ruins are often called the "Museum of China's Great Walls." Another notable feature is the water diversion project for irrigation from the Yellow River, which began during the Qin dynasty and is still in use today. This project is recognized as a "World Heritage Site of Irrigation Projects." Additionally, Ningxia's grand Western Xia Imperial Tombs, known for their unique styles, are actively being proposed for inclusion in the World Heritage List. Moreover, Ningxia is home to numerous old revolutionary sites, such as "Jiangtaibao," where the Red Army's Long March ended victoriously. Through these historical relics, we can appreciate the profound significance of the Yellow River, Great Wall, Silk Road, and Red cultures.

From a landscape perspective, although Ningxia is not very large, it has abundant natural and ecological resources. Specifically, it boasts a complete system of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, grasslands, and deserts, earning it the nickname "China's miniature bonsai of tourism."

To explore the mountains, we have the Helan Mountains, one of the seven important geographical boundaries dividing the monsoon and non-monsoon zones, as well as internal and external drainage areas. The Helan Mountains are unique, featuring rock paintings dating back 10,000 years, known as the "fossil of early human art." Another notable mountain is Liupan Mountain, familiar to many. Liupan Mountain is called the "victory mountain" of the Red Army's Long March, where Chairman Mao wrote the famous lines, "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man." Both of these mountains are candidates for national park status.

Regarding waters, we have two prominent ones, both designated as national 5A-level scenic spots. The first one is the Yellow River Canyon, known for its nine mighty rivers, hundreds of towers, and majestic landscape. The other one is the Shahu Lake scenic area, where water meets desert, and birds and fish coexist harmoniously. Additionally, Yinchuan is home to an international wetland and over 200 lakes of various sizes, which are extremely valuable in the northwestern region. These green mountains and lush waters are being transformed into invaluable assets. 

I would like to particularly highlight desert tourism in Ningxia. Wang Wei, a Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty, described Ningxia as "a smoke hangs straight on the vast desert, a sun sits round on the endless stream." In contrast, another Tang dynasty poet, Wei Chan, wrote, "At the foot of Helan Mountains, orchards flourish, making the region known as Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." These depictions illustrate two entirely different scenes. Therefore, some say Ningxia is "half prosperous and half desert." In fact, with the rapid development of the sand economy, sand industry, and desert tourism, this "half desert" has created its own unique prosperity. Initiatives such as creating forests, grasslands, and oases, as well as developing photovoltaic farms, are transforming people's impressions and perceptions of Ningxia.

In Ningxia's Shapotou scenic area, you can experience a remarkable side of the landscape. This area features not only cozy homestays but also five-star desert hotels and desert-themed resorts. When night falls, you can comfortably enjoy sand treatments and sand baths while gazing at the starry sky and reflecting on the passage of time. As a result, this scenic area is renowned as "China's most beautiful desert" and the "hometown of stars." The scenic area was recently proposed for designation as a national-level tourist and resort zone, and the results have been released to the public. This designation will further boost Ningxia's desert tourism.

Since the beginning of this year, to enhance the quality of Ningxia's tourism sector, we have carefully listened to tourists' feedback and launched a comprehensive project to upgrade and innovate the cultural and tourism industries. The project focuses on six aspects: catering, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, and shopping. For example, to ensure tourists enjoy quality dining and lodging, we have initiated a special campaign to regulate prices and enhance the quality of the catering sector. We have also established a cluster of 15 branded hotels in the city, set to open this month. Additionally, numerous resorts have been built in rural areas. To enhance tourists' travel experiences, we have developed several self-drive tour routes, including those along "Route 66." We have also launched an online tourism service platform, "Smart Tourism in Ningxia," and released an upgraded version of "The 21 Scenic Sites of Ningxia." Recently, a national meeting on the development of the tourism sector was held, and we will seize this opportunity to accelerate the high-quality development of Ningxia's tourism industry.

Finally, we sincerely welcome friends and tourists from home and abroad to visit Ningxia and fully immerse themselves in its delicious food, fine wines, and picturesque scenery. Thank you all!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Zhang. Thank you to all the speakers. I also want to express gratitude to all journalists for your participation. Today's press conference concludes here. Goodbye, everyone. 

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhang Rui, Ma Yujia, Mi Xingang, Yang Xi, Yan Bin, Li Huiru, Yan Xiaoqing, Wang Qian, Huang Shan, Zhang Junmian, Wang Yiming, Liu Sitong, He Shan, Cui Can, Jay Birbeck, Rochelle Beiersdorfer and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Qingxian, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Anhui Provincial Committee and governor of Anhui province

Mr. Fei Gaoyun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Anhui province

Mr. Sun Yong, vice governor of Anhui province

Ms. Chen Jun, director of the Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date: 

May 16, 2024

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 19th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are pleased to be joined by Mr. Wang Qingxian, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Anhui Provincial Committee and governor of Anhui province, who will brief you on the topic of "charting a new course for Anhui's high-quality development in the new era by pursuing innovation-driven growth," and answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Fei Gaoyun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Anhui province; Mr. Sun Yong, vice governor of Anhui province; and Ms. Chen Jun, director of the Anhui Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Now, I will give the floor to Mr. Wang for his introduction.

Wang Qingxian:

Good afternoon, everyone! Welcome to this press briefing. First of all, I would like to extend my sincere admiration and profound gratitude to you for your interest in and reporting of Anhui. Your efforts in fostering a climate of positive public opinion for Anhui's high-quality development are deeply appreciated.

In recent years, the positive momentum of Anhui's development has aroused public interest. Generally speaking, the past decade has seen significant leapfrog development of Anhui. This leap is reflected in the increase of Anhui's total economic output from 1.9 trillion yuan to 4.7 trillion yuan ($648.72 billion) last year, crossing three trillion-level milestones within a decade. In China's economic landscape, we have made a historic leap from a mid-ranking position in total economic volume and lagging behind in per capita income to being at the forefront in total economic volume and mid-ranking in per capita income. The total output of industrial enterprises above the designated size has risen from 3.3 trillion yuan to 5.1 trillion yuan, making Anhui a new industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.

The significant progress Anhui has made in its development over the years is fundamentally due to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Anhui twice, delivering important speeches and instructions, and charting a course and guiding the way for Anhui's development. He assigned Anhui a strategic position, that is, building itself into an influential cradle of sci-tech innovation, a hub of emerging industries, a highland for reform and opening up, and an area for comprehensive green transformation of socio-economic development. The intersection of national strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the rise of China's central region, and the Belt and Road Initiative, along with the new development pattern charted and promoted by the general secretary, has pushed forward Anhui's high-quality development. Anhui's geographical advantages in bridging China's eastern and western regions and connecting northern and southern regions are being transformed into its development advantages of accessing both seas and rivers and gathering resources from all directions.

Our strategic position is systematic and comprehensive. In terms of sci-tech innovation, Anhui indeed has relative advantages. It boasts high-level research institutions such as the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as the country's first national laboratory. Hefei is one of the four comprehensive national science centers across the country, and the province's sci-tech innovation capabilities remain at the forefront in China. Currently, as many as 13 large scientific facilities have either been built, are under construction or are in the planning stage. These large scientific facilities and the large number of scientists and high-end talents we have gathered have put us at the world's forefront in areas such as quantum technology and fusion energy.

Anhui's robust innovation strengths stem from our decades of consistent efforts to increase investment in science and technology, diligently push forward the reform of the sci-tech system, nurture sci-tech enterprises, and implement the talent development project. The province ranks fourth in the country for total fiscal input in science and technology, and seventh for its research and development spending intensity, which stands at 2.56%. We have nearly 20,000 national high-tech enterprises, with over 4,200 added last year alone, and over 27,000 technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with more than 9,600 added last year. Our innovation-driven strategic emerging industries are growing continuously, with rapid development seen in new energy vehicles (NEVs), advanced photovoltaics and new energy storage, next-generation information technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). Currently, 10% of display panels in the world, as well as 50% of photovoltaic glass, 20% of photovoltaic modules, 15% of home appliances and 10% of cars in China are produced in Anhui. Leveraging USTC, we established the USTC Silicon Valley, and through a series of reforms of the sci-tech system and mechanism, we profoundly cultivated an innovative ecosystem that attracts professionals from all over the world. In just over a year, 1,391 innovative enterprises have been established and more than 200 funds of various types with a total scale exceeding 230 billion yuan have been gathered.

Becoming part of the national strategy for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta has provided significant growth momentum for Anhui, effectively accelerating the province's progress in reform and opening-up. Anhui's integration into the Yangtze River Delta enables it to benefit from the region's leadership in development. It strengthens its connections to international industrial, capital, technical, and talent resources through the delta region, especially via the open platform of Shanghai. Learning from the experience of Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, we have introduced over 800 reform projects in the past three years. This has significantly enhanced governance, and improved the business environment.

An innovative development path inherently encompasses environmental friendliness. In the past decade, Anhui has achieved a nearly 30% reduction in energy consumption per unit of GDP. The water flowing out of Anhui, whether from the Yangtze River, the Huaihe River, or the Xin'anjiang River, all meet Grade II standards, meaning it can be used as a source of drinking water. The Anhui section of the Yangtze River is a habitat where Yangtze finless porpoises reproduce and thrive. The sight of Yangtze finless porpoises surfacing in groups on the river once again is a clear testament to the success of our comprehensive conservation efforts in the Yangtze River at this stage. Anhui serves as an ecological barrier for the Yangtze River Delta. As part of the region, Anhui bears not only the responsibility and obligation but also the commitment and honor to fulfill this barrier role.

Dear friends from the media,

As Anhui embarks on the new journey of Chinese modernization, it is entering a key phase of accumulating strength for success. It demonstrates strong momentum and has great potential for progress. All sectors of the province highly value this vibrant atmosphere and are making the most of every moment to forge ahead. With a strategic focus on being a source of sci-tech innovation, a hub for emerging industries, a new pacesetter for reform and opening-up, and a zone for the green transition of socio-economic development, Anhui is expediting efforts to enhance its strength in science and technology, manufacturing, agriculture, the eco-environment, talent, education, and the cultural sector. Under the new development pattern, new economic pillars are set to emerge in China, and Anhui is poised to secure its position among these new pillars.

We hope you will continue to stay informed about Anhui's development, take an interest in it, and support its progress.

That concludes my introduction. Next, my colleagues and I will take your questions.

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.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

Anhui has taken numerous measures to effectively integrate itself into the development of the Yangtze River Delta. What measures will it take next to further seize and capitalize on the strategic opportunities of this integrated development plan? Thank you.

Wang Qingxian:

Let us invite Mr. Fei to answer this question.

Fei Gaoyun:

The lower reaches of the Yangtze River start in Anhui. Anhui's integration into the Yangtze River Delta represents the greatest opportunity and potential for the province as well as entails the greatest benefits. It also provides more space for the delta region's integrated development. In recent years, Anhui has focused on the two keywords of integration and high quality, actively engaging and fully participating to deeply advance the Yangtze River Delta's integrated development.

Firstly, Anhui has aligned ideas and institutional mechanisms. For nearly three years now, we have introduced 825 reform measures across eight batches that are on par with Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. We have also regularly dispatched officials to parks and enterprises in these regions for on-the-job learning, aligning our development concepts and institutional mechanisms with theirs.

Secondly, Anhui has deeply participated in the industrial division and collaboration of the Yangtze River Delta. Last year, over 60% of the funds already in for Anhui's major projects each worth more than 100 million yuan came from Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. High-quality enterprises from Anhui are continuously integrating into the industrial chains of these other regions. For instance, the domestically produced C919 aircraft uses Anhui's alumics.

More importantly, residents are gaining a sense of fulfillment through integrated development. Currently, there are 78 pairs of high-speed trains between Hefei and Shanghai each day. The number of high-speed trains between Hefei and Nanjing is 116 pairs, and between Hefei and Hangzhou is 78 pairs. A total of 173 governmental services including birth registration and enterprise registration are now accessible across provinces. A total of 52 resident services, including medical insurance settlement and talent services, can be handled with a single card, making cross-regional living and working more convenient.

Going forward, we will follow Shanghai's lead, and work closely with Jiangsu and Zhejiang to fully display the competitiveness of Anhui and advance the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.

First, we will strengthen innovation collaboration, promoting the joint innovation of the comprehensive national science centers in Shanghai's Zhangjiang area as well as Anhui's Hefei. This would advance joint construction of national laboratories and clusters of big science facilities and ensure shared benefits, forming cross-regional innovation consortia to tackle core technologies in key fields.

Second, we will deepen industrial collaboration, leverage Anhui's comprehensive comparative advantages and establish paired cooperation parks for cities in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang to assist cities in northern Anhui and new functional areas in border regions. This will provide space for targeted industry transfer, supporting enterprises with technology advances and product upgrading. We will also regularly conduct supply and demand docking for the industrial chain's upstream and downstream, actively facilitating the layout of high-quality industrial resources of the Yangtze River Delta in Anhui.

Third, we will promote openness and sharing, closely connecting with innovation resources from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and especially Shanghai. We will accelerate the construction of the Anhui Integrated Development Zone of the Hongqiao International Airport opening hub, replicate and promote successful reform and innovation experiences from the pilot free trade zones in these regions, enhance the capacity of Anhui's pilot free trade zone and comprehensive bonded zones, and expedite high-level opening up. Thank you. 

CCTV:

To become a hub for scientific and technological innovation is Anhui's top priority when implementing the strategy of "three hubs and one zone" (a hub for scientific and technological innovation, a hub for emerging industries, a hub for reform and opening-up, and a zone for green transition of socio-economic development"). Why does Anhui have strong confidence in becoming a hub for scientific and technological innovation? Thank you.

Wang Qingxian:

I will answer this question. Creating a scientific and technological innovation hub is a strategic measure adopted upon General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions for Anhui. We are confident when it comes to building a scientific and technological innovation hub, and this confidence comes from our scientific and technological innovation capability as well as our constant deepening of reforms with scientific and technological mechanisms. 

Just now, I introduced national laboratories and big science facilities, which have achieved many scientific and technological outcomes, especially in areas of quantum information, fusion energy and deep space exploration. 

In the field of quantum information, we have successively launched major original achievements such as the Micius quantum communication satellite and the "Jiuzhang" and "Zuchongzhi" series of quantum computing prototypes. We have successfully developed a strontium atomic optical lattice clock, which is advanced internationally with a margin of error no more than one second for 7.2 billion years. 

In the field of fusion energy, the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, known as the Chinese "artificial sun," achieved a steady-state high-confinement plasma operation for 403 seconds at 100 million degrees Celsius, setting a new world record. We are constructing a compact nuclear fusion experimental device, and will be the first in the world to demonstrate fusion power generation. Currently, we are at the critical transition point from scientific research to engineering testing. 

In the field of deep space exploration, we have established the nation's first deep space exploration laboratory. Recently, the Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2 lunar satellites developed by this laboratory were successfully launched, marking China's first time to realize dual-satellite formation flight on the lunar orbit. 

The Steady High Magnetic Field Facility, a large piece of scientific apparatus, can generate the world's highest steady-state magnetic field – 900,000 times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field – to support scientific research. These high and strong magnetic fields can be used to observe and regulate the inner structure of a nucleus. The under-construction Hefei Advanced Light Source (HALS) is the world's most advanced fourth-generation synchrotron radiation light source, and its performance is over one hundred times higher than that of the third-generation light sources. What are the values of the fourth-generation one? Called the "spiritual eye" by scientists, it allows users to see the microcosmos at the molecular and atomic levels.  

Building a home for sci-tech innovation needs to fully leverage the role of the market in allocation of innovative resources, activate elements of sci-tech innovation, and ignite the innovation and creativity of scientists and other talented people. To achieve those goals, we further reformed the systems and mechanisms for sci-tech development. Through a series of reforms, we promoted collaborative innovation by colleges, universities, research institutes, large scientific facilities, and enterprises and constructed an innovative ecosystem featuring the coordinated efforts of the government, enterprises, universities, research institutes, financial support, intermediary agencies, and consumers, obtaining a number of achievements. USTC Silicon Valley creates such a scenario, as a test area. Many innovative units will spring up here. In our operational model, various innovation consortiums are stationed in separate buildings where they foster new, emerging industries. Thanks. 

Red Star News:

We note that the recent brand promotion conference of building "Grand Huangshan" as a world-class tourism destination for leisure, vacation, and wellness was held in Anhui. My questions are: how do you define Grand Huangshan, what is the difference between Grand Huangshan and Huangshan Mountain in the traditional sense, and what is the blueprint for Grand Huangshan? Thanks.

Wang Qingxian:

Mr. Sun will answer these questions. 

Sun Yong:

Over 400 years ago, China's great traveler Xu Xiake once praised Huangshan Mountain after two visits that it is unrivaled among all mountains and boasts the ultimate spectacle. Nowadays, Huangshan Mountain has not only gained nationwide fame, but also become internationally recognizable. It belongs to China and the world. 

We will leverage the global fame of Huangshan Mountain to build the Grand Huangshan region, coordinating 28 counties and districts of four cities, namely Huangshan, Chizhou, Anqing, and Xuancheng, as a world-class tourism destination for leisure, vacation, and wellness. 

As one of the most scenic and beautiful places, the Grand Huangshan region is home to 227 A-level tourist attractions and is recognized as one of eight national agglomeration areas of A-level tourist attractions. Huangshan Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, Tianzhu Mountain, and Qiyun Mountain compete to show their scenic views. Mighty Yangtze River, Xin'an River, Qiupu River, and Qingyi River flow endlessly. Taiping Lake, Huating Lake, Shengjin Lake, and Pingtian Lake stretch vastly with clear, rippling water. 

The Grand Huangshan region is known for its profound cultural heritage. Different cultures, such as Huizhou culture, Tongcheng culture, ancient Wan culture, and revolutionary culture, are present in the area and blend. The region also features five national famous historical and cultural towns, namely Anqing, Shexian, Jixi, Yixian, and Tongcheng. They enhance each other's radiance. The "four treasures in the study" of Huizhou ink, She ink stones, Xuan paper, and Xuan writing brushes have become world-famous. The region is dotted with over 9,000 ancient dwellings and villages, including 445 traditional Chinese villages. Xixi'nan village, with a history of 1,200 years, is hailed as the real-life version of Land of Oz, seeing almost 150,000 visitors this past May Day holiday alone.

The Grand Huangshan region is blessed with unique ecological conditions. Its average annual temperature is 16 degrees Celsius. Its air quality is good or excellent on more than 90% of the days throughout the year. The air contains over 20,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter around Huangshan Mountain, Jiuhua Mountain, and Tianzhu Mountain, where travelers can take a deep breath, detoxify the body, and embrace the calm. 

In the Grand Huangshan region, one can appreciate the scenic views, experience different cultures, and fully relax the body and the mind. In short, it is a fairyland to refresh one's mind and spirit.

Decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and provincial government to build the Grand Huangshan brand lie in the above-mentioned advantageous conditions, conform with the trends of tourism consumption upgrade, and focus on deepening supply-side structural reform. With the aim of aligning with international standards, we continue to improve the service quality, upgrading from traditional sightseeing tourism to modern tourism encompassing leisure, holiday-making and wellness, building a modern service industry cluster combining leisure tours, medical care and wellness, the creative economy, sporting events, the exhibition economy, and cultural services, and thus, forming a new pattern of integrated development of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries.  

We call it Grand Huangshan for two reasons. First, there are huge opportunities lying in the integration of resources and elements across vast areas. Second, there is great potential for industrial expansion led and empowered by influential brands. 

We cordially invite friends from home and abroad to come to the Grand Huangshan region and experience the original version of misty Jiangnan (the scenic region south of the Yangtze River) described in the poetry of the Tang and Song dynasties. We also welcome investors to invest and do business in the region. All will have a wonderful life here, and let's celebrate success together. Thanks.  

CRNTT:

In 2023, the proportion of the output value of strategic emerging industries in Anhui province accounted for over 40% of the total output value of the industrial enterprises above the designated size. What achievements and experience have been made in creating clusters for emerging industries? Thank you.

Fei Gaoyun:

In recent years, based on its own industrial foundation, Anhui province has accelerated the creation of clusters for emerging industries in key areas such as automobiles and new-generation information technology, in response to the new round of industrial development and transformation. It has developed new quality productive forces according to local conditions.

Here, I would like to share a set of data with you. Currently, the automotive and equipment manufacturing industries in Anhui have both exceeded 1 trillion yuan. Our new materials, new energy, and energy-conserving and environment friendly industries have also surpassed 500 billion yuan. In particular, our automotive industry has experienced rapid development. As Mr. Wang just mentioned, our automobile production last year reached 2.491 million vehicles, ranking second in the country. Among them, the production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) reached 868,000 vehicles, ranking fourth in the country. Automobile exports reached 1.147 million vehicles, which means that approximately one out of every four cars exported overseas from China is manufactured in Anhui. Over the past decade, the proportion of strategic emerging industries in Anhui's industrial output value has doubled. To achieve such a development trend, we have consistently focused on the following three aspects in our work:

First, we adhere to the direction of cluster development. Following the path of "leading enterprises, industrial chains, industrial clusters, industrial ecosystems," we persistently promote the aggregation and consolidation of industries. For example, with seven automobile manufacturers such as Chery, NIO, JAC and Volkswagen Anhui as the leading companies, we have attracted over 4,000 automotive component and aftermarket enterprises. More than 470 integrated circuit industry enterprises have been clustered, forming a relatively complete industrial chain.

Second, we adhere to the approach of "sci-tech innovation + industry." We leverage our abundant science and innovation resources to serve industries and enterprises. For instance, we are implementing the "Two 80%" initiative, which aims to ensure that 80% of newly designated industrial innovation platforms each year are led by enterprises, and 80% of industrial sci-tech projects each year are initiated by enterprises.

We are also carrying out the "Two Doublings" action, which means that by 2025, the number of high-tech enterprises and technology-based SMEs in the province will both be double compared to 2021. Last year, Anhui saw an average of 11 new high-tech enterprises and 26 new technology-based SMEs established every day.

Third, we adhere to market-oriented and specialized promotion mechanisms. We invite leading enterprises and expert teams to join the promotion groups for emerging industries, jointly formulate industrial plans, and map out industrial chains. We actively utilize models such as attracting industrial chain investment and scenario-based investment, and discover industrial resources through market forces. Additionally, we cooperate with international chambers of commerce, bilateral funds, and others to better integrate Anhui's advantageous industries into the global industrial chain. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

In 2023, Anhui initiated its implementation of the "100-billion-jin granary in the Yangtze-Huai River region" project, and its grain output hit record high. In the future, what arrangements and plans will Anhui take to ensure national food security? Thank you.

Wang Qingxian:

I would like to invite Ms. Chen to answer this question.

Chen Jun:

Anhui is a major grain-producing province. Last year, our total grain production exceeded 83 billion jin (41.5 billion kg), achieving 20 consecutive years of bumper harvests. With only 4.3% of the country's arable land, Anhui produces 6% of the national grain output. Anhui is also one of five provinces in China that has a net grain surplus, with an annual net surplus of about 20 billion jin of high-quality grain. It can be said that ensuring national food security is an obligation and an undeniable responsibility for Anhui. We not only strive to make contributions in terms of quantity but also aim to make breakthroughs in terms of quality.

On the one hand, we aim to increase the quantity of high-quality Anhui grain to secure China's food supply. Focusing on food security, which is considered as one of the country's most fundamental interests, Anhui province set a goal last year of building a "100-billion-jin granary in the Yangtze-Huai River region." This means that Anhui's grain production capacity will stabilize at over 100 billion jin by 2035. Centering on expanding grain production and improving grain quality, we have emphasized two crucial aspects: cropland and seeds. Major supporting projects such as high-standard cropland development and the revitalization of the seed industry have been implemented. Currently, we have developed 62.56 million mu of high-standard cropland, accounting for 75% of the total arable land area. The export volume of rice seeds has ranked first in the country for five consecutive years. We will work to gradually develop all permanent basic cropland into high-standard cropland and strengthen the seed industry as the core of agriculture. By turning every inch of cropland into fertile soil for bountiful harvests and increasing grain production, we aim to make significant contributions in Anhui province to safeguarding food security.

On the other hand, we strive to support the development of green agricultural products. Anhui is a key source of agricultural products for the Yangtze River Delta region, supplying half of the region's grain and meat, one-third of its fruits, and one-fifth of its vegetables. In the past two years, Anhui's specialty agricultural products, including foie gras, Mengcheng cattle, Dangshan pears, and Huaining blueberries, have gone viral online and gained market popularity. This has added significant value to the agricultural sector and brought wealth to farmers. Over the past five years, the per capita disposable income of rural residents in Anhui has grown annually by 0.4 percentage point higher than the national average. We will step up efforts to develop a high-quality and competitive agricultural sector and build Anhui into an agricultural powerhouse. We will deeply promote the integrated development of primary, secondary, and tertiary industries, strengthen agricultural support through science, technology, and equipment, and vigorously develop intelligent and protected agriculture. We will establish a batch of production, processing and supply bases of green agricultural products for the Yangtze River Delta region and make solid progress in developing the whole industrial chain of grain, incorporating animal husbandry and meat processing, as well as integrating agriculture and industry, to expand income sources for farmers. We will empower enthusiastic new farmers in regions between the Yangtze River and the Huaihe River, improving their income levels and living standards.

Guangming Daily:

I understand that since 2023, Anhui has established a system to collect the people's voices and address their appeals regularly. Could you please elaborate on Anhui's measures to ensure and improve people's livelihoods? What results have been achieved? Thank you.

Fei Gaoyun:

Ensuring and improving people's livelihoods have always been the starting point and ultimate goal of our work. For 17 consecutive years, we have implemented livelihood projects and practical measures, continuously enhancing people's well-being through the promotion of high-quality development. I will give two examples.

The first example is about medical treatment. In the past, Anhui lacked high-quality medical resources, and it was common for local people to seek medical treatment in other provinces. Since 2020, under the country's guidance, we have started cooperating with top domestic hospitals, such as Beijing Tiantan Hospital and the Children's Hospital of Fudan University. With a total investment of 13 billion yuan, we have built nine national regional medical centers, four of which are already operational and five are under construction. These centers provide high-level and convenient medical resources for local people.

The second example is about drinking water. Due to the limitations of weather and geography in northern Anhui, the main source of drinking water here was groundwater in the past, which is difficult to access and has unstable quality. Since 2021, we have implemented a water diversion project for the people in northern Anhui, with a total investment of over 26 billion yuan. We now use the Yangtze-Huaihe Grand Canal to divert water from the Yangtze River to northern Anhui, replacing the existing groundwater sources. We had completed replacement projects in 13 counties and districts by the end of last year, and plan to finish the projects in the remaining 15 counties and districts by the end of next year. By then, more than 30 million urban and rural residents in northern Anhui will all have access to higher-quality drinking water.

While carrying out work to improve people's livelihoods, we place a high value on addressing their concerns. Even the smallest matters are given top priority by the government. Since last year, we have been actively responding to each and every one of the people's concerns and have established a platform system to collect the people's voices at the provincial, city, and county levels. We have instituted a closed-loop work mechanism from collecting the people's voices to referring them to relevant government departments, strengthening follow-up oversight, making evaluations, and providing feedback. This mechanism effectively addresses existing problems so that beneficial policies are well implemented and we can better respond to the people's concerns and hear their voices. We work to offer more channels for the people to express their needs and ensure that the appropriate departments and officials are addressing their concerns. As of now, the system has collected 51,700 appeals and 50,800 of them have been settled, earning genuine praise from the public

Efforts to improve people's livelihoods are ongoing and require consistent dedication. In March this year, the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and the Anhui provincial government held a special conference on people's livelihoods and issued guidelines. We will consistently optimize the system for collecting public feedback, streamline channels for voicing concerns, enhance the quality and efficiency of handling these concerns, and deepen governance at the source. We will implement 50 livelihood projects on a rolling basis, addressing them one by one, year after year, to continuously enhance the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security. Thank you.

China Daily:

In recent years, Anhui has focused on fostering a market-oriented and law-based international business environment, earning a good market reputation. Could you please elaborate on Anhui's efforts and practices in optimizing the business environment? Thank you.

Wang Qingxian:

I'll answer this question. From our perspective, optimizing the business environment requires government efforts, enterprise feedback, and market efficiency in particular. Specifically, the government should respect, understand, and utilize market rules to address market failure and promote market efficiency. That is, the government should respect, understand, and support enterprises' innovation and creativity. In recent years, Anhui has continuously introduced over 800 measures to optimize the business environment. In two consecutive editions of the national survey "Business Environment Evaluation by Ten Thousand Private Enterprises," organized by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, our overall score and reputation have ranked among the top in the country.

German automotive giant Volkswagen launched operations in Anhui as early as 2017. Last year, the company established its largest overseas research, innovation, and procurement center for intelligent networked vehicles in Hefei, with an investment of 1 billion euros ($1.07 billion). In recent years, many world-renowned multinational corporations, such as Corning from the United States and Unilever from the United Kingdom, have expanded their investments in Anhui. Last month, Standard Chartered opened a branch in Hefei. Whether increasing investments or opening local offices, these multinational enterprises are largely attracted by Anhui's favorable business environment.

How can we improve the business environment to better benefit enterprises? Here are three key points from our experience:

First, government's support policies should meet the needs of enterprises. On the one hand, we involve local companies in research, discussions, and the entire policymaking process, creating opportunities for the government and corporations to exchange ideas and communicate effectively. To ensure smooth communication channels, officials from the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee and the provincial government hold symposiums with entrepreneurs every two months. Sometimes, the Standing Committee of the CPC Anhui Provincial Committee even holds work conferences at company offices. A series of policies regarding emerging industries such as new energy and intelligent networked vehicles, the new generation of information technology, and artificial intelligence are formulated based on joint research, discussions, and reviews by government departments, enterprises, business associations, and relevant experts. On the other hand, we have implemented policies efficiently to benefit enterprises directly. In recent years, we have streamlined administration and introduced favorable policies for qualified enterprises by using industrial internet thinking and technology. For example, the "enjoy now without applying" policy allows qualified companies to receive support funds without application. The "apply now and enjoy now" policy guarantees that enterprises receive immediate funds upon application. Big data and other technologies have been used to help identify eligible companies and calculate the amount of funds they can receive. This mode also compels local governments to ensure their policies are feasible. Last year, 11.5 billion yuan in funds were given to enterprises under the "enjoy now without applying" policy.

Second, the rule of law and the government's credibility can win the trust of enterprises. The rule of law secures the best business environment, and law-based administration lays the foundation for a trustworthy government. To regulate the actions of administrative organs in responding to lawsuits, we have taken the initiative to require the head of the sued administrative organ to appear and respond in court since 2022. Since then, the court appearance rate has remained at 100%. In 2023, we implemented the Regulations on Improving the Business Environment in Anhui, setting out provisions on minimum examinations and approvals, market access, and law enforcement related to enterprises. We have established a rapid response mechanism for protecting enterprises' legitimate rights and interests, and efficiently handle enterprise-related lawsuits and intellectual property disputes. We are currently developing an innovation zone for legal affairs, where high-level legal service clusters will be created to provide more professional and higher-quality legal services for enterprises.

Third, the government should improve its administrative efficiency to provide more convenience for enterprises. We set up a special panel for industrial development and formed an efficient coordination mechanism to promote connection among provinces, cities, and counties, as well as advance collaboration among departments at all levels. We established a flat organizational structure to provide more efficient services for enterprises, ensuring their voices are heard and their demands are met in a timely manner. We also introduced online and offline channels to collect enterprises' requests and address their difficulties through a closed-loop management system. This year, we continue to improve our efficiency and make every effort to provide convenience for enterprises. For example, the application materials for starting a transportation company have been cut from 28 items to 12 items, and the processing time has been shortened from 20 days to three days. The application materials for immovable property registration for enterprises have been reduced from eight items to four items. At the same time, the processing time has been cut from five days to only one day. When applying for verification of legal compliance information, companies are now allowed to use a single corporate public credit information report in place of separate non-violation certificates in 40 fields. Thank you.

CNR: 

I know that Anhui province has proposed to earmark the region for comprehensive green transformation and economic and social development. How should we best understand this proposal? In addition, how can eco-environmental strengths be translated into high-quality development strengths? Thank you. 

Sun Yong:

Anhui has been gifted with beautiful landscapes. In recent years, we have acted on the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, working toward peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, and vigorously advancing green and low-carbon development, with the continuous presentation of new splendors in the Yangtze River and Huai River basins. We have promoted well-coordinated environmental conservation and avoided excessive development. The banks of the Yangtze River, which used to be densely occupied with wharves and sand piles, are now filled with lush greenery and crowded with tourists. The model of cross-provincial joint ecological conservation in the Xin'an River basin has been promoted to 20 river basins in 21 provinces nationwide, and now the Xin'an River is one of the rivers with the best water quality in China. The banks of the Huai River have fertile lands and picturesque sceneries; the forest coverage rate of Mount Huang and other mountain ranges is as high as over 95%; biodiversity has also been improved in the process of restoration. As just mentioned by Mr. Wang, people can often see the Yangtze finless porpoise, known as "the panda of the water," chasing the waves of the river, and the oriental white storks, a nationally treasured bird species, flying over the Chaohu Lake. The Chinese merganser ducks, known as the "litmus test for ecology," have become frequent visitors to Anhui province in recent years. Anhui has become an important ecological barrier in the Yangtze River Delta and even the whole country.

The vivid practice of green development in Anhui province has made us deeply realize that economic development and eco-environmental protection are not a single choice but complementary and mutually reinforcing. We will thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, have a correct attitude towards performance in our work, not be moved by short-term growth and immediate interest, and continue to prioritize ecological conservation and pursue a green path to development.

First, we will continue to promote the ecologicalization of industries. We will strengthen innovation-driven and science and technology-empowered development; foster and develop green and low-carbon industries as new energy, energy conservation, and environmental protection; accelerate the green transformation of traditional industries; resolutely shut down outdated production facilities; and strive to improve the social benefits of industrial development. At the same time, we will actively build a new energy system and launch projects to boost the installed capacity of wind and solar power. The total installed capacity of renewable energy power generation reached 48.24 million kilowatts in 2023, accounting for 76% of the newly installed renewable energy capacity in China.

Second, we will continue to advance the industrialization of ecology. We will upgrade the construction of the Xin'anjiang-Qiandao Lake Ecological Environment Joint Protection Cooperation Zone and continue to deepen the implementation of the systems for the compensation of ecological conservation of surface water in Anhui province and provinces on the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. We will actively develop the ecological health and wellness and ecological culture and tourism industries and explore new paths to realize their market value, such as via the development of ecosystem goods and the trading of ecological property rights. We will strictly implement a system of compensation for ecological and environmental damage to ensure reasonable returns for those who protect and restore the eco-environment.

Third, we will continue to develop a policy system. We will focus on accelerating the construction of the region's comprehensive green transformation for economic and social development, adhering to systems thinking, and strengthening financial, fiscal, taxation, and pricing policy support. We will speed up industrial transformation, promote green consumption, and make green and low-carbon production and lifestyle a common practice. This will provide stronger support for building a leading province in ecology and creating a beautiful Anhui. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Due to time constraints, we will have one last question, please.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Anhui is now a province with net population inflows. What are the major reasons for that? What measures have been taken to attract talents and encourage business startups? Thank you.

Wang Qingxian:

I'll take this question. Just as you mentioned, Anhui province has demonstrated an increasingly clear momentum toward net population inflows. According to our analysis, two reasons have contributed to this. One reason is that more and more people from other provinces are working in Anhui province. The other reason is that more and more people from Anhui province choose to seek jobs and work here. Last year, there was a net increase of 219,000 people in Hefei, ranking top among cities in the Yangtze River Delta. These net population inflows show a sound economic development momentum in Anhui province, with more job opportunities, improved quality of employment, better pay packages, and broader opportunities for business startups.

In order to attract talents and encourage entrepreneurship, the provincial Party committee and provincial people's government have launched a workforce development project in Anhui province, a series of programs for talents to tour Anhui province, and advanced business startup programs in Anhui province. Through interactions between technologies, talents, capitals, and scenarios, we have enabled more young people to innovate and start businesses and have particularly created more opportunities in new technologies, industries, business forms, and models. We have set up a "fund jungle" to support entrepreneurship and adopted a series of measures to encourage the development of patient capital that invests in small businesses in the early development stages and in sci-tech companies, with the scale of private equity fund products reaching a record 1.68 trillion yuan, ranking seventh in China. We have taken innovative steps to launch a joint development project to support sci-tech companies, and loans to sci-tech companies have grown rapidly, from over 150 billion yuan in 2021 to nearly 600 billion yuan in 2023. To support entrepreneurship, we have created more entrepreneurial scenarios. For example, Hefei has taken the lead in building China's first all-space unmanned system application program and has gathered over 100 low-altitude-economy enterprises in about a year. At present, there is a strong atmosphere of innovation in Anhui province, especially in Hefei and Wuhu. For example, there are sci-tech salons and lectures, as well as various academic seminars. The whole city is immersed in an atmosphere of science and technology innovation.

Talents play a core role in achieving Anhui province's objectives of creating a source for sci-tech innovation, a cluster of strategic emerging industries, a pacesetter of reform and opening-up, and a region of the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development. They're also important for building Anhui province into a leading province in science and technology, as well as the manufacturing, agriculture, ecology, talents, education, and culture sectors. We will embrace talents from all over the world with enthusiasm, sincerity, and an open mind. We are willing to work with you to achieve things together. 

Lastly, I sincerely invite you to go and see the changes in Anhui province for yourself, and to witness what the four of us have presented here today. Thank you all.

Chen Wenjun:

Thanks to Mr. Wang and all the other three speakers. Thanks to friends from the media. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Wang Qingxian:

Thank you all, and you are welcome to visit Anhui.

Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Zhu Bochen, Liu Jianing, Wang Yanfang, Liu Caiyi, Wang Ziteng, Lin Liyao, Xu Kailin, Wang Wei, Huang Shan, Yuan Fang, Liu Sitong, Zhang Junmian, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Ye Jianchun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jiangxi Provincial Committee and governor of Jiangxi province

Mr. Ren Zhufeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Jiangxi province

Mr. Song Dexiong, director of the Science and Technology Department of Jiangxi Province

Mr. Ying Jiong, director of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Jiangxi Province

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 16, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 18th press conference in the series "Promoting High-quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Ye Jianchun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jiangxi Provincial Committee and governor of Jiangxi province, to brief you on continuing Jiangxi's revolutionary glories and striving ahead in promoting high-quality development of its old revolutionary base areas. He will also take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Ren Zhufeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Jiangxi province; Mr. Song Dexiong, director general of the Science and Technology Department of Jiangxi Province; and Mr. Ying Jiong, director general of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Jiangxi Province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Ye for his introduction. 

Ye Jianchun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. I'm very glad to brief you on Jiangxi's efforts in promoting high-quality development. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Jiangxi Provincial Committee, the Jiangxi provincial government and over 45 million Jiangxi residents, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for Jiangxi's economic and social development. 

Jiangxi, with its naturally endowed abundance and talented people, is rich in revolutionary history. General Secretary Xi Jinping has placed great importance on Jiangxi's development and has shown deep care for people living in the old revolutionary base areas. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, he has inspected Jiangxi three times, charting the course and steering the direction of development for us. During his inspection last October, he assigned us a new position and mission: striving to lead both the promotion of high-quality development of old revolutionary base areas and the rise of the central region, and making sound efforts in advancing the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This has greatly boosted the confidence and morale of the entire province. Always bearing in mind his expectations for us with gratitude, we have pressed ahead with concrete steps, securing solid progress in promoting the building of a modern socialist Jiangxi in all respects. My introduction will involve six aspects:

First, Jiangxi's comprehensive economic strength has notably improved. We have consistently clung to the top priority of high-quality development, leading to an overall improvement in the province's comprehensive economic strength. Currently, Jiangxi has caught up in development. The province's GDP increased from 1.28 trillion yuan in 2012 to 3.22 trillion yuan ($444.2 billion) in 2023, crossing two trillion-yuan thresholds. Per capita GDP grew from 28,600 yuan in 2012 to 71,200 yuan in 2023, exceeding $10,000 if calculated at both the exchange rate on Dec. 31, 2023 and the current exchange rate. 

Second, Jiangxi has grown to be one of the provinces strong in industry. We have steadfastly implemented the strategy of building up the province's strength through industrial development, striving to enhance and expand the manufacturing sector as a crucial instrument to empower the province. As a result, Jiangxi has transitioned from a traditional big agricultural producer to a strong emerging player in industry. In 2023, our industrial value-added output reached 1.12 trillion yuan; the value added of manufacturing remained at around 33% of the province's GDP, ranking among the top nationwide; the total number of industrial enterprises above the designated size exceeded 18,000. Jiangxi now boasts one industry with an annual output of more than 1 trillion yuan and 14 industries each with an annual output of at least 100 billion yuan. Among them, the revenue of the electronic information industry reached 1.08 trillion yuan in 2023, ranking fourth nationwide; the revenue of non-ferrous metals and equipment manufacturing sectors approached 800 billion yuan and 700 billion yuan, respectively. The non-ferrous metals and equipment manufacturing sectors have continued their strong growth momentum this year, with the value added increasing by 20.5% and 17.1%, respectively, year on year in the first quarter. Both sectors are developing rapidly toward an annual output of 1 trillion yuan. 

Third, Jiangxi has deepened its reform and opening up. We remain committed to promoting reform and development through opening up, with reforms in key areas such as green finance and rural residential land leading the country, effectively tackling some deep-seated obstacles to high-quality development. Fully leveraging Jiangxi's unique geographical advantages in connecting China's eastern and western regions, linking its northern and southern regions and having access to both rivers and the sea, we have further advanced the establishment of an inland open economy pilot zone and actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, we have aligned with major national strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Such in-depth opening up and cooperation have gathered more resources and factors for production, creating broader prospects for development. 

Fourth, Jiangxi has further advanced all-round rural revitalization. We have always prioritized the development of agriculture and rural areas, ensuring stable production and supply of important agricultural products with no large-scale return to poverty. The province's grain output has remained above 21.5 million metric tons for 11 consecutive years. In 2023, the per capita net income of people lifted out of poverty stood at 18,571 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 13.6%, surpassing the growth rate of per capita disposable income of rural residents in the province. We have intensified efforts to spur agricultural development by boosting industrial growth, raising quality standards and promoting green development, effectively bolstering local specialties. Currently, Jiangxi is home to more than 1,000 leading enterprises of agricultural industrialization at or above the provincial level, including 930 businesses with an annual revenue exceeding 100 million yuan and 76 companies exceeding 1 billion yuan. Over 180 quality agricultural products from Jiangxi are now available in upscale supermarkets and restaurants. Jiangxi is expediting its transition from a traditional big agricultural producer to a leading province in modern agriculture. We have launched a special initiative to improve the rural living environment, and moved faster to turn the countryside into a beautiful and harmonious place for people to live and work in. These efforts will lead to comprehensive improvements that enhance every aspect of village life. Our goal is to ensure rural residents have access to modern amenities and services in their neighborhoods. 

Fifth, Jiangxi's ecological environment remains among the best nationwide. The province consistently ranks among the top in ecological protection. We have always protected and nurtured our first-class ecology with the utmost care, striving to create a model for a beautiful China through the "Jiangxi example." The province's forest coverage rate remains stable at over 63.1%, ranking second nationwide. In 2023, 96.5% of days had good air quality, and 97% of national monitoring sites reported excellent water quality. The enchanting green mountains and the vast Poyang Lake have become vibrant symbols of beautiful Jiangxi, with scenes like "clear waters where Yangtze finless porpoises leap," "deer drinking from deep forest streams," and "countless birds soaring in the pure sky."

Sixth, the living standards of the public are progressively improving. We are committed to a people-centered development approach, dedicating around 80% of our annual budget to addressing major public concerns. We have steadily increased the standards for subsistence allowances and assistance for those in extreme poverty for 17 years in a row. We have ensured more equitable access to public services such as education, healthcare, culture, and sports. We have been recognized as an outstanding province in the national evaluation of public security for 17 consecutive years. The people's sense of gain, happiness, and security is constantly increasing.

That is all from me for now. Next, my colleagues and I would like to answer your questions. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Ye. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before asking your question.

Xinhua News Agency:

As one of the provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, how can Jiangxi better serve and promote high-quality development within the region? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you to the journalist from Xinhua News Agency for your question. I will answer it. If the Yangtze River were likened to a giant dragon, Jiangxi would be situated at the midsection of its body. Jiangxi has a 151.9-kilometer stretch of prime Yangtze River shoreline. On average, nearly 150 billion cubic meters of water flow annually from the Ganjiang, Fu, Xin, Rao and Xiu rivers into Poyang Lake, and after regulation by the lake, this water contributes approximately 15% of the Yangtze River's total volume. Under the country's strictest water resources management system, Jiangxi's annual water usage is capped at 26.463 billion cubic meters until 2030. To put this in perspective, this figure represents only 16.9% of the total water Jiangxi channels into the Yangtze River. Jiangxi has made significant contributions in supplying premium water resources to the Yangtze River.

I understand that Jiangxi needs to fully shoulder the responsibility and mission of promoting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This involves not only protecting the ecological environment but also advancing the green transformation and development of the economy. On the one hand, we will unwaveringly adhere to the principle of coordinated efforts for overall protection, avoiding excessive development, and putting more effort into high-level protection. Our goal is to ensure that clean water from lakes flows into the river and clean water from the river flows eastward. We have already made significant progress in this area, and moving forward, we will strive to do even better. On the other hand, we will accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development and strive for excellence in serving and integrating into the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Our efforts will focus on three aspects:

First, we will focus on promoting the high-end, intelligent, and green development of industries. Since the reform and opening-up, Jiangxi has had a significant presence of traditional industries such as petrochemicals, steel, and textiles along the river. In recent years, we have adhered to innovation-driven development and technological empowerment, accelerating the optimization and upgrading of industrial and energy structures along the river. Sinopec Jiujiang Company, located on the banks of the Yangtze River, has made significant strides through technological upgrades, ensuring not a single drop of oil or wastewater enters into the river. It has become the first intelligent manufacturing demonstration and benchmark enterprise in the petrochemical industry nationwide. We will integrate high-end, intelligent, and green elements throughout the entire process of upgrading traditional industries, nurturing and strengthening emerging industries, and strategically planning future industries. We will vigorously promote the digital transformation and green transformation of industries along the river, accelerating the cultivation of new drivers of green growth.

Second, we will focus on deepening regional coordination and synergy. In recent years, we have strengthened cooperation with provinces and cities along the Yangtze River. We have signed an action plan with Hubei and Hunan to promote high-quality development in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. We are actively aligning with and integrating into the development of the Yangtze River Delta. We will build Jiujiang into a key nodal city on the Yangtze River Economic Belt to high standards, and to promote Nanchang and Jiujiang as national strategic hubs for modern logistics. We will leverage the innovative resources of the Yangtze River Delta to advance industrial upgrading in Jiangxi. Additionally, we will better advance ecological environment governance, infrastructure development, investment and trade integration, and the sharing of public services.

Third, we are committed to promoting the culture of the Yangtze River. Visitors to the Yangtze River National Cultural Park in Jiangxi can revisit the creative journey of Bai Juyi's "Pipa Xing" at the Pipa Pavilion, trace Su Shi's inspiration for "Record of Stone Bell Mountain" at its very source, Stone Bell Mountain, and experience the flourishing history of the millennium-old White Deer Grotto Academy. These experiences allow you to immerse yourself in Jiangxi's extensive and profound cultural legacy. We will enhance the protection of cultural relics and heritage along the Yangtze River, delve into the essence and contemporary significance of Yangtze River culture, and fully showcase the unique charm of Jiangxi's historical and cultural depth. Thank you.

Economic Daily:

Recently, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a symposium to guide the direction and chart a blueprint for the rise of the central region. How will Jiangxi seize the opportunity to promote high-quality development and make new advances in the rise of the central region in the new era? Thank you!

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question. I will invite Executive Vice Governor Ren Zhufeng to answer it.

Ren Zhufeng:

Thank you for this excellent question. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the central region is China's important grain production base, energy and raw material base, modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industry base, and comprehensive transportation hub. These can be summarized as the "three bases and one hub." We will focus on our positioning in the "three bases and one hub," take proactive actions, leverage our strengths, and create distinctive features. We aim to lead in promoting the rise of the central region.

Regarding building a grain production base, Jiangxi is one of the 13 major grain-producing areas in China and one of the two provinces that have continuously provided commercial grain to the country since the founding of the People's Republic of China. With 2.13% of the country's arable land, we produce 3.21% of the nation's grain. We will continue to rigorously uphold our responsibilities for food security and arable land protection, make every effort to stabilize the farmland area, focus on increasing yield per unit area, optimize the agricultural structure, and contribute significantly to ensuring national food security.

In building an energy and raw material base, Jiangxi has 11 mineral reserves that rank among the top in the country, earning it titles such as the "Tungsten Capital of the World" and the "Lithium Capital of Asia." Additionally, it has developed clusters such as Yingtan's "Copper Capital of the World," Ganzhou's "Rare Metals Valley of China," and the lithium battery new energy sector. We will continuously enhance the supply capacity of our unique mineral resources, further expand the industrial scale, and strive to build a strategic energy and raw material base with significant global influence as soon as possible.

In building a modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industry base, Jiangxi boasts a long history in manufacturing, strong foundational conditions, and a robust culture of innovation, with many industries leading nationally. For example, in the aviation industry, Jiangxi was the birthplace of the PRC's first aircraft, and is the only province with the capability to design and produce both rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. We will capitalize on our distinctive strengths, leverage our competitive advantages, and continuously promote high-end, green, and intelligent development in manufacturing to restore the glory of Jiangxi's manufacturing industry.

In building a comprehensive transportation hub, Jiangxi is the only province in the country adjacent to the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Western Taiwan Straits Economic Zone. Jiangxi is the first province in the nation where all cities with subordinate districts are connected by high-speed rail operating at 350 kilometers per hour, and the third province with high-speed expressways linking every county. We will further optimize the layout of the comprehensive multi-modal transportation network, accelerate seamless connections between water, land, and air transportation, promote multi-modal transport involving highways, railways, and waterways, and integrate customs clearance procedures. Leveraging our highly accessible transportation network, we will continuously enhance our geographical advantage of being well-connected in all directions. Thank you.

China Youth Daily:

Jiangxi boasts beautiful natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage, providing excellent conditions and unique advantages for integrating culture and tourism. Could you provide an overview of this integration and outline the plans for the next steps? Thank you!

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question and your attention to Jiangxi's cultural and tourism development. I will answer this question.

In July 1934, Chairman Mao Zedong wrote a famous poem in Huichang, Jiangxi: "Crossing these blue hills adds nothing to one's years; the landscape here is beyond compare." Jiangxi boasts a revolutionary heritage passed down through generations, stunning landscapes, and a rich cultural history. We consistently adhere to enhancing tourism through culture and highlighting culture through tourism, ensuring that beautiful Jiangxi stands out even more. During this year's May Day holiday, Jiangxi received 20.86 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 24.7% compared to 2019. The tourism consumption also grew by approximately 24.7%.

In creating more attractive tourism products, we leverage our unique "revolutionary, green, and ancient" resources to carefully plan cultural and tourism projects. Jiangxi, known as the cradle of the Chinese revolution, the People's Republic, the People's Army, and the Chinese workers' movement, as well as the gathering and starting point of the Long March, offers visitors the opportunity to learn about revolutionary history and feel the power of original aspirations. Leveraging our rich tourism resources, we have innovatively developed many popular tourism products. For example, there is a place called Wangxian Valley in Shangrao, Jiangxi province. It used to be an abandoned canyon mine, but later, through tourism development empowered by Xianxia culture and its unique canyon landscape, it gradually emerged from its predicament. Now, Wangxian Valley has become an Instagrammable spot for tourists from all over the country. It is crowded with visitors, making tickets and accommodations hard to book. What was once barren mountains has now become a wonderland, and the local community has been benefiting from tourism and walking the path to prosperity.

Jiangxi is striving to create more influential tourism brands. The province is home to the tranquil Lushan Mountains, picturesque Sanqing Mountains and marvelous Longhu Mountains. In Jiangxi, you can visit Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake in China; the country's most beautiful countryside in Wuyuan; the "Millennium Porcelain Capital" Jingdezhen; and the ancient Tengwang Pavilion, the Bailudong Academy, and the Donglin Temple. Additionally, Jiangxi produces distinctive tourist products such as Jingdezhen ceramics and Gougunao tea. The province is also enriched with countless ancient poems left by historical figures like Tao Yuanming, Ouyang Xiu, Li Bai, and Bai Juyi. After years of effort, the tourism brand Unique Landscape in Jiangxi has evolved from focusing solely on natural landscapes to combining nature, history, culture, and services. At the beginning of this year, in collaboration with the Palace Museum, we launched a special exhibition themed The Imperial Porcelain Returns at the Jiangxi Provincial Museum, showcasing imperial porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties with the oldest dating back some 600 years. The exhibition has been extended until May, with the site being packed with visitors daily, who are vying to see the exquisite exhibits that were produced in Jingdezhen, including the Chenghua doucai sanqiu cup, the red glazed guanyin vase from Kangxi period, and the small bowl with pale yellowish green glaze from Yongzheng period. Part of the exhibits are displayed outside the Palace Museum for the first time. All these highlight the splendor and charm of Jiangxi as the hometown of literati and loyalists and the birthplace of literature and culture.

To provide more friendly tourism services, we always place tourists at the center of our efforts and actively promote honest business among tourism operators across the province. We work to modernize tourism service facilities, implement intelligent management, and provide tourist-friendly services. Our goal is for every tourist to Jiangxi to not only revel in the beautiful mountains and rivers but also enjoy safe, comfortable, high-quality, and efficient services that warm the hearts and satisfy the needs. 

Jiangxi is suitable for travel in all seasons with tourism attractions located all around. We will further enhance the integration of culture and tourism, diversify business formats, and unleash the innovative power of cultural tourism sector. We aim to make Jiangxi's cultural tourism offerings eye-catching and soul-touching, gaining popularity and commercial success. We warmly welcome you to Jiangxi to experience its elegant and attractive landscapes, relive the glorious revolutionary stories at our red tourism destinations, and feel the province's unique charm. Jiangxi is an ideal place that deserves your visit and makes you want to return. Thank you.

Jiangxi Radio and Television Station:

As we know, Jiangxi has a vast countryside and a large agricultural population. After winning the fight against poverty, the task of rural revitalization remains difficult. I would like to ask how Jiangxi will consolidate and expand its achievements in poverty alleviation and effectively promote the comprehensive rural revitalization? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thanks for your question. We have always been very much interested in rural development. Jiangxi was once predominantly rural, and the development of its rural parts, agricultural industry and farming population is worth paying attention to. As a major agricultural province, promoting the comprehensive rural revitalization is not only a major political task but also an important opportunity for Jiangxi's development. We will learn from and apply the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program in Zhejiang province, working to consolidate our achievements in poverty alleviation while promoting rural revitalization. We will comprehensively upgrade rural industries and accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas.

First, we will make great efforts to prevent a large-scale return to poverty. We will promptly identify and provide early warnings for households at risk of falling back into poverty and work together to promote employment support, post-relocation assistance, and social assistance. So far, we have been relatively successful in this regard. We will continue implementing the three-year action plan for developing various industries in areas lifted out of poverty as a method of assistance. We aim to strengthen the internal momentum for growth in these regions and empower the people living there. While building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, we have ensured that the poor in Jiangxi's old revolutionary base areas have not been left behind. We will also ensure that no one is left behind on the new journey toward modernization. 

Second, we will vigorously promote the high-quality agricultural industrialization. We will promote the growth of the entire agricultural industrial chain and advance the construction of agricultural modernization demonstration zones, modern agriculture industrial parks, and national pilot zones for green development of agriculture. We will cultivate a number of competitive leading agricultural enterprises engaging in intensive processing, improving the capability of increasing the value of agricultural products. Through these efforts, we can strengthen the internal driving force for the development of agriculture and rural areas, which is of great importance as we often say. And only by doing so can we ensure better development. We should strengthen the coordination, integration, and promotion of Jiangxi's agricultural product brands and accelerate the construction of backbone cold-chain logistics networks across rural Jiangxi. We will strive to push Jiangxi's high-quality agricultural products towards high-end development and present them to other parts of the country and the world. I also hope that our friends in the media and their families can enjoy the environmentally-friendly and high-quality agricultural products from Jiangxi.

Also, we will accelerate efforts to build a beautiful and harmonious countryside desirable for life and work. We will advance the five-year program to improve the rural living environment and expedite the enhancement of infrastructure for transportation, supply of water, power and gas, communication, and more, improving public services across rural areas. We will work towards further modernizing the rural areas as much as possible. Our goal is for people in these areas all enjoy a happy life that features a clean and beautiful environment, a prosperous and comfortable lifestyle, and a community of simple and honest people. Thank you!

Shenzhen TV Zhi News:

As we know, Jiangxi's industrial structure has always been dominated by traditional manufacturing, facing challenges in industrial upgrading and transformation. I would like to ask how Jiangxi will promote the enhancement and expansion of its manufacturing sector and accelerate the development of a modern industrial system with local distinctions and advantages? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question, I will invite Mr. Ying Jiong to answer it.

Ying Jiong:

Thank you for your concern about Jiangxi's industry. Jiangxi is the birthplace of industrialization under our Party's leadership, producing the nation's first aircraft, first diesel wheeled tractor, first military motorcycle with sidecar, and first coastal defense missile. Of course, these achievements belong to the past. Today, we are striving to revitalize Jiangxi's manufacturing glory. As introduced by Mr. Ye Jianchun, we are deeply implementing the action plan to improve key manufacturing industrial chains, abbreviated as the "1269" action plan. The "12" refers to strengthening 12 key manufacturing industrial chains, including electronic information, non-ferrous metals, equipment manufacturing, new energy, the petrochemical and chemical industry, building materials, steel, aviation, food, textile and clothing, medicine, and modern furniture. The "6" refers to building six advanced manufacturing clusters: electronic information, copper-based new materials, lithium and photovoltaic new energy, tungsten and rare earth metal new materials, aviation, and integrated refining and chemical new materials. The "9" refers to achieving annual growth of around 9% in the output of industries above designated size by 2026.

In 2023, we upheld the promotion of integrated projects, enterprises, chains, and clusters, achieving a year-on-year increase of 5.4% in the province's industrial added value above designated size, 0.8 percentage point higher than the national average. This growth ranks seventh nationwide, demonstrating strong momentum in industries such as new energy, non-ferrous metals, and electronic information, marking a favorable beginning for the implementation of the "1269" action plan. Next, we will continuously deepen and specify the "1269" action plan, accelerating the establishment of Jiangxi's modernized industrial system with distinct strengths.

First, we will promote industrial upgrading. Focusing on the 12 key industrial chains and six advanced manufacturing clusters, we will implement the "industrial chain chief" mechanism to consistently upgrade traditional industrial chains, enhance competitive industrial chains, and consolidate emerging industrial chains, comprehensively improving the strength of Jiangxi's industry.

Second, we will maintain the transformation of growth drivers, primarily through the digital transformation of manufacturing. Within the next two years, we aim to establish 2,000 exemplary enterprises in digital transformation and implement digital reform in 10,000 enterprises, comprehensively improving the province's manufacturing digitalization.

Third, we will enhance the cultivation of entities. We will strengthen policy and financial guidance, cultivate more market entities, and provide tiered support to leading key enterprises and those using specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. Meanwhile, efforts will be made to promote the integrated development of large, medium and small enterprises and accelerate the building of a number of provincial and national advanced manufacturing clusters. Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

Before the press conference, I learned that from 2012 to 2023, the number of high-tech enterprises in Jiangxi increased from 356 to about 7,000, showcasing strong momentum. Could you please elaborate on the progress and efficiency in promoting sci-tech innovation in the province? And what are your next steps? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question, and I will invite Mr. Song Dexiong to answer it.

Song Dexiong:

Thank you for your question. Over the past three years, Jiangxi has implemented six actions to develop science and technology, driving the province's sci-tech innovation and demonstrating an upward and prosperous momentum, which can be reflected in four aspects. First, in terms of high-level platforms, Jiangxi has positively aligned with the country's strategic adjustments in science and technology, establishing eight national key laboratories, thereby maintaining its leading position in the construction of such laboratories. Second, regarding high-level talents, Jiangxi boasts more than 10 academicians and has seen a twofold increase in the number of national excellent youths in recent years. Third, in terms of high-tech enterprises, Jiangxi leads nationwide in cultivating leading high-tech enterprises and enterprises registered in the national statistical database. High-growth technology-based enterprises are thriving, with a 73.8% increase in the number of technology-based small- and medium-sized enterprises and a nearly threefold increase in the transaction volume of technology contracts. Fourth, in terms of high-quality achievements, we have achieved significant breakthroughs in areas such as the AC313 large civil helicopter, semiconductor light-emitting devices, and high-temperature superconducting heating devices. The world's largest and China's first 10,000-tonne submarine communications cable-laying vessel was launched in Jiangxi. Next, we will continue to pursue technological development, effectively promote technological innovation as the "key variable," and make it the "largest incremental factor" in boosting the high-quality development of Jiangxi.

In building an innovation chain, we will strengthen the development of strategic sci-tech forces with Jiangxi characteristics. We will strive to achieve new breakthroughs in establishing national laboratory research bases and national key laboratories in fields such as rare earths, nuclear resources, and non-ferrous metals. We will intensify original and leading sci-tech research efforts in areas such as nuclear technology applications, the low-altitude economy, and new energy storage to address key industrial technological challenges.

To strengthen our talent pipeline, we will utilize flexible recruitment mechanisms, such as case-by-case discussions and special appointment positions, to retain more academicians and national outstanding youths as chief scientists to lead major innovation platforms and R&D projects. We will continue inviting academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering and other experts to visit Jiangxi for research and field investigation, promoting the local implementation of a number of project achievements. We aim to optimize provincial high-caliber, first-class sci-tech talent cultivation programs, foster leaders for pursuing academic and technological progress in major disciplines, and attract top sci-tech talents to serve as heads of technology in enterprises above designated size. We will implement a special program for young sci-tech talents at early career stages, establish a direct support mechanism for young talents through the provincial Natural Science Foundation, and increase the proportion of young scientists leading projects. Additionally, we will focus on retaining these young talents by ensuring they can fully display and further cultivate their abilities.

In terms of policy optimization, we will simplify project management processes and establish a mechanism for due diligence and exemption from liability, allowing researchers to focus all efforts on innovation without being distracted. We will expand pilot reforms to grant researchers ownerships or long-term use rights over their on-the-job scientific and technological outputs, giving them greater decision-making power over technical issues and more control over fund allocation. This will foster enthusiasm and drive for innovation. Moreover, we will enhance the comprehensive service system for the commercialization and application of advances in science and technology, ensure effective alignment of supply and demand, and facilitate the application of more research outcomes in Jiangxi.

That's all. Thank you. 

CCTV:

Jiangxi established an inland open economy pilot zone in 2020. What initiatives have been undertaken in more than four years, and what are the future plans for further opening up? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question, and I will answer it. Opening up inland areas is a widely discussed and challenging issue that we strive to address. The central government has placed significant importance on the issue. In my view, the designation of Jiangxi as one of the pilot zones for opening up inland areas is an important task entrusted to Jiangxi by the central government. The pilot zone is a major platform for Jiangxi to enhance domestic and international openness and realize further development. For more than four years, we have advanced the construction of the pilot zone with high standards and quality, fostering all-round, two-way opening up by building connections with other parts of the country and the world. Let me highlight three key areas of progress. 

First, trade and investment have become more convenient. We pioneered a new customs clearance model that bridges different provinces and customs areas and connects land ports with seaports, reducing logistics time to coastal ports from an average of 70 hours to less than 30 hours. Jiangxi's export clearance efficiency now ranks fifth nationwide.

Second, the business environment has seen continuous optimization. We have thoroughly implemented a campaign to improve the business environment by aligning with established standards, with 99% of public biddings fully conducted online. We have enabled online company registration within one day and eliminated unnecessary regulatory efforts for reliable companies.

Third, the capacity of platforms has been significantly enhanced. We have deepened reform and innovation in development areas, reducing 40.6% of management institutions and increasing the added industrial value per mu (one mu equals 666.67 square meters) by 7.5%. We have upgraded the capacities of comprehensive bonded zones in Ganzhou and Shangrao, as well as cross-border e-commerce pilot zones in Nanchang and Ganzhou. In 2023, Jiangxi's cross-border e-commerce imports and exports totaled 46.35 billion yuan, ranking sixth nationwide.

Jiangxi's development is characterized by openness. Moving forward, we will improve the quality and efficiency of the inland open economy pilot zone construction, expedite the building of a pioneer for the reform and opening-up of inland areas, and inject vitality into Jiangxi's development in the new era through opening-up. 

On the one hand, we will promote high-quality "bringing in" and high-level "going global" initiatives. For high-quality "bringing in," we will continue targeted investment attraction in key industries by setting specific goals and lists. We will focus on the main targets of industries and leading enterprises and introduce more upstream and downstream enterprises in a targeted manner. For high-level "going global," Jiangxi's exports last year of the "new three" products — solar batteries, electric passenger vehicles, and lithium-ion batteries — increased by a whopping 73.5%, accounting for 4.3% of the nation's total. We will steadily expand our export share of the "new three" products and encourage more Jiangxi-based enterprises and products to go global. 

On the other hand, we will quickly foster a market-oriented, law-based, and world-class business environment. We are committed to the development of such a business environment as a hallmark of Jiangxi as it pursues development. Specifically, we will address the problem of newly appointed officials neglecting unresolved problems and protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises and entrepreneurs, with private entrepreneurs making investment and starting and expanding businesses without hassle. In 2023, the number of newly registered businesses in Jiangxi reached 1.237 million, bringing the total to 4.828 million by the end of the year. These figures clearly indicate that business entities recognize Jiangxi's business environment and have confidence in its development environment. Going forward, we will intensify efforts to optimize the environment and promote high-level "going global" initiatives, advancing the development of Jiangxi's inland open economy pilot zone. Thank you.

CNR:

The governor just mentioned that the lives of the people in Jiangxi are getting better. I also understand that Jiangxi promotes projects to improve people's well-being every year and has accomplished many beneficial deeds for the people. Could you please elaborate on the measures Jiangxi has taken to improve people's lives in old revolutionary base areas? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for the question. I'll let Mr. Ren answer this.

Ren Zhufeng:

Thank you for the question. As the entire nation realized the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the people of Jiangxi have new expectations for "a better life." We actively respond to these expectations by accelerating high-quality development while coordinating various livelihood initiatives, aiming to make our development efforts more meaningful and impactful.

First, we do our best to ensure spendings on basic living needs. As the governor mentioned earlier, these expenditures have always been Jiangxi's top priority, accounting for about 80% of the annual public budget. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have spent over 5 trillion yuan, particularly in efforts to promote employment, increase incomes, and alleviate poverty. For example, we have issued over 220 billion yuan in entrepreneurial guaranteed loans, ranking first nationwide.

Second, we focus on addressing pressing concerns of the people. We coordinate efforts across the provincial, municipal, and county levels to deliver benefits to the people each year. Last year's initiatives, including free HPV vaccinations for 487,000 eligible girls and establishing over 1,000 childcare facilities, drew widespread praise. Additionally, we promptly address public demands, continuously expanding fields and enriching content to ensure our efforts align with the people's expectations. This year, we launched services such as care for disabled people, elderly care assistance, and lay-down desks and chairs for schools, aiming to provide tangible benefits to the masses through these seemingly trifles but connects broader influence.

Third, we continue our efforts in promoting implementation. We adhere to the principles of universally beneficial, ensuring basic needs, equalization, and sustainability. We consistently work on one task after another to enhance the equalization of basic public services year after year. For instance, last year, we provided free services for preventing and controlling birth defects among newborns and initiated the construction of grassroots AI-assisted medical systems. We will continue these efforts this year, aiming for long-term effectiveness and striving to enrich the public's sense of gain, happiness, and security in a sustainable and guaranteed manner. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Two more reporters have raised their hands. We'll take the last two questions.

China Pictorial:

In recent years, Jiangxi province has vigorously promoted the construction of the Jingdezhen National Ceramic Culture Inheritance and Innovation Pilot Zone. How is the construction of the pilot zone going? Additionally, what measures will be taken next to revitalize Jingdezhen, the "Millennium Porcelain Capital?" Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your questions. I'll address them. Jingdezhen has attracted significant attention in recent years, not only for its ceramics but also due to the continuous development of its cultural tourism and the ongoing innovation in ceramic culture heritage.

The establishment of the Jingdezhen National Ceramic Culture Inheritance and Innovation Pilot Zone is a significant measure to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of ceramic culture. It is also a major strategic task assigned by the central government to Jiangxi. Since the plan on building the pilot zone was approved by the State Council in in 2019, over the past four years, we have vigorously promoted the construction of the "two areas and one center," which refers to the National Ceramic Culture Protection, Inheritance, and Innovation Base, a world-renowned ceramic cultural tourism destination, and the International Ceramic Culture Exchange and Cooperation Trading Center. We have made significant progress in areas such as heritage protection, cultural inheritance, industrial development, talent aggregation, and external exchanges. For instance, in terms of external exchanges, we successfully held cultural exchange activities like the Jingdezhen Ceramic Culture Theme Month in Berlin, Germany, and Cairo, Egypt, significantly boosting Jingdezhen's visibility, reputation, and influence both domestically and internationally.

Next, we will continue to deepen the construction of the Jingdezhen National Ceramic Culture Inheritance and Innovation Pilot Zone, revitalize the "Millennium Porcelain Capital," and make Jingdezhen's unparalleled ceramic culture renowned worldwide.

First, we will preserve the roots of ceramic culture. "One Jingdezhen accounts for half of China's ceramic history." Seizing the opportunity to apply for UNESCO World Heritage designation for Jingdezhen's ceramic industry cultural landscape, we will comprehensively promote the protection of ceramic cultural relics, the diversified inheritance of intangible ceramic-related cultural heritage, and the systematic interpretation of ceramic culture. Our goal is to ensure that the memory of history and the roots of civilization are safeguarded for generations to come. Jingdezhen, the birthplace, inheritance site, and innovation center of ceramic culture, will forever be a revered destination for ceramic artists and pottery enthusiasts worldwide.

Second, we will expand and strengthen the ceramic cultural industry. In recent years, the development of Jingdezhen's ceramic industry has also experienced four kinds of transformation, changing from disorder to order, from decentralization to concentration, from low-end to high-end and from small quantities to large scale. Next, we will focus on industrial chain extension, brand building, business integration, and other areas to make art ceramics more exquisite, daily ceramics better, and industrial ceramics more distinctive to truly expand and strengthen the ceramic cultural industry. At the same time, in order to better promote Jingdezhen ceramics and make them more convenient for people to purchase, we have established official flagship stores of Jingdezhen ceramics in Beijing, Shanghai and other places, as well as overseas in Dubai and United Arab Emirates. There are currently two stores in Beijing, one at Beijing Daxing International Airport and the other in Xicheng district. One in Chaoyang district is under accelerated construction and will be open in two months.

Third, we will expand ceramic cultural exchanges. Jingdezhen ceramic culture is an important cultural symbol for the world to understand China and for China to go global. We will tell China's stories, Jiangxi's stories and Jingdezhen's stories through a variety of ways such as the "never-ending" China Jingdezhen International Ceramics Expo, and truly build Jingdezhen into a living room for national cultural exchange and a famous hub for international cultural exchange. At present, there are tens of thousands of foreign "Jingdezhen Drifters" from more than 40 countries and regions around the world. Among them, many foreign artisans are exchanging innovative creations in Jingdezhen city. This scene is conveying the historical scenario of "craftsmen come from all directions and their wares are distributed around the world." We will pay attention to the process of these foreign "Jingdezhen Drifters" participating in cultural exchanges, tell their stories and continue to expand the global influence of Jingdezhen ceramic culture. Thank you.

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Green ecology is Jiangxi's distinct feature and strength. How will Jiangxi capitalize on this unique strength and pursue green development that prioritizes eco-environmental conservation and protection in the next stage? Thank you.

Ye Jianchun:

Thank you for your question. Green ecology is indeed our greatest advantage. I will answer this question. As I said in my introduction, Jiangxi is a "top student" in eco-environmental construction and we will never give in to complacency, nor should we be complacent. We will unswervingly pursue green development that prioritizes eco-environmental conservation and protection, and effectively coordinate high-quality development and high-standard environmental protection.

First, we will make every effort to consolidate and improve the quality of the ecological environment. Since we are a "top student" and have had good performance in the past, we must maintain these good performances. Green ecology is Jiangxi's biggest wealth, greatest advantage and most famous brand. We will continue to keep the skies blue, waters clear and lands clean, fully implement the 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River and further promote the comprehensive management of the entire basin of the Ganjiang River, Fuhe River, Xinjiang River, Raohe River, Xiuhe River and Poyang Lake. We will strengthen the identification and resolution of environmental risks in key areas such as hazardous waste and tailings ponds, and strive to improve the law enforcement of ecological environment monitoring and governance to continuously improve the quality of Jiangxi's ecological environment.

Second, we will make every effort to accelerate the development of green ecological industries. In the process of promoting economic development, we have a bottom line, that is, we will never pursue temporary growth at the cost of the environment, and we will never exchange pollution for GDP. When attracting investment, we stick to the bottom line of eco-environmental protection. In the process of transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, Jiangxi adheres to an advanced, smart and green approach, integrating the "ecological +" concept into the whole process of industrial development. We will vigorously develop ecological agriculture, ecological cultural tourism, ecological health care as well as other industries, so that Jiangxi's lucid water and lush mountains can better "produce gold and silver."

Third, we will spare no effort in improving the ecological conservation systems. Jiangxi is the only province in the country that has both a national ecological conservation experimental zone and an ecosystem goods and services value realization mechanism pilot. We are formulating regulations on compensation for ecological conservation, further improving mechanisms for a region-specific approach to environmental management, public interest litigations and carrying out value accounting for overall ecosystem goods and services. We will promote the ecosystem goods and services value realization mechanism pilot across the board, create a "Jiangxi model" of the Beautiful China Initiative with higher standards and strive to provide more Jiangxi-like solutions to the whole country.

That is all from me for this question. The host said that this was the last question. Please allow me to again extend an invitation: The old revolutionary base areas are not old but with infinite charm and a bright future. I hereby sincerely invite friends from all walks of life to come and make investments, start businesses or travel in Jiangxi. I look forward to meeting you again in beautiful Jiangxi. Thank you all.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Ye and the other speakers. Thank you to all the journalists for your participation. Today's conference will end here. Goodbye, everyone!

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Liu Caiyi, Liu Qiang, Yan Xiaoqing, Liu Sitong, Ma Yujia, Wang Ziteng, Liu Jianing, Wang Wei, Xiang Bin, Yan Bin, Huang Shan, Dong Qingpei, Li Huiru, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Jin Xiangjun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanxi Provincial Committee and governor of Shanxi province

Mr. Wu Wei, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Shanxi province

Mr. Tang Zhiping, vice governor of Shanxi province

Ms. Zhao Hongyan, vice governor of Shanxi province

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 15, 2024

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 17th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today we are pleased to invite Mr. Jin Xiangjun, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanxi Provincial Committee and governor of Shanxi province, to brief you on Shanxi's efforts in pursuing high-quality development and advancing all-round transformation, and to engage in dialogue and answer your questions. Also present at today's press conference are: Mr. Wu Wei, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Shanxi province; Mr. Tang Zhiping, vice governor of Shanxi province; and Ms. Zhao Hongyan, vice governor of Shanxi province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Jin for his introduction.  

Jin Xiangjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, members of the media, good morning! I'm very pleased to meet you all. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Shanxi Provincial Committee and the provincial government, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your long-term attention to and support for the economic and social development of Shanxi.

On May 16, 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping made his fourth inspection and research trip to Shanxi since the 18th CPC National Congress. On this first anniversary since his visit, it is very meaningful to have the opportunity to share new changes in Shanxi's pursuit of high-quality development and its comprehensive transformation through this press conference, an important platform provided by the SCIO.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has urged us to focus on transformation with extraordinary efforts and enduring achievements, and encouraged us to take the lead in forging a new path in transformational development. Bearing in mind his expectations, we have forged ahead with gratitude along the path of Chinese modernization.

We remain committed to moving toward a new future and accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system that reflects the unique advantages of Shanxi. "New" refers to aiming for new quality productive forces as a fundamental task, with a focus on making efforts and seeking breakthroughs in areas such as scientific and technological innovation, new industrialization and new-type energy system. Scientific and technological innovation leads the way. We have been gathering all the innovative elements in the province to build the Jinchuang Valley , an innovation-driven platform, and have achieved new breakthroughs in a number of important core technologies, such as high-speed maglev trains that run in a low-vacuum pipeline and furnaces to grow 8-inch silicon carbide crystals. New industrialization is the main direction. We are focused on advanced manufacturing, laying out and developing 71 industrial development zones, expanding and strengthening 16 provincial key industrial chains, creating a tiered cultivation system for 18 provincial towns with distinctive features, and launching 79 Shanxi-made premium products and services. A batch of new products are popular nationwide and already enjoy a global reputation. For example, we have produced the world's thinnest stainless steel foil , which is only 0.015 millimeters thick. To give you an idea, that's about one sixth of the thickness of a piece of regular A4-sized paper. During his inspection trip at Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group, General Secretary Xi Jinping praised them for "making refined steel so soft that it can even be wrapped around fingers ." Another example is the world's largest ladle crane with a lifting capacity of 550 metric tons, which is manufactured by Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group, demonstrating the excellence of made-in-China products. The new-type energy system plays a supportive role. We shoulder our responsibilities to ensure national energy security and promote comprehensive pilot reform in energy revolution. The number of intelligent coal mines, the output of unconventional natural gas, and the installed capacity of wind and solar power all rank among the top in the country. We have taken solid steps in trying out policies for the country and finding the right paths, and in facilitating transformation and gathering momentum in Shanxi.

We remain committed to striving for efficiency and fully stimulating the internal driving force and innovation vitality of business entities. Our main approach is to promote the benefits of business entities by enhancing the efficiency of the government, making the effective market more effective and the proactive government more proactive. We have deepened the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and the main indicators of provincial enterprises are among the top in the country. We have worked to increase the proportion of private investment in fixed assets and the proportion of the added value of the private economy in GDP by more than 1 percentage point each year. We have accelerated the construction of a high-standard market system. For example, Shanxi is a pioneer in the national power market reform. Last year, Shanxi's electricity spot market officially started operation, becoming the first in the country. The China Taiyuan Coal Transaction Center is the largest coal spot trading market in the country. The China Price-Xinhua Coking Coal Price Index released in Shanxi is the only national-level coking coal index in the country and has become a barometer of the industry. We are striving to create a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment. We have taken the lead nationwide in many reforms, such as the "one seal for administrative review and approval" practice, and expanded the coverage of one-stop government services to improve efficiency.

We are committed to pursuing green development and accelerating the construction of a beautiful Shanxi. We have initiated greening programs in the Taihang Mountains and Lyuliang Mountains, promoted ecological improvement for seven rivers including the Fenhe River and Sanggan River, and enhanced ecological conservation for five lakes, including Yanhu Lake and Jinyang Lake. We have made substantial progress in the battle against pollution along the main branches of the Yellow River. According to evaluations by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Shanxi's pollution prevention and control efforts have ranked excellent for two consecutive years. Notably, in Shanxi, a heavy industrial hub in north China, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 has decreased to 37 micrograms per cubic meter. As the eco-environment continues to improve, Shanxi now boasts the highest population of North China leopards in the country. The number of brown-eared pheasants, a species under top-level state protection and selected as Shanxi's provincial bird, has grown significantly. Yuncheng Wetland Nature Reserve along the Yellow River has become a major winter habitat for wild white swans from Siberia. This year, black-headed gulls were spotted at the Taiyuan Fenhe Wetland Park for the first time. These changes have significantly enhanced people's sense of gain and earned praise from visitors to Shanxi.

The ultimate goal of promoting high-quality development and advancing all-round transformation is to fulfill the people's aspirations for a better life. We have strived to promote people's well-rounded development and achieve prosperity for all. Each year, over 80% of Shanxi's government expenditures have been dedicated to ensuring people's well-being. Income growth for both urban and rural residents in the province has surpassed GDP growth. Shanxi has been ranked Level A for six consecutive years in a national evaluation for ensuring the timely payment of wages to rural migrant workers. All county-level general hospitals meet Grade 2A standards. The average length of education for people over the age of 15 ranks among the top in the country. Every year, we have delivered tangible benefits to the public, enabling the residents of Shanxi to enjoy increasingly better lives.

That concludes my brief introduction. Now, my colleagues and I will answer your questions.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Jin. Now, the floor is open for questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions.

National Business Daily:

We have noticed that in recent years, Shanxi has adopted many measures to promote scientific and technological innovation. Mr. Governor mentioned the development of Shanxi Innovation Valley , an innovation-driven platform, in his introduction. Could you please elaborate on this? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. I'll answer it. The CPC Shanxi Committee and the Shanxi provincial government place great importance on scientific and technological innovation. We have focused on the integrated development of innovation, industry, capital, and talent chains, gathering all available resources in the province to build Shanxi Innovation Valley, a high-level innovation-driven platform. We have developed a three-year action plan and implemented 26 policies and measures, some of which are unprecedented. For example, we have decided to provide 300,000 yuan to 1 million yuan ($41,412 to $138,039) as start-up funds for innovators establishing themselves in Shanxi. Additionally, we have introduced an equity investment error tolerance mechanism, allowing for a project failure rate of up to 80%. We have also allocated 2 billion yuan at the provincial level to set up angel investment funds for scientific and technological innovation projects. Currently, Shanxi Innovation Valley platform has established two sub-venues in Taiyuan and Datong. Other cities in Shanxi province are also gathering their innovative resources to build sub-venues based on their own distinctive features. We sincerely welcome talented teams from home and abroad to engage in innovation, start businesses, and realize their dreams in Shanxi Innovation Valley.

Next, we will continue to reinforce the principal role of enterprises in innovation. We will improve the technological innovation system, research planning methods, and service and security mechanisms, positioning enterprises as the primary actors. There are things we will do and things we won't do. Focusing on advancing all-round transformation, we will strive to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields such as cleaner and more efficient coal usage and coal-bed gas exploration and exploitation.

We will better stimulate the vitality of researchers. During our investigations, we discovered that researchers are often restricted by various barriers, such as burdensome processes for project applications, assessments, supervision, and evaluations, insufficient autonomy in research funding usage and management, and unclear distribution of research yields. We will establish working teams to delve into labs, enterprises, and higher learning institutions to provide policy guidance and services. Through this approach, we will develop a template for reform that is applicable to other areas in the province. Simply put, we will release researchers from the fetters of administrative chores, enabling them to freely and fully devote their time and energy to scientific exploration.

We will continuously improve the fundamental systems that support comprehensive innovation. We will establish an integrated mechanism for advancing education, science and technology, and talent, with a focus on reforming the evaluation system in the science and technology sector. Guided by innovation value, capability and contribution, we will accelerate the establishment of a talent evaluation system in the science and technology sector. Additionally, we will reform the evaluation system for scientific and technological achievements based on their scientific, technological, economic, social and cultural value. Over the next three years, we will invest 10 billion yuan in implementing the Higher Education 10-Billion-Yuan Special Fund Project, which began last year. We aim to cultivate and attract a number of national-level leading talents, innovative teams and young PhD graduates from high-level universities.

Thank you!

People's Daily:

Shanxi is a major coal-producing province and was designated as a pilot province for comprehensive energy revolution reforms in 2019. Could you please share what progress Shanxi has made in transitioning to green and low-carbon alternatives ? What are the plans for the next step? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your questions. I will ask my colleague, Executive Vice Governor Wu Wei, to answer them.

Wu Wei:

Thank you for your questions. The CPC Central Committee has designated Shanxi as a pilot province for reform, providing us with a new path for green transformation. We have earnestly implemented the new strategy for energy security, taken bold steps to implement pilot reforms, strived to build a new energy system and worked hard to create a pioneering zone for the comprehensive energy revolution reforms in the country. Our goal is to take concrete actions to shift from being a leading coal producer to becoming a pioneer in the energy revolution.

We have comprehensively improved our energy supply level. On the basis of ensuring safety, we rely on smart and green transformations to further improve mining efficiency and ensure energy supply. Currently, all underground coal mining faces in Shanxi have achieved comprehensive mechanization; 54% of coal production capacity has realized intelligent mining; and over 80% of coal production capacity is advanced. This has attracted a large number of smart coal-mining enterprises, including Huawei's coal mine team, to establish themselves in Shanxi. Additionally, we vigorously develop unconventional natural gas and prioritize the development of new energy. The annual output of coalbed methane has exceeded 10 billion cubic meters, and the installed capacity of new and clean energy accounts for 46.4%. Notably, Shanxi ranks first in the country for delivering green electricity to other regions.

We have enacted the country's first local regulation for clean and efficient use of coal, strived to make breakthroughs in key energy technologies, promoted new green, low-carbon and energy-saving technologies, and accelerated the formation of new energy consumption models. Currently, over 90% of new buildings in the province are green buildings, and the coverage rate of clean heating in urban and rural areas is over 90%. Zhuangshang village in Yuncheng city has become the first zero-carbon energy demonstration village in China, and all buses and taxis in 11 cities' built-up areas have been replaced with new energy vehicles. In the first three years of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the province's energy consumption intensity has cumulatively decreased by 10.9%, ranking among the top in the country.

We have deepened the energy system revolution, strategically reorganized four major provincial coal enterprises, explored reforms in mineral rights, conducted pilot projects for the co-extraction of associated resources like coal and aluminum, and established the country's first electricity spot market. We continuously expand opening-up and cooperation in the energy sector, with the Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum gaining increased recognition. We have collaborated with international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank to implement a number of green and low-carbon development demonstration projects. We are confident and capable of successfully carrying out the pilot work, achieving new strides in high-quality development for a major energy province. Thank you!

Yicai:

Mr. Jin just mentioned that Shanxi aims to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and international. Could you please elaborate how this work is being implemented? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Sure, thank you for your question. I would like to invite Deputy Governor Tang Zhiping to answer this question.

Tang Zhiping:

Thank you for your attention to the business environment in Shanxi. In recent years, we have continuously optimized the business environment and actively explored comprehensive reforms such as the implementation of the "one-seal approval system" to enhance administrative efficiency. We have launched the "Business-friendly Insurance" project, providing free insurance to all industrial and commercial enterprises at all levels in the province, covering 68% of the province's business entities, which is a pioneering initiative nationwide. According to the "Business Environment Evaluation by Ten Thousand Private Enterprises" released by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce in 2023, Shanxi is one of five provinces that has seen the most significant progress. Optimizing the business environment is a perpetual ongoing process, and we will continue to make efforts to enhance the satisfaction of business entities toward our business environment.

First, we will further relax market access to facilitate business investment. Last year, we established a long-term mechanism by releasing five batches of projects to private capital on a quarterly basis, totaling 460 projects. Moving forward, we will continue to streamline access and operations in sectors such as energy, transportation, tourism, and wellness. We aim to stimulate private capital investment and foster a fair, competitive environment.

Second, we will enhance government services to make business operations more convenient. Focusing on the high-frequency services that matter most to businesses and the public, we have not only completed the 13 nationally mandated tasks, such as credit repair, but also identified 14 additional high-frequency tasks to ensure efficient and effective implementation.

Third, we will further standardize regulatory enforcement to give businesses more peace of mind. We will continue to promote the "one industry, one inspection" initiative and enhance the new regulatory mechanism featuring "Internet Plus Supervision." We are committed to avoiding overlapping enforcement, promptly responding to concerns, and minimizing unnecessary disturbances. We will also strengthen collaboration between the government and the courts to expedite the handling of cases involving businesses, ensuring the protection of their legitimate rights and interests, and creating a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs.

Fourth, we will proactively address challenges faced by enterprises to boost their confidence. By leveraging the "one-stop" service platform for enterprise-related policies, we have made it easier for companies to access and benefit from them. Additionally, we have integrated various platforms, channels, and resources, such as the "12345" government service hotline and the government service experience program, to establish the "Woodpecker" working mechanism. This allows us to actively identify and promptly resolve issues, demonstrating our sincerity and building confidence in business development.

Thank you!

Phoenix Satellite Television:

Shanxi has become increasingly active in international trade and economic cooperation. Could you provide details on the specific measures being taken to expand opening-up and to accelerate the establishment of a new highland for opening-up in inland areas? Thank you!

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. As many of you may have noticed, last month, a China-Europe Railway Express train departing from Shanxi arrived in Barcelona, Spain, for the first time. Currently, the province operates 15 regular lines of the China-Europe Railway Express, connecting 48 cities in 16 countries worldwide. It's fair to say that, as an inland province, Shanxi's door to the outside world is opening wider and wider. Regarding the key measures you are concerned about for the next steps, I believe they can be summarized as "four key focuses."

First, we will simultaneously advance institutional opening-up and opening-up based on the flow of production factors. Starting with the establishment of a high-standard market system, we have replicated and promoted 136 practices from free trade pilot zones and introduced 16 high-standard regulations aligned with international standards. We have improved policies and measures to support self-operated export of bulk commodities, facilitate the transfer of manufacturing industries encouraging foreign investment from eastern regions , and promote innovation in the opening-up of service trade.

Second, we will prioritize both external and internal opening-up efforts. On the one hand, we will actively integrate into major national strategies, leveraging our comparative advantages to expand development opportunities. On the other hand, we will proactively implement the eight key steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen regional cooperation with member countries under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and promote multimodal transportation connections such as rail-sea, air-rail, and road-rail transportation. We will particularly focus on enhancing passenger routes to Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea, expanding freight routes to the Americas and Europe, and improving the functionality of platforms such as comprehensive bonded zones, cross-border e-commerce pilot zones, aviation hubs, international land ports, and overseas warehouses.

Third, we will emphasize the synergy between "going out" and "bringing in." While intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment, we will also support leading foreign trade enterprises in stabilizing and expanding trade in intermediate goods. Additionally, we will continuously expand the export of advantageous products such as everyday ceramics and specialty agricultural products. We will cultivate new growth points in foreign trade like rail transportation, new energy vehicles, and photovoltaics and expand bonded maintenance services for aircraft and mobile phones. Additionally, we will actively develop service trade sectors such as culture and traditional Chinese medicine and vigorously promote the growth of digital trade.

Fourth, we are committed to simultaneously optimizing the business environment and strengthening key entities. Our efforts are focused on enhancing trade and investment facilitation, completely removing restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, and improving regulatory services at inland ports. We have achieved 100% coverage of key international trade processes through the single window system. Additionally, we are focused on strengthening foreign trade entities and encouraging leading enterprises to establish regional trade headquarters in Shanxi. A key statistic: last year, over 2,000 enterprises in Shanxi were engaged in import and export activities. An increasing number of new businesses from Shanxi are venturing abroad and embracing the global market. Thank you!

China News Service:

We know that Shanxi has a rich history and abundant resources in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In recent years, the province has been implementing a strategy to become a leading province in TCM. Could you please provide some information on this topic? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Ms. Zhao to respond.

Zhao Hongyan:

Thank you for your concern and attention to the development of TCM in Shanxi. Shanxi is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, with a rich legacy of TCM passed down through generations. It is the place where the renowned ancient physician Bian Que gained fame and has nurtured many distinguished physicians, such as Fu Qingzhueach with distinct regional characteristics in their academic traditions. For instance, Dr. Wang is well-known for his expertise in gynecology, and Dr. Men is renowned for his specialization in treating various complex diseases. Shanxi is also rich in natural resources, boasting 1,788 varieties of medicinal herbs, including over 30 authentic local herbs renowned for their high quality and large yield. For instance, herbs like Yuanzhi (Polygala tenuifolia) account for 70% of the national production, while Lianqiao (Forsythia suspensa) constitutes 50%. More than 10 other authentic local herbs, such as Hengshan Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), have received geographical indication certification. Our famous brands and medicines have stood the test of time. Century-old names like GuangYuYuan and DaNingTang, along with classic national medicines like Guilingji and Dingkundan, are domestically and internationally renowned.

Shanxi has always placed great importance on the inheritance, innovation, and development of Chinese medicine, accelerating the implementation of the strategy to become a leading province in TCM. In terms of top-level design, we have issued the Implementation Plan for Building a Province Strong in TCM and the Shanxi Provincial Regulations on TCM, and we are implementing seven major projects, including enhancing service capabilities.

In terms of system construction, it is particularly noteworthy that one of the first national regional medical centers for TCM in the country was established in Shanxi, namely, the Xiyuan Hospital Shanxi Hospital. Additionally, Changzhi city was selected as one of the first national pilot demonstration areas for the inheritance and innovative development of TCM. We have achieved full coverage of township health centers and community health service centers with grassroots TCM clinics. Our goal is to ensure that high-quality and convenient TCM services are accessible to people right at their doorsteps.

In terms of talent development, we have attracted over 20 national TCM masters, academicians, and Qihuang scholars, cultivated over 500 provincial-level "excellent talents," and implemented a campaign to promote physician mentorship and TCM in towns and villages, impacting nearly 20,000 rural doctors.

Regarding technological innovation, we continue to implement special projects for TCM science and technology. Our independently developed TCM new drug, "Chaigui Granules," has received clinical approval and successfully undergone technology transfer. Additionally, technologies for extracting "forsythoside" and "baicalin" are widely used to deeply process authentic local herbs. In summary, our classical formulas and traditional craftsmanship have experienced renewed vitality by embracing both tradition and innovation.

In terms of industrial development, we are building a comprehensive industry chain for TCM with leading enterprises such as Zhendong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Yabao Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. Initiatives like selecting "Shanxi Famous Medicines" and "Top 10 Jin Medicines" and hosting the first national Forsythia Industry Conference have significantly enhanced the influence and reputation of "Jin Medicines." In summary, we will continue to inherit and develop the valuable heritage of Chinese medicine left by our ancestors in the new era, contributing Shanxi's strength to a healthy China! Thank you!

Tide News:

We all know that Shanxi has an incredibly rich cultural and tourism heritage. I recently visited Shanxi for my annual leave, and I enjoyed it so much that my phone's screensaver is still a photo of Mount Wutai. I really like Shanxi. I noticed that many places in Shanxi, like Yungang and Pingyao, already have numerous tourists. My question is, what new measures is Shanxi taking to attract tourists while ensuring they have a great experience?

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question, attention, and love for Shanxi's cultural tourism. I would like to invite Mr. Tang to answer your question.

Tang Zhiping:

Thank you for your interest in Shanxi cultural tourism. In Shanxi, you can explore 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and innumerable cultural relics. Shanxi has cultivated diverse cultures, including the morality and filial piety culture associated with legendary rulers Yao and Shun; the ethics of loyalty exemplified by Guan Yu; a culture respecting capable officials and valuing honest governance; and a respect for integrity and credibility among Shanxi businesspeople. The province boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai and the Ancient City of Ping Yao. And these are only part of Shanxi's rich cultural tourism resources. Shanxi also enjoys magnificent landscapes, with Taihang Mountains located on the east and Lyuliang Mountains on the west. Renowned as a natural summer resort, Shanxi experiences neither extremely scorching heat in summer, nor severe cold in winter, with the highest temperature rarely exceeding 26 degrees Celsius. It is famed as the homeland of Chinese wheat foods and a kingdom of sundry grains, while its Fen-flavor liquor and mature vinegar have won great prestige both at home and abroad. We are currently working on building an internationally renowned tourist destination and will make efforts in the following aspects to attract more tourists to visit and experience Shanxi. 

On the one hand, we will continue to increase our publicity and promotion efforts. Shanxi has 531 key cultural relic protection units at the national level, ranking first in the country. Additionally, 80% of the ancient wooden buildings from the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) and earlier are located in Shanxi. However, due to lack of publicity, few people are aware of this, and tourists often find their experiences quite different from their initial expectations. In the next step, we will enhance the publicity and promotion of Shanxi through different methods and multiple channels, both online and offline, so that more people can learn about Shanxi, become interested in it, and be willing to visit, continuing to enhance Shanxi's reputation as a place of Ancient Civilization and Excellent Scenery.

On the other hand, we will enhance our capacity to provide services. In addition to Shanxi's high-quality tourism resources, we will offer heartwarming services to ensure tourists feel comfortable staying in Shanxi, where they can enjoy the food and accommodation experience and have fun. Through these efforts, we can transform online interest into actual visits and turn short-term attention into a long-term positive reputation. We will implement a series of combined measures to optimize the management of scenic spots, improve the tourism service quality evaluation system, and comprehensively enhance services in catering, accommodation, transportation, shopping, and other sectors, working all out to develop Shanxi's cultural tourism brand with the aim to satisfy tourists.

Additionally, we will deepen the integration of tourism with other industries. In recent years, efforts have been made to boost cultural tourism in conjunction with the commercial, agricultural, sports, and transport sectors. For example, in promoting transport and cultural tourism, we have focused on the fact that Shanxi's numerous tourist attractions are scattered across a large area, and spent seven years constructing the Taihang No.1, Yellow River No.1 and Great Wall No.1 tourist highways, with a total length of 13,000 kilometers, which will be fully completed by the end of this year. These three tourist highways are set to link up 970 tourist destinations, making it convenient for visitors to have an immersive and personalized experience. We warmly welcome everyone to visit Shanxi, explore its magnificent landscape, and experience the beautiful way of life. Shanxi is an ideal destination for your pursuit of "poems and dreams." Thank you.

CCTV:

As we know, 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the strategy for ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin. What progress has Shanxi made in the past five years? What are the future plans? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your questions. I would like to invite Mr. Wu to answer them.

Wu Wei: 

Thank you for your questions. As an important province in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, Shanxi is also a crucial ecological barrier for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. It is our bounden duty to implement the strategy and effectively conserve and develop the Yellow River Basin. We have always regarded the ecological conservation of the Yellow River Basin as a baseline of high-quality development. We prioritize environmental protection and promote green development, making concerted efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development and boost economic growth. We strengthened ecological and environmental protection, covering all aspects, all links and all regions. We have carried out ecological treatment and restoration of key mountains, rivers, and lakes, and implemented a major project to ensure clear water flows through the Yellow River with an investment of over 100 billion yuan. Additionally, we have sped up the establishment of a modern, green and low-carbon industrial system with distinctive local features. We have also signed a horizontal ecological compensation agreement with Shaanxi province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, making positive progress in the construction of key experimental areas for ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.

By the end of 2023, Shanxi achieved a soil and water conservation rate of 64.58%, ranking first nationwide in the afforestation scale for three consecutive years. In the province, the proportion of Yellow River basin water bodies with good or excellent quality reached 90%, and air quality was good or excellent on 76.4% of the days, ranking second within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas. Accelerated progress is being made in transforming Shanxi into a more beautiful province with bluer skies, greener mountains, and cleaner waters. Notably, Taiyuan city is going all out to build itself into an innovation demonstration zone to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , with the Never Aging Spring in Jinci Temple , which had been dry for almost 30 years, beginning to flow again. Past splendor of a "Picturesque Taiyuan," where charming sunsets can be viewed by the Fenhe River, is being revived.

We understand that a thriving Yellow River will help Shanxi flourish, while a scenic Shanxi enriches the beauty of the Yellow River. We will take a holistic approach and carry forward the spirit of Shanxi's Youyu county, a spirit of desertification control through afforestation efforts , to protect the environment while pursuing development. We will firmly tackle the critical task of harnessing the northernly bend of the Yellow River, focus on comprehensive ecological management in counties along the river's main stream, and develop modern water network systems, including implementing the Guxian water control project . Additionally, we will gradually implement Shanxi's carbon peak action plan, thoroughly promoting energy conservation as well as pollution and carbon reduction in key industries such as steel, coking, and building materials. We will intensify efforts to strengthen ecological shields, stimulate green growth drivers, enhance infrastructure construction, deepen regional cooperation, and protect and manage the Yellow River, thus laying a solid foundation for high-quality development through green development.

Thank you!

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Last year, the central authorities released a three-year action plan for deepening and upgrading the reform of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This year marks a critical year to implement the action plan across the board. How will Shanxi effectively advance this major reform? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. I'll invite Ms. Zhao to answer this question. 

Zhao Hongyan:

SOEs serve as the main force driving Shanxi's high-quality development and all-round transformation. Following the arrangements of the central authorities, we thoroughly implemented the action plan to deepen and upgrade the reform of SOEs last year, further improving both the quality and efficiency of enterprises' development. The net profit of the provincial enterprises increased by 4.78% year on year, while the net profit attributable to parent companies grew by over 25%, with the profit-to-cost ratio and other indicators hitting their best levels ever. As Mr. Jin just mentioned, some major indicators show that our provincial enterprises rank among the top nationwide. As said in the question, this year marks a critical year to promote the reform of SOEs on all fronts. Therefore, we will strive to deliver in the crucial move of reform with a focus on three respects. 

First, we will focus on enhancing SOEs' core functions , improving the layout of the state capital, and promoting accelerated efforts in three areas. Specifically, we will accelerate our endeavors to make traditional industries higher-end, smarter, and more eco-friendly, to plan for the new fields of strategic emerging industries and future industries, and to ensure security in key sectors such as coal, electricity, water, gas, and food. For example, our provincial enterprises have established 71 smart coal mines now, with advanced coal production capacity exceeding 90% of the total coal capacity. This year, we will build 67 more, aiming for full coverage by the end of 2027. In addition, we have launched initiatives to promote strategic emerging industries and improve their investment and revenue ratio, developing more "green mines" and "lighthouse factories." All these efforts have been made to serve the country's most fundamental interests, the province's most important plans, and the public aspirations.

Second, we will focus on enhancing SOEs' core competitiveness with the dual drivers of sci-tech innovation and value creation. Bearing in mind that enterprises play a principal role in sci-tech innovation and focusing on the development of new quality productive forces, we have implemented a project to promote sci-tech innovation of our provincial enterprises, conducting classified, case-by-case assessments for the first time. As a result, the share of our enterprises' R&D spending in GDP has increased by over 9% annually on average, and the development of 14 original technology sources as demonstration examples has been advanced. The five key national laboratories and provincial labs, including the Key National Laboratory for Intelligent Mining Equipment Technology of Taiyuan Heavy Machinery Group Co., Ltd ., have been fully leveraged, securing a number of landmark achievements at a faster speed. Meanwhile, based on the principle of putting quality first and giving priority to performance , we have intensified efforts to create the "Coking Coal Evaluation Standard" for Shanxi coking coal and develop Fenjiu into the "Soul of Chinese Liquor" brand. In this way, we aim to guide enterprises to place greater emphasis on standards, branding, and business forms and models that can better reflect the underlying momentum and development potentials for long-term value creation. 

Third, we will focus on building modern new SOEs and prioritize the "five emphases." After years of reform, provincial enterprises in Shanxi have been strategically reorganized from 35 to 18. Next, the key is giving full play to the "1+1>2" effect. We will promote better corporate governance systems and better modern corporate systems, and make enterprises' main responsibilities and main businesses more prominent. We will improve the efficiency of market-oriented operating mechanisms, and boost internal momentum for development. We will continue to deliver reform benefits and accelerate efforts to help our enterprises get stronger, do better and grow bigger. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

The last two questions, please.

CNR:

During this year's Spring Festival, new agricultural specialties such as hairy crab, salmon and dragon fruit produced in Shanxi demonstrated the new achievements of Shanxi's modern agriculture. Could you please introduce some of Shanxi's considerations and practices in developing quality and distinctive agriculture? Thank you.

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. At first glance, it seems unlikely that the hairy crab, salmon and dragon fruit you just mentioned would be produced in Shanxi. Now, not only are they produced here, but they have also exploded in popularity. I would like to thank all friends from the media for their significant promotion.

Shanxi's agricultural products boast distinctive characteristics. As Mr. Tang just introduced, everyone is familiar with Shanxi's traditional agricultural products, such as sundry grains, wheat food, mature vinegar , and fruit. In particular, many people are familiar with the old song lyric about Shanxi, which goes: "People say that Shanxi has beautiful scenery, fertile land, beautiful water and fragrant grains." Shanxi is indeed a place with high-quality and distinctive agricultural products. In the new era, we believe that developing quality and distinctive agriculture, and especially doing a good job in developing local specialties, as instructed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, are crucial to rural revitalization, and especially industrial revitalization.

We have adopted an all-encompassing approach to food and are focused on ensuring food supply. Shanxi is a province with balanced grain production and sales. On the basis of three consecutive increases in sown area, total output and unit yield, Shanxi continues to consolidate its foundation of cultivated land, especially creating quality brands of organic dry farming. Every year, we build and renovate 176,666 hectares of high-standard cropland to increase grain crop yield per unit and strive to achieve a total production capacity of over 15 billion kilograms . Last year we were close to 14.85 billion kilograms. We have coordinated the supply of agricultural products such as fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs and milk, and built a diversified food supply system. We would especially like to see more of Shanxi's premium agricultural products such as Pingyao beef, Xixian pears, Linyi hairy crabs, Yongji white shrimps as well as salmon and dragon fruit, as you just mentioned, go on the dining tables of people elsewhere and meet their needs for high-quality lives. We hope that friends from the media can continue promoting these efforts to a wider audience.

Moreover, we are developing and modernizing agriculture with an all-encompassing approach and strive to improve its quality and effectiveness. Shanxi has comparative advantages in sundry grains, dried and fresh fruit, and traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Besides, Shanxi has both agricultural and animal husbandry areas, and the quality of grass-fed livestock and poultry is good. Based on advantages in these resources, we give full play to the Jinzhong National Agricultural Hi-tech Industries Demonstration Zone , and rely on platforms for promoting fruit in southern Shanxi, grain in Xinzhou city and meat in northern Shanxi to build agricultural strength in towns, high-quality and distinctive agricultural industries in counties, and key industrial chains in the province. We have developed new business models such as rural tourism and rural e-commerce, and are promoting the high-quality development of agriculture through the entire industrial chain.

Increasing farmers' incomes is the starting point and ultimate goal of the work related to agriculture, rural areas and rural residents. Shanxi continues to consolidate and expand its achievements in poverty alleviation, especially by broadening channels for farmers to increase their incomes. Last year, the per capita disposable income of farmers and the per capita net income of people lifted out of poverty in our province increased by 8.3% and 15.6%, respectively. At the same time, we have learned and applied the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program to coordinate the promotion of new urbanization and rural revitalization across the board, provide differentiated guidance, and implement the construction of high-quality demonstration villages and upgrade villages on a rolling basis, taking practical steps that are tangible and reach the people.

For example, we are actively developing e-commerce platforms, improving rural logistics systems, and striving to connect premium and distinctive agricultural products with large markets. The Shanxi Provincial Government Work Report has deployed efforts to ensure more effective full coverage of rural logistics services for two consecutive years, and the provincial government has subsidized the development of rural logistics. This has effectively mobilized more business entities to focus on the development of quality and distinctive agriculture, allowing Shanxi's distinctive, high-quality products to reach a broader market and eventually reach people's dining tables.

Generally speaking, we aim to do our best to enable rural residents to enjoy modern lives where they are. Thank you. 

Xinhua News Agency:

General Secretary Xi Jinping noted at a symposium on further energizing the central region in the new era that the central region should be better linked with the nation's other major development strategies to help the region better integrate into and support the country's new development pattern. What are Shanxi's considerations and plans in this regard? Thank you. 

Jin Xiangjun:

Thank you for your question. As a province in central China, Shanxi, based on its advantages, has built necessary mechanisms, established platforms and promoted cooperation, striving to accelerate high-quality development in serving major national development strategies. 

We remain committed to our roles and shoulder our missions bravely. We have earnestly implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's requirements proposed at the symposium on further energizing the central region in the new era, taken solid steps to balance grain production and sales and ensure high-quality energy supply, and actively built advanced manufacturing bases in the central region. Shanxi has a rich manufacturing base, such as in ultra-thin stainless steel and Taiyuan Heavy Machinery which I introduced just now. While Shanxi is widely recognized for its energy and coal industries, its manufacturing industry, especially its equipment manufacturing industry, and the "new trio" (electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and photovoltaic products), holds comparative advantages, and enjoys a wealth of raw material and resource endowments. Meanwhile, we have accelerated the improvement of Taiyuan's status as a comprehensive transportation hub city. 

The Yellow River flows for 965 kilometers through Shanxi, accounting for nearly one-fifth of the river's total length. We have earnestly implemented ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, which is also a major national strategy. We are focused on ecological conservation and consolidating poverty relief achievements in counties along the river, coordinating pollution control with eco-economic construction to protect the Mother River and deliver greater benefits to the people. 

We will seize opportunities and integrate and align ourselves with national development strategies. By capitalizing on major opportunities including promoting the development of China's strategic hinterland and strengthening industrial backup , we will do a good job in aligning plans and policies with projects to achieve integrated and interconnected development with the country's regional strategies. 

To the east, we will do our best to integrate with the major strategy of the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, focus on cooperation in fields of clean energy, sci-tech innovation, agricultural products, culture and tourism to build Shanxi into an important support base for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and a strategic hinterland for interconnected development. Last year, Shanxi supplied 88.4 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, accounting for 56% of the province's exported electricity. Shanxi provided more than 1.5 billion cubic meters of water to replenish water ecosystems of the Yongding River. Tourists from Beijing make 13 million trips to Shanxi every year. After the opening of the Xiong'an-Xinzhou High-speed Railway, the direct train from Taiyuan to Beijing will be shortened to one and a half hours, significantly reducing the time by nearly half. It can be expected that Shanxi's exchanges with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region will become increasingly close in the future.

To the south, we will focus on strengthening exchanges and cooperation with the Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Yangtze Economic Belt, especially copying and promoting experiences and practices of the construction of free trade areas and opening-up as well as introducing more advanced productive factors. Since last year, we have built major platforms for opening-up, such as the "Shanxi Night." The "Shanxi Night" was held at the 2023 Summer Davos Forum in Tianjin and at the 6th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. It was also held last month at the Canton Fair in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Through these promotion platforms, clear results have been achieved in culture and tourism promotion as well as economic and trade exchanges and cooperation. 

We will give full play to our advantages to deepen cooperation. Shanxi has advantages in energy and resources, raw materials, primary products as well as culture and tourism resources, and its comprehensive factor costs are relatively low. It has 71 industrial development zones with a planned area of 2,900 square kilometers. Relying on these advantages, we will make good use of the system of supply chain chiefs, and distinctive and specialized towns and development zones, make explorations into jointly building high-tech parks, industrial relocation demonstration zones and industrial "enclaves" to better absorb relocated strategic emerging industries in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the eastern region and the application of sci-tech achievements to realize mutually beneficial development. 

That is all from me. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our friends from the media for your concern and interest in Shanxi, and also sincerely invite you to visit Shanxi, learn about Shanxi and promote Shanxi. We are willing to join hands with you to help create a better future. Thank you. 

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you to Mr. Jin and the three vice governors, and thank you to friends from the media. That concludes today's press conference. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Li Xiao, Mi Xingang, Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Liu Sitong, Zhang Tingting, Ma Yujia, Qin Qi, Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Wang Ziteng, Cui Can, Wang Wei, Yang Xi, Ma Yujia, Li Huiru, Zhang Junmian, Liu Caiyi, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Mao Weiming, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hunan Provincial Committee and governor of Hunan province

Ms. Zhang Yingchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hunan province

Mr. Chen Xianchun, deputy secretary-general of the Hunan provincial government

Mr. Huang Donghong, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Hunan province

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 10, 2024

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we are holding the 16th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." We have invited Mr. Mao Weiming, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hunan Provincial Committee and governor of Hunan province, to introduce Hunan's efforts in pursuing high-quality development and striving to lead in the rise of central China and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and to answer your questions. Also present today are Ms. Zhang Yingchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hunan province; Mr. Chen Xianchun, deputy secretary-general of the Hunan provincial government; and Mr. Huang Donghong, director of the Development and Reform Commission of Hunan province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Mao for his introduction.

Mao Weiming:

Ladies and gentlemen, media friends, good morning! It's a pleasure to meet you all. First, on behalf of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and Hunan provincial government, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for your long-term care and support for Hunan's high-quality development!

When it comes to Hunan, everyone should be quite familiar. Hunan is located in central China, in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It is named Hunan because it is situated south of Dongting Lake, one of China's famous large lakes. Additionally, Hunan's mother river is the Xiangjiang River, which is why Hunan is also referred to as "Xiang." Historically, Hunan has had a tradition of planting hibiscus. Besides extensive planting of hibiscus, there is also a tradition of planting lotus, which is dubbed water hibiscus in Chinese, earning it the beautiful nickname "Land of Hibiscus." When people think of the "Land of Hibiscus," they naturally think of Hunan.

General Secretary Xi Jinping places great importance on the development of Hunan. At every critical moment and significant juncture, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Hunan to provide guidance and direction for its development. Especially in March this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Hunan for the fourth time and urged us to continue our efforts in building the province into an advanced manufacturing hub, a sci-tech and innovation center with core competitiveness, and a pacesetter for reform and the opening up of inland regions. We deeply feel that this not only reflects the general secretary's guidance for Hunan's development but also recognizes Hunan's high-quality development achievements. Hunan now has the foundation and conditions to reach new heights and strive for new victories.

From a temporal perspective, Hunan has reached a new historical starting point. The land of Huxiang is brimming with vibrant innovation and creation, and the landscape is filled with scenes of continuous progress and advancement.

First, Hunan is undergoing a transformative leap forward. The province's GDP grew from 2 trillion yuan in 2012 to over 5 trillion yuan last year, reaching 5.013 trillion yuan and marking four consecutive leaps. This growth is not merely quantitative; it is balanced and coordinated in terms of speed, structure, quality, and efficiency. It meets the requirements of the Five Concepts for Development and represents a transformational upgrade with improved quality and efficiency.

Second, Hunan is generating tremendous innovative momentum. The total output of high-tech industries in the province has surpassed 1 trillion yuan, while the number of tech firms has already exceeded 10,000 and is growing rapidly. In recent years, the number of high-tech companies has increased by more than 2,000 annually. The turnover of technology contracts has risen by 75%, and the contribution rate of scientific and technological progress has exceeded 60%.

Third, Hunan is rapidly opening up to the world. Our economic and trade network now spans 235 countries and regions. Additionally, 211 projects and enterprises from the world's top 500 companies have established themselves in Hunan, and our total import and export volume has surpassed the $110 billion mark.

Fourth, Hunan is showcasing its natural beauty. The province's green development index ranks among the top 10 nationwide, with water quality at nationally monitored sites and the number of days with excellent air quality ranking first and second in the central region, respectively.

Fifth, Hunan is enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The income of urban and rural residents continues to outpace economic development, and standards for pensions, medical care, urban and rural subsistence allowances, and public health subsidies have steadily increased.

From a spatial perspective, Hunan has further enhanced its edge in development. Specifically, it boasts unique advantages in central China, holds a prominent position across the country, and exerts a profound influence worldwide.

In terms of its advantage in China's central region, Hunan's strength primarily lies in its competitive industrial clusters. It boasts three industries each worth a trillion yuan, 16 industries each worth 100 billion yuan, as well as four national advanced manufacturing clusters. This places it in a position tied with Zhejiang for third in the country. Notably, Hunan is home to the nation's only industrial cluster for an independent secure computing system. Another strength of Hunan stems from its fine development environment. Focusing on bolstering the private economy, providing services for business entities, and improving administrative services, Hunan has established an internet-based government service platform and launched projects to ease the difficulties of businesses. Hunan has seen a consecutive rise in the rankings of a business environment evaluation conducted by over 10,000 private enterprises launched by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. As of 2023, both Hunan province and Changsha city had made it onto the top 10 rankings of business environment domestically, which greatly bolstered the region's private economy and attracted the return of indigenous business that had previously expanded to other provinces. For example, the private economy nationwide contributes to over 50% of the country's tax revenue, 60% of its GDP, 70% of its technological innovation, and accounts for 80% of its urban employment and 90% of its total number of enterprises. By comparison, the private economy in Hunan has contributed to 70% of the province's GDP, 60% of its tax revenue, and over 90% of enterprise-based technological innovation. Moreover, it accounts for more than 90% of both the total number of enterprises and employment in the private sector. Improving the business environment is a key task that requires our consistent and relentless efforts. In addition, Hunan's strength also comes from its advanced development platforms. It serves as the permanent host for the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the International Summit on BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications. The main drive of the province's high-quality development is taking shape through its hosting of the World Computing Conference and the establishment of the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan independent innovation demonstration zone, the industrial relocation demonstration zones in southern and western Hunan, as well as another 139 industrial parks of various types, levels, and sectors.

In terms of its prominent position nationwide, Hunan boasts competitive industries that top the country in their respective fields. It is home to a total of 72 leading enterprises in the manufacturing industry, ranking first in the central region. Furthermore, Hunan also boasts a domestically pioneering reform experience. Consider the trending low-altitude economy, for example. One of the key prerequisites for developing such an economy is the reform of low-altitude airspace management measures. As the nation's only pilot province for integrated low-altitude airspace management reform, Hunan has obtained 12 reform achievements that rank first domestically. In addition, Hunan has acquired the nation's most advanced technologies and equipment. We have made arrangements for the "top 10 technological breakthrough projects" for four consecutive years in a bid to contribute our share toward achieving high-level sci-tech self-reliance and making breakthroughs in core technologies. Over the years, Hunan has seen 21 "most-pioneering and advanced" achievements in these fields.

In terms of Hunan's profound influence worldwide, its rail locomotives have gained a strong global presence. Hunan houses the largest R&D, production, and export base for rail transit in the country. It has also developed electric drive system and network control system for electric locomotives and rail transit. Specifically, related key parts, core spare parts, and major components are developed and manufactured in Hunan. The share of its electric locomotive industry accounts for nearly one-third of the world's market. Moreover, Hunan is a hub for global engineering machinery enterprises. It is not only home to five of the world's top 50 engineering machinery enterprises but also hosts two of the world's top five, namely Sany Group and Zoomlion. With nearly half of their business operations connected to the global market, these enterprises have truly grown into conglomerates and competitive multinationals. Local engineering machinery enterprises from Hunan are engaged in various mega projects worldwide. Hunan also serves as the home of the BDS, which provides global coverage. Leveraging its advantage as the birthplace of original BDS technologies, Hunan has developed a complete industrial chain involving chip design and packaging, navigation devices, application development, and related operations and services. The province has hosted the International Summit on BDS Applications twice, resulting in significant achievements. In addition, Hunan's rice species also bring benefits to the world. The hybrid rice developed by Yuan Longping, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has become a staple food choice for people worldwide, contributing to Hunan and China's part in helping to reduce hunger around the world.

Together with you, we share the same moon despite being a thousand miles apart, and we eagerly await the opportunity to walk hand in hand here. Currently, the province is making continuous efforts to build itself into an advanced manufacturing hub, a sci-tech and innovation center with core competitiveness, and a pacesetter for reform and the opening up of inland regions. It is also writing its own chapter in the development of Chinese modernization. We hope you can visit Hunan, have a taste of its beautiful sceneries and indigenous culture, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of its high-quality development.

That's my introduction. Next, my colleagues and I will answer questions from the journalists.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Mao. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.

CCTV: 

As you mentioned earlier, the central authorities have entrusted Hunan with the important mission of building the province into an advanced manufacturing hub, a sci-tech and innovation center with core competitiveness, and a pacesetter for reform and opening-up of inland regions. Mr. Mao also provided an overview of Hunan's phased achievements. Looking ahead, what major measures will Hunan take to fulfill this mission? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

Thank you for your question. The three goals in the mission were designed by General Secretary Xi Jinping in accordance with Hunan's actual situation. These are consistent development strategies. We aim to set higher targets, better serve the nation's overall development, and play a larger role in driving relevant sectors, all to contribute to fulfilling the mission's three goals.

First, we will continue our efforts to build the province into an advanced manufacturing hub. Hunan has both the foundation and conditions to achieve this goal. As a major manufacturing powerhouse in China, Hunan has developed the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, ultra-high-speed trains, the Hainiu II deep-sea drilling rig, and the super-sized tunnel boring machine Jinghua, all of which represent Chinese standards and the highest development levels in their respective fields. We will set these high standards as targets and focus on four key aspects to build an advanced manufacturing hub. We will continue our efforts to develop enterprises, industries, industrial chains, and industrial ecology. We understand that current competition among enterprises and regions involves industries, industrial chains, and industrial ecology. Therefore, accelerating the building of an industrial ecology will be our commitment to creating historical milestones. Following the central authorities' unified deployment and requirements , the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and the provincial government conducted extensive surveys and research in the previous phase. Our aim is to create a modernized industrial system with Hunan's characteristics, which we call the "4×4" modern development system. This includes traditional, emerging, future-oriented, and competitive industries. We will transform and upgrade traditional industries, consolidate and extend competitive industries, develop and expand emerging sectors, and design forward-looking blueprints for future-oriented industries. These efforts will reflect Hunan's role and position as a major manufacturing powerhouse in pursuing high-quality development in the new era and on the new journey.

Second, we will continue our efforts in building a sci-tech and innovation center with core competitiveness. We believe four aspects are vital to this work: industry, talent, technologies, and platforms. Hunan ranks ninth nationwide in terms of general innovation capacity. Through the implementation of high-level scientific research, the province has implemented the "Top 10 Sci-tech Research Projects" for four consecutive years and achieved breakthroughs in 147 projects. For example, in terms of high-caliber platform construction, we have focused on developing major platforms, such as building Changsha into a global research and development center, promoting the "4+4 Scientific Innovation Project (four major labs and four significant scientific facilities)," and developing the Xiangjiang Science Town.

Third, we will continue building Hunan into a pacesetter for reform and opening-up of inland regions. How can Hunan achieve this, given its inland location? We have prioritized four aspects. The first aspect focuses on the development of both supply and demand sides. We will create demand for the supply side and boost supply with demand. The second aspect involves an efficient market and a well-functioning government. We will fully leverage the government's awareness of services and the decisive role of market in the allocation of resources in this new development stage, aiming for maximum efficiency of resource allocation. Third, driven by the Belt and Road Initiative and the China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone, we will institutionalize our innovation achievements, the effectiveness of reform, and successful experiences to promote reform and opening-up, as well as development. Fourth, we will continue our efforts to foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. By transforming the business environment, we aim to position the inland region as a pacesetter for reform and opening-up. Thank you.

Cover News:

Recently, a symposium on further energizing the central region was held in Changsha. Could you please tell us how Hunan plans to seize the opportunity and take the lead as we promote the rise of the central region and the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

First of all, thank you for your question. Allow me to answer it. During his inspection tour in Hunan this March, General Secretary Xi Jinping held a symposium on further energizing the central region. As an important province in the central region of China, Hunan is following the guiding principles of the symposium, particularly General Secretary Xi Jinping's call for Hunan to take the lead in promoting the rise of the central region and the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt. We will maintain a proactive and striving-for-excellence stance, fulfilling the mission and responsibility of playing the vital role as a major provincial economy. How can we strive to take the lead? I believe we should focus on excelling in the following three areas.

First, we will strive to take the lead in enhancing economic contribution. As I mentioned earlier, Hunan is located in central China, with a household registered population of 73 million, ranking eighth in the country. Last year, our total economic output ranked ninth nationwide, and our land area of 211,800 square kilometers is the 10th largest in the country. Though in different dimensions, these rankings are very close to each other and together, they indicate Hunan's geographical and economic position in the country, which makes it possible for us to strive to contribute to the overall high-quality development of China. We will always focus on both growth poles and growth points, striving for a regional GDP growth rate above the national average to help boost the rise of the central region. The term "rise" is used for the central region, while "development" is used for the Yangtze Economic Belt. We believe that "rise" implies surpassing general development levels and playing a more significant role. In terms of cultivating growth poles, we are accelerating the integration of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan, aiming for their combined economic output to reach 2.5 trillion yuan by 2025. Currently, Changsha is increasingly popular among young people, and we often say that any city favored by young people is vibrant and has a promising future. The development momentum in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region is very strong. We will use key breakthroughs to drive overall progress to leap and rise, making this region an important growth pole in central China. At the same time, we will focus on creating new growth points in sectors like Beidou, new energy, and cultural tourism, forming competitive industrial clusters in the central region.

Second, we will strive to take the lead in better fulfilling various functions. Hunan is renowned as the "land of fish and rice" and the "land of nonferrous metals." We will capitalize on favorable conditions and leverage our comparative advantages to improve our role in constructing a comprehensive transportation hub and three vital bases for grain production, energy and raw materials, and modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industries, respectively, in line with the requirements of the central authority for the central region. For example, as the "land of fish and rice," Hunan's total grain output has exceeded 60 billion jin (30 million tons) for many years, reaching 61.3 billion jin last year. Among them, rice cultivation area and output rank first nationwide, and camellia oleifera cultivation area and output also rank first in the country, making a contribution to filling Chinese people's rice bowls with domestically produced grain. As the "land of nonferrous metals," Hunan accounts for about 40% of the country's hard alloy materials, leading the nation in advanced energy storage materials and advanced steel and iron products. We will continue to break through frontier technologies, aiming for the operating income of the new materials industry to reach 800 billion yuan by 2025, making greater contributions to the building of the energy and raw materials base.

Third, we will strive to take the lead in highlighting green development. Hunan has a forest coverage rate close to 60%, so when you come to Hunan, everywhere you look, there are beautiful landscapes and picturesque mountains and rivers, presenting changing scenery at every step. Additionally, Hunan has a 163-kilometer-long Yangtze River shoreline. "One river, one lake, and four waters" (the Yangtze River, Dongting Lake, and four smaller rivers or tributaries: Xiangjiang River, Zijiang River, Yuanjiang River, and Lijiang River) are our primary focus in building a beautiful Hunan. We adhere to the requirements of promoting well-coordinated conservation and avoiding excessive development as well as protecting the clear water in the river, ensuring that the waters pouring into the Yangtze River at its Hunan sections are clear. Regarding eco-friendly industries, our goal is to make industries more green and high value-added, emphasizing environmental friendliness, transformation, and upgrading. In terms of the industrialization of environmental protection activities, we will focus on exploring the pathway for transforming lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets and vice versa and invest efforts into new business formats such as "ecology + tourism" and "ecology + health." We aim to excel in developing green industries, improving eco-environment, promoting environmental awareness, and establishing related systems. In our opinion, the establishment of well-designed systems can show moral virtues. Centered around the two initiatives of promoting well-coordinated conservation and avoiding excessive development and "one river, one lake, and four waters," we will implement more effective and beneficial measures and ensure that established systems serve as crucial safeguards for building a beautiful Hunan.

Thank you.

CRNTT:

Hunan is known for its rich agricultural produce. Next, as one of the major grain producing provinces in China, which areas will Hunan focus on in order to fulfill the important task of safeguarding national food security? 

Mao Weiming:

I will invite my colleague, Ms. Zhang, to answer this one. 

Zhang Yingchun:

Thank you for the question. An old saying goes: "The bumper harvests of Hunan and Hubei provinces ensure enough food for the whole country." Hunan is one of the two provinces that have kept transferring rice to other provincial-level regions without interruption since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), contributing substantially to national food security. In 2023, the grain sowing area in Hunan reached 71.45 million mu (4.76 million hectares), with grain production of 61.3 billion jin (30.65 million tons). And the sowing area and output of rice both ranked first nationwide. Moving forward, we will focus our efforts on increasing grain production through sustainable farmland use and innovative application of agricultural technology, with 10 measures implemented for each of the two approaches, and resolutely shoulder the important responsibility of safeguarding national food security. 

On one hand, we will implement 10 measures to increase grain production through sustainable farmland use. We will prioritize the protection, improvement, and utilization of farmland, increasing grain production by developing fertile lands. For example, to increase the area of farmland, we will carry out the water resource allocation project around the Dongting Lake to ensure the reclamation and restoration of 1.6 million mu of high-quality farmlands across the Dongting Lake Plain. We will properly promote the rehabilitation of backup farmlands to address the current farmland deficit of 5.82 million mu. We will implement special rectifications to ensure that land for temporary use is adequately restored and reclaimed for agricultural cultivation annually. This year, for quality improvement, we will renovate 3.16 million mu of high-standard croplands to ensure Hunan's 48 million mu of permanent basic croplands can be transformed into high-standard land. We will continue to comprehensively implement the project of construction, management, and protection of small-scale water conservancy facilities for agricultural use and ensure obstacles are removed to smooth irrigation channels of 7,000 kilometers within the year. We will also return plant stalks to fields and address soil acidification with the aim of elevating cultivated land quality by a grade of 0.4. To improve efficiency, we will ensure the management of idle land through land trusteeship and tending farmlands for others to put such land back to use in a timely manner. For alkaline land, we will either grow tolerant crops in such land or transform such land for specific crops to ensure at least 95% of such land is safe to use. Farmlands on mountains will be gradually relocated to the foot of mountains in separate batches to ensure fruit trees can be planted on mountain slopes in an orderly manner. A province-wide initiative will be carried out continuously to safeguard agriculture production and promote rural revitalization, curbing non-agricultural use and prohibiting non-grain use of farmland. 

On the other hand, we are striving to make technological breakthroughs in 10 areas to increase grain production, working to build Hunan into an innovation hub for developing the breeding and agricultural machinery industries. Grain production will be increased by utilizing advanced technologies. In terms of grain seed breeding, we will work on making breakthroughs in low-cadmium rice and saline-alkali-resistant rice breeding technologies, increasing the planting area of low-cadmium rice by one million mu on a yearly basis. We will speed up cultivating ratoon rice as well as rice and rapeseed varieties with short growth cycles, with the aim to increase 500,000 mu of farmland featuring the rotation mode of "ratoon rice-ratoon rice-rapeseed" each year. In terms of promoting high-quality agricultural machinery, we will strive to make breakthroughs in key generic technologies for agricultural equipment, building a hub for producing agricultural machinery suitable for use in hilly terrains. We will actively promote mechanical transplanting and seed throwing, increasing dense planting by 5 percentage points annually. We will move fast to develop and promote loss-reduction devices used for mechanical harvest, lowering grain loss rate by 0.3 percentage point annually on average. For example, in terms of adopting good measures, we will promote centralized seedling breeding for early rice, building related facilities of more than 10 million square meters. We will strengthen the leading role of high-yield farming examples, creating 5,000 pieces of demonstration fields for high-yield, high-efficiency production annually. We will create a number of green production demonstration areas, realizing the full coverage of side-deep fertilization and green methods for pest and disease prevention and control. We will vigorously promote the plan to boost grain production, increasing 100,000 mu of farmland annually under the high-yielding program of "feeding one person with rice yield from around 0.3 mu of field." We will also establish a coordination mechanism for commercial services for agriculture, aiming to improve related services. 

That's all from me. Thank you. 

21st Century Business Herald:

We have noticed that Hunan has gained an advantage in intelligent computing with a rather solid foundation. How do you plan to leverage this advantage to boost and expand the intelligent computing industry and quickly form new quality productive forces? Thank you. 

Mao Weiming:

Thank you for your question. As an important area of today's fierce global sci-tech and industrial competition, intelligent computing encompasses the emerging industries of artificial intelligence and advanced computing, empowers modern industries ranging from audio and video to the application of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, and satisfies the requirements of the development of new quality productive forces. Hunan's intelligent computing industry has gained a first-mover advantage, which we summarize into six points: foundations, suitable conditions, strengths, momentums, potentials, and prospects. 

First, we have a solid foundation and favorable conditions. In recent years, we have proactively laid the groundwork for the "triple power" support system: electricity, computing power, and driving force. Electricity powers computing power and computing power in turn underpins the driving force, allowing for the interplay of these three powers. In terms of computing power, we are integrating computing power, algorithms, data, and networks into a unified system. Our artificial intelligence computing power has reached 1200 petaflops, placing us at the forefront nationwide. Meanwhile, Hunan is also the birthplace of the Yinhe and Tianhe supercomputers, with a supercomputing power of 200 petaflops, ranking among the top globally and nationally. Moving forward, we will make scientific, rational, and effective arrangements in terms of general computing power, artificial intelligence computing power, and supercomputing power to support the development of a modern industrial system. Electricity is fundamental to industrial development. In terms of electricity, in recent years, we have advanced the integration of power supply from Ningxia into Hunan, using the wind and solar resources from Ningxia to illuminate the land of Hunan. Projects such as pumped-storage hydroelectric power stations have positioned us as the nation's second-largest in terms of new energy storage capacity. Clean energy has surpassed traditional sources. In particular, we plan to create a "Zero Carbon Island" on Orange Island, integrating our revolutionary legacy with green development and ensuring our legacy thrives alongside a green future. In terms of driving force, we aim to enhance the power of scientific and technological innovation. For example, the domestic support rate for locally produced computers has reached 90%, resulting in "Made in Hunan" computers, key components being "Hunan-made," and core semiconductor components being "Hunan chips."

Second, we have advantages and momentum. This is primarily reflected in three aspects: First, the industry has accumulated strength and is steadily growing at an average annual rate of 20%. Currently, the intelligent computing industry has reached 715 billion yuan, accounting for 7.3% of the national total. In the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, Hunan holds the top market share in domestically produced central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), and solid-state drive controller chips. Whether it's CPUs or GPUs, Hunan is an important national research, development, and production base. In the audiovisual industry, we hold the highest market share in industrial lenses, image processing chips, ultra-high-definition video decoding chips, and display panels. Second, we have made breakthroughs in key core technologies such as chips and computing power. For example, in the field of video supercomputing, we often say that rendering a promotional video takes only as long as it takes to have a meal. Third, multiple platforms have been fully leveraged. The influence of events such as the International Summit on BDS Applications, the World Computing Conference, and the Internet Yue Lu Summit continues to expand. We have accumulated over 200 national and provincial innovation platforms.

Third, we have potential and room for development. With the rapid growth of intelligent computing, we anticipate the computing industry to reach a scale of 27 trillion yuan by 2030. We will focus on building a national center for independent innovation in intelligent computing, a world-class ICT industry cluster, a leading audiovisual industry cluster, and an industry-leading cluster for applying BDS technology. We have undertaken several initiatives: collaborating with China Electronics and Huawei to establish the "Pengteng" ecosystem, strengthening the first domestically controlled computing industry cluster in the country, and propelling the ICT industry from "being a pioneer" to "being at the forefront." We will implement 10 major scientific and technological projects and 10 application demonstration projects annually, aiming to exceed an industrial scale of 70 billion yuan and achieve more than 90% application coverage by 2025. We metaphorically describe this endeavor as navigating BDS technology from "the sky" to "our everyday lives." Furthermore, we will leverage technology to drive innovation in the cultural industry, transforming the Malanshan Video Cultural and Creative Industrial Park into a media convergence landmark that embodies Chinese characteristics, sets national precedents, and holds international influence. This transformation is metaphorically described as steering the audiovisual industry from "integration" to "creative integration."

Thank you.

Guangming Daily:

We understand that Hunan is currently promoting the integrated development of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan. Could you please share the experiences gained during this process and the next steps to be taken? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

I'll let my colleague, Mr. Huang Donghong, director of the Hunan Provincial Development and Reform Commission, answer this question.

Huang Donghong:

The integrated development of Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan is a major strategic initiative consistently promoted by successive provincial committees and governments in Hunan. Through nearly 30 years of innovative practices, it has paved a new path for regional integration and development.

In terms of public service integration, residents can access medical services in public hospitals using a single card and 202 types of electronic licenses are now mutually recognized across the region. Additionally, 149 government service items can now be processed online and across cities.

Regarding transport connectivity, we have built 233.1 kilometers of rail transit and increased the frequency of operations, with intervals between departures from Changsha to Zhuzhou and Xiangtan being only 18 minutes. Eight major integrated urban roads have been completed, facilitating railway connections in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region.

In terms of industrial innovation collaboration, we have four national advanced manufacturing clusters in engineering machinery, advanced rail transit equipment, new-generation independent secure computing systems, and small to medium-sized aircraft engines, forming the "Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan phenomenon of independent innovation."

To promote green ecological transformation, an area of 528 square kilometers has been designated to establish the largest urban "green heart" in the world, the earliest national initiative of its kind. We have developed a green heart protection system supported by local regulations, comprehensive planning, and project access methods. As a result, forest coverage in the green heart has increased by nearly 10 percentage points.

To enhance the city's attractiveness, we have deepened the integration of culture and tourism, transforming Changsha into an internet-famous city with a unique charm that blends history and modernity. During the May Day holiday, the 838-meter-long Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street saw an average daily foot traffic of 1.1 million people.

Looking ahead, our focus will be on the following aspects:

Accelerating the renewal and innovation of industries. We will expand and strengthen national advanced manufacturing clusters, develop new quality productive forces based on local conditions, and establish a pioneering zone for future industries by focusing on integrating culture and technology, intelligent computing, and the low-altitude economy.

Advancing the upgrading and enhancement of innovation. We will actively attract domestic and international innovation talents, as well as encourage R&D headquarters and centers to establish in Hunan, accelerating the establishment of a national-level regional science and technology innovation center.

Promoting urban shared services. We will work together to remove barriers to public services, effectively addressing tangible needs in education, healthcare, and government services. We aim to accelerate the development of a metropolitan area where people enjoy living and working.

Sustaining and enhancing the value of the green heart. We will explore a new path for green transformation in highly urbanized areas, construct the Green Heart Central Park to high standards, and strive to create a national demonstration zone for green transformation development. Thank you.

China Daily:

In January 2024, the State Council approved the overall plan for the construction of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. Could you introduce the plans for the next stage? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

Thank you for your question. Let's invite Mr. Chen to answer.

Chen Xianchun:

Thank you for your question. Hunan's relationship with Africa spans over 1,000 years and is marked by deep and longstanding friendship, a foundation of complementary strengths, and broad market potential. In 2019, Hunan became the permanent host city of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and has hosted three editions. As a result of hosting this expo, Hunan has become one of the most active provinces in China for economic and trade activities with Africa. Hunan has ranked eighth nationwide and first in the central and western regions for five consecutive years in terms of trade volume with Africa. The annual growth rate over the past three years was 23.1%, ranking at the forefront in China.

The Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation has been approved by the State Council, providing Hunan province with an important opening-up platform for serving the national economic development strategy. With a vision to build the pilot zone into a testing ground and model area for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, we will focus on the following three aspects.

First, we aim to realize mutual benefit through the integration of production and trade. We will expedite the construction of public overseas warehouses in Africa and inspect and test laboratory systems. We will enhance cooperation on integrated production, supply, and trade. We will also help enterprises accelerate the development of non-resource-based product processing projects. We will assist more African agricultural products gain access to the Chinese market. Simultaneously, we will organize Hunan's competitive industries and quality goods to actively and steadily enter the African market.

Second, we will achieve mutual benefits through institutional innovation. We will actively carry out pilot policies and differentiated explorations in economic and trade cooperation with Africa, promoting greater China-Africa trade and investment facilitation at a higher level. We will carry out pilot programs to facilitate new types of barter trade with Africa, improving the model of "overseas warehouses plus local currency settlement of offshore accounts" and addressing difficulties in cross-border settlement. We will make full use of the China-Africa Cross-border E-commerce Service Center to help Hunan e-commerce platforms accelerate the localization process in Africa. We will enhance the Hunan-Guangdong-Africa rail-sea intermodal transport service and promote the formulation of multimodal logistics standards and rules between China and Africa.

Third, we will promote mutual learning through cultural exchanges. Since the launch of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, we have organized a series of thematic activities on cultural tourism, women, and youth innovation and entrepreneurship, effectively promoting cultural exchange and mutual trust and cooperation between China and Africa. A batch of African embassies, consulates, as well as national chambers of commerce and associations have been established in Hunan. We will leverage Hunan's advantage in foreign aid training and platforms such as the Vocational Education Alliance for China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation and strengthen human resources and professional skills training for Africa. We will develop unique cultural and creative products for Africa and harness the media cooperation advantages of Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV in Africa to spearhead the Hunan-Africa cultural communication in film and television, in a bid to better tell the stories of China and Hunan.

Next, we will further deepen and improve the long-term mechanism for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation and exchange, making efforts to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. Thank you.

CNR:

We know that Shibadong village in Hunan province is the birthplace of the initiative of targeted poverty alleviation. Could you please tell us about the current progress in consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation and how to promote the development of Shibadong village in the process of comprehensively advancing rural revitalization? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

Thank you for your question. Ms. Zhang will answer this question.

Zhang Yingchun:

Thank you for your concern about consolidating the achievements of poverty alleviation. In recent years, Shibadong village has tailored its strategies based on local conditions, continued to develop industries such as rural tourism, special planting, and Miao embroidery to generate wealth, and blazed a new path for rural revitalization and development. Over the past three years, the per capita net income of villagers has increased from 20,000 yuan to 25,000 yuan, and the income of the village collective economy has grown from 2.68 million yuan to 5 million yuan. Last year, we held the Shibadong Forum on Poverty Reduction and Development in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture, sharing Hunan's poverty reduction experience with the world. In the next step, we will mainly focus on three aspects to consolidate and build on our achievements in poverty alleviation and to promote the revitalization of rural areas.

First, we will make efforts to prevent people from falling back into poverty. We have developed a monitoring and assistance management platform to prevent poverty relapse. We have focused on monitoring households that have been lifted out of poverty but whose incomes are below 10,000 yuan, or are declining, as well as those who have been relocated. Through the monitoring and early warning information management system, we will formulate specific assistance plans tailored to individual needs. In this process, we found that among the 520,000 monitored households, 60% are at risk of falling back into poverty due to illness, and one of the important reasons is the lack of public health knowledge. Therefore, in the next step, we will vigorously promote health assistance based on industrial and employment assistance, helping everyone to further increase their knowledge of public health, and conduct graded and classified diagnoses and treatment of diseases, significantly improving the health level of those lifted out of poverty in rural areas.

Second, we will make efforts to develop industries. Hunan is located at 28 degrees north latitude, known as the prime geographical belt for cultivating fruits. It is home to a group of influential public brands such as Anhua Dark Tea, Hunan Black Tea, Hunan Camellia Oil, and Hunan Chili. We will seize this advantage and vigorously promote the development of livestock, aquaculture, vegetables, and traditional Chinese medicines in 15 key counties and 2,307 key villages, making the industries bigger and the people richer. For example, we have a key village, Shazhou village in Rucheng county, where the story of "half a quilt" took place. By vigorously developing rural tourism and special fruit planting, it has achieved 80% employment of villagers not far from home, and its per capita net income has increased by 66% in the past four years.

Third, efforts will be made to increase local residents' income. We will launch a three-year campaign to help villagers who have already been lifted out of poverty gain more money. We will organize more skills training and support programs for people returning to their hometowns so that they can work or start businesses to increase their salary income. Villagers are encouraged to focus on planting or breeding preferable varieties with local characteristics, promoting the courtyard economy and manual workshops as ways to increase operative income. Property income of rural residents is expected to increase through utilizing idle rural assets, developing cold-chain logistics and delivery, and integrating agriculture with cultural industry and tourism. We will continue to increase social insurance subsidies in a steady and prudent manner and adjust other agricultural subsidies to increase villagers' transfer income.

By doing so, the increased income of villagers who have already been lifted out of poverty could exceed 2 percentage points more than that of local rural residents. That's my introduction. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Due to time constraints, we will take one last question.

Beijing Youth Daily:

My question is about culture. Hunan enjoys rich cultural resources, including not just historical and revolutionary culture, but also vibrant modern culture. What will Hunan do to give full play to its cultural resources and better undertake its new cultural mission? Thank you.

Mao Weiming:

Thanks for your question. Time-honored historical culture, rich revolutionary culture, and vibrant modern culture are a classic summary of Hunan culture given by General Secretary Xi Jinping. I would like to give you a brief introduction about them.

Hunan enjoys a time-honored historical culture. Chengtoushan National Archaeological Site Park presents an agricultural civilization based on rice planting. Fan Zhongyan, a statesman and literary scholar of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), wrote in his essay "The Yueyang Tower" that "One should first show concern of the state and lastly to enjoy himself." The 17th-century outstanding thinker Wang Fuzhi (1619-1692) proposed the principle of "practical knowledge of managing state affairs," which means scholarly studies should be geared to meeting current needs and be of practical value to state governance and social management. Qing Dynasty scholar and historian Wei Yuan (1794-1857) asked the people in Modern China to "open eyes to see the world." All this cultural heritage will help Hunan to write its chapter in regards to Chinese modernization.

Hunan enjoys a rich revolutionary culture and is hailed as a national museum of revolutionary history without a fence. General Secretary Xi Jinping mentioned the story of Half a Quilt to explain the Red Army and the CPC's close bond with the people. In November 1934, three female soldiers during the Long March of the Red Army sought shelter in the home of an impoverished villager named Xu Jiexiu at Shazhou village in Rucheng county, Hunan province. Upon their departure, they cut their only quilt in two, leaving half with Xu in a gesture of kindness.

Hunan enjoys a vibrant modern culture with a flourishing literary and artistic scene, diverse scenarios for cultural activities, as well as a prospering cultural industry. Hunan is home to a number of Chinese cultural masters including Qi Baishi. The epic dance drama "Da Di Song Ge (the Ode to Hometown)," which debuted in 2020, is based on a story from Hunan's Shibadong Village. Hunan's radio and television station, publishing group, and Malanshan V Zone are all famous brands in China's cultural industry. Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, was recognized as a City of Media Arts in November 2017, making it the first Chinese city awarded with the UNESCO title.

Moving forward, Hunan will shoulder its new cultural mission proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and promote the following four "integrations." First, we will deeply integrate culture with education, using cultural resources to teach. Second, we will deeply integrate culture with technology, using cultural resources to upgrade industries. Third, we will deeply integrate culture with rural revitalization, using cultural resources to energize rural construction. Fourth, we will deeply integrate culture with tourism, using cultural resources to attract tourists. We will continuously leverage our strength in the cultural industry and give full play to our five "business cards" to push Hunan's tourism revenue to exceed a trillion yuan. The five "business cards" are: the beautiful landscape represented by Zhangjiajie, red tourism in Shaoshan Mountain, the leisure city of Changsha, the agricultural civilization discovered in Chengtoushan, and Hengshan Mountain, one of the five great mountains of China. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Mao, and all the presenters for your introductions. Thank you to all the journalists for your participation. Today's press conference will conclude here.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Huang Shan, Ma Yujia, Zhu Bochen, Zhou Jing, Wang Yanfang, Zhang Rui, Liu Sitong, Zhang Junmian, Liu Caiyi, Liu Qiang, Liu Jianing, Li Huiru, Wang Ziteng, Wang Wei, Lin Liyao, Wang Qian, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnsten. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Kai, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Henan Provincial Committee and governor of Henan province

Mr. Sun Shougang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Henan province

Ms. Zhang Min, vice governor of Henan province

Mr. Ma Jian, director of the Henan Provincial Development and Reform Commission

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 9, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we are holding the 15th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." We have invited Mr. Wang Kai, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Henan Provincial Committee and governor of Henan province, to brief you on fostering new growth drivers and strengths and striving to build a splendid Henan in the rise of central China in the new era, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Sun Shougang, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Henan province, Ms. Zhang Min, vice governor of Henan province, and Mr. Ma Jian, director of the Henan Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang for his introduction. 

Wang Kai:

Thank you. Friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning! It's a pleasure to meet you and discuss Henan's advancements towards high-quality development. First, on behalf of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee and the Provincial Government, I extend my sincere gratitude to the media and all sectors of society for your consistent concern and support for Henan.

Henan province stands out as a key economic hub with a large population, abundant grain production and rich cultural heritage, playing a pivotal role in the historical development of Chinese civilization. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Henan five times, delivering important speeches, issuing crucial directives and expressing his sincere hope that Henan would "strive to be excellent and achieve even greater splendor." We have always remembered his instructions, anchoring our efforts to ensure the building of a modern Henan in a high-quality and high-level way. Through our commitment and hard work we have achieved three major transformations, namely from a traditional agricultural province to an emerging industrial province, from a traditional transportation hub to a modern transportation hub and from a traditional inland province to an inland open highland. The regional GDP has surpassed the three-trillion-yuan mark.

We emphasize innovation-driven development, accelerating the creation of a national innovation hub and a significant talent center. We have prioritized strategies such as innovation-driven development, promoting science and education and strengthening talent, forming a major innovation framework centered around a science and technology hub, a medical science hub and an agriculture hub in China's central plains. We have 13 national key laboratories, 172 national-level innovation platforms and 20 provincial laboratories. The national supercomputing internet core node project has commenced construction. We have 12,000 high-tech enterprises and 72.7% of industrial enterprises above the designated size are engaged in research and development activities. We have attracted 390,000 high-level talents. In 2023, the number of invention patents granted in Henan increased by 20.3%. Technological innovation has become the primary driving force for Henan's development, leading to changes in development momentum, structure and quality.

We prioritize the real economy, accelerating the development of a strong manufacturing province. The high-quality development of the manufacturing industry is our main direction. We have implemented 11,000 key industrial projects with a total investment of 7.9 trillion yuan. In 2023, investment in high-tech manufacturing grew by 22.6%, 12 percentage points higher than the national average. There are over 11 million business entities, ranking fourth in the country, and 25,000 industrial enterprises above the designated size. Strategic emerging industries such as advanced equipment, electronic information and biopharmaceuticals are the main drivers of industrial growth. Products such as optical communication chips, sensors and superhard materials hold leading market shares nationwide. Yutong's buses, China Railway's shield machine, and xFusion's servers have become shining examples of Chinese manufacturing.

We are committed to accelerating the development of agriculture in the rural revitalization strategy. We prioritize national food security, maintaining a stable grain planting area of over 160 million mu (about 10.7 million hectares), with grain output exceeding 65 million tonnes for seven consecutive years. The wheat output has remained stable at over 35 million tonnes for nine consecutive years, with more than 30 million tonnes of raw grain and finished products being transported out annually. The production of oilseed crops and edible fungi ranks first in the country, while the production of vegetables and poultry eggs ranks second. Companies like Muyuan Foodstuff and Shuanghui Group lead globally, while rising stars like Mixue Ice Cream & Tea and Guoquan Shihui are emerging, with the modern food industry cluster exceeding one trillion yuan in scale.

We prioritize efficient transportation arteries and channels, accelerating the development of a province strong in transportation. Building a modern, comprehensive transportation network is a strategic support for integrating into the new development pattern. The high-speed rail network, resembling a radiating star pattern, has been fully completed. Zhengzhou Airport ranks among the world's top 40 cargo airports while Zhengzhou International Land Port can handle 10,000 trips of China-Europe freight trains annually. Highway freight turnover ranks second nationally. We have constructed six inland ports and nine functional ports. A multi-modal transport system integrating air, land, road, water and ports is rapidly forming, with logistics costs lower than the national average. Our strategic location connecting east and west, and linking north and south, is transforming into an advantage in the hub economy and comprehensive competitiveness.

We are dedicated to improving people's well-being and accelerating the building of happy communities. Guaranteeing and improving people's livelihoods has always been our work's starting point and ultimate purpose. Over 78% of our budget is allocated to fiscal expenditure on livelihoods. Last year, we created 1.19 million urban jobs and 490,000 nonagricultural employment opportunities for the rural workforce. Our compulsory education completion rate reached 96.3%. We have 168 institutes of higher learning, accommodating 3.055 million students. We have built 12 regional medical centers , and elderly care services are now available in all communities. We strive to ensure that children have access to better education close to their homes, older people receive professional rehabilitation and care services within their communities, and everyone benefits from higher-quality medical services without needing to leave the province.

This March, General Secretary Xi Jinping chaired a symposium on further energizing the central region in the new era, aiming to navigate a new journey and chart a new blueprint for its rise. We will continue to implement the important speeches and directives made by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his visit to Henan, put into practice the series of policy measures made by the Party Central Committee in promoting the rise of the central region, develop new quality productive forces according to our local conditions, foster new driving forces of development, and create new comparative advantages. These will contribute to our goal of charting a new course for the splendid development of the Central Plains in the new era, building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts. 

That's all for my opening introduction. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your introduction. Next, we will move on to the Q&A session. Please identify the media organization you represent before raising your questions.

Science and Technology Daily:

We've noticed that Henan has introduced new measures to boost scientific and technological innovation. Could you share more details about this with us? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Thank you for your question. Faced with a complex external environment and a new round of technological and industrial revolution, the CPC Henan Provincial Committee has taken a forward-looking approach to planning and decision-making for the next 30 years. We have established the pioneering Science and Technology Innovation Committee, with the Party secretary and the governor of Henan serving as its chairs. This committee has systematically planned and advanced the construction of an innovation system and comprehensive reform. We are striving to accelerate scientific and technological innovation, which can be seen in four main aspects.

First, we have built a "three-pillared" innovation platform. To better align with national strategic technology initiatives, we have developed the Zhongyuan Science and Technology City, Zhongyuan Medical Science City, and Zhongyuan Agricultural Valley as a three-pillared innovation framework. Within a year, Zhongyuan Science and Technology City has risen to 19th among 348 similar cities nationwide, climbing 12 spots. Zhongyuan Medical Science City is now home to eight research institutes and 54 biopharmaceutical companies. It has also translated 55 research outcomes into practical applications. Zhongyuan Agricultural Valley has attracted 53 research platforms and 74 seed companies, cultivating the development of 122 new varieties. These areas have become magnets for Henan's innovation resources, talent, and driving forces of innovation.

Second, we have fostered dynamic forces for innovation development. Henan has continually strengthened the role of enterprises as the main drivers of innovation, facilitating the convergence of various innovation elements toward enterprises. We have provided comprehensive services for science and technology-oriented small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and high-tech enterprises, leading to the cultivation of 116 leading innovative companies, 454 high-growth gazelle companies, and 26,000 science and technology-oriented SMEs. For instance, DFD Group from Jiaozuo produces key materials for new energy batteries, while Autobio in Zhengzhou manufactures reagents and instruments for extracorporeal diagnosis. Their unique technologies have positioned them at the forefront of market competition.

Third, we have created an environment conducive to attracting and retaining talent. Henan prioritizes talent attraction and cultivation as a fundamental and strategic initiative. We have implemented comprehensive policies and measures to attract, nurture, employ, and retain talent. Over the past three years, we have attracted 28 top experts, 369 pioneering talents, and 16,000 individuals with doctoral or postdoctoral degrees. Currently, the province's total number of talented individuals exceeds 14.1 million, with an increasing number choosing to work in Henan and fulfill their dreams there.

Lastly, we have achieved outstanding innovation results. Henan has vigorously promoted collaborative innovation between industry, academia, and research institutions. We have encouraged enterprises above designated size to collaborate with universities in establishing 1,503 research and development centers. These efforts have led to 76 projects receiving national key research and development funding and the implementation of 78 provincial-level key scientific and technological projects. For instance, Songshan Laboratory in Henan is a provincial facility focused on researching and applying next-generation information technology. They've developed an endogenous cloud-native security platform , creating a robust cybersecurity shield for protected entities. This platform shifts from the traditional reactive defense method of "closing the barn door after the horse has bolted" to a proactive defense system with built-in immunity. The world's first endogenous cloud-native security platform is now up and running in Zhengzhou.

Henan will continue to build top-notch innovation platforms, foster leading innovation entities, and construct an exceptional innovation ecosystem. We aim to make innovation a defining feature of Henan in the new era. Thank you. 

People's Daily:

Henan is a populous province with rich human resources. Recently, it has implemented a vocational certification and skills enhancement initiative. Could you provide an update on its progress and discuss the next steps for its expansion? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

I'd like to ask Mr. Sun Shougang, our executive vice governor, to answer this.

Sun Shougang:

I'd like to thank People's Daily for its long-standing interest in and support for Henan's development. As the saying goes, "A skill in hand is a passport to the world." Henan's rich human resources are its most prominent advantage and the source of its vitality. In 2021, we introduced a vocational certification and skills enhancement initiative, aiming to enhance our workforce's vocational competence and professional skills through vocational training, evaluation, and certification and to transform our population dividends into talent dividends.

First, the skilled workforce is rapidly expanding. We have improved the evaluation system and conducted large-scale skills training covering the entire labor cycle and all types of occupations for workers. Over the past three years, we have trained 13.43 million people. The province now has 18.17 million skilled workers, including 5.5 million high-skilled professionals. Both of these indicators rank among the top in the country, with the number of newly added skilled workers and high-skilled professionals ranking first nationwide.

Second, skills brands continue to shine. We are guiding various regions to build one human resources brand for each county, achieving standardized training, large-scale output, and comprehensive services. Over the past three years, we have delivered more than 13 million skilled workers. Time-honored human resources brands, such as "Civil Engineering and Architecture of Linzhou" and "Waterproofing Skills of Pingyu," and in recent years, we have also cultivated new human resources brands such as "Digital Craftsmen" and "Henan Agricultural Technicians."

Third, skills competitions are widely held. We benchmark against the WorldSkills Competition and the national vocational skills competition, hosting 100 vocational competitions and 1,000 event sessions annually, enabling tens of thousands of participants to obtain skill certificates. We successfully held two provincial competitions and won the right to host the third national competition in 2025, greatly inspiring enthusiasm for skill training and competitions across various job positions.

Fourth, skilled workers are gradually becoming high-quality technical professionals. Here, I will give you two examples. The first example is students majoring in Electron Microscopy from Henan Chemical Technician College, who have secured jobs at research institutes of top universities such as Peking University and Tsinghua University. The second example is Jiang Yuhe, a girl from Henan born after 2000. She dropped out of school to work, but, after systematic training, won the championship at the WorldSkills Competition. She is now a senior lecturer at a technical school. Her remarkable life transformation is inspiring more and more young people to develop their skills and contribute to the country. There are many examples like Jiang Yuhe in Henan.

We will continue to make dedicated efforts, focusing on cultivating new quality productive forces and modern industrial systems, optimizing the structure, and improving quality. This will enable more Henan craftspeople to show their skills across various industries and more Henan young people to develop their talents and realize their dreams. Thank you.

Economic Daily:

I learned that Henan has introduced a series of policy measures to optimize the business environment, such as establishing a platform for "enjoying enterprise-friendly policies without application" and establishing a provincial business environment complaint and reporting center. What other measures has Henan province taken to optimize the business environment? What are the next steps? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Mr. Ma Jian, please answer this question.

Ma Jian:

Thank you for your question. To judge the quality of the ecological environment, just see if the birds fly here to vote. To judge the quality of the business environment, watch if enterprises come here to invest. In recent years, Henan has continuously treated the optimization of the business environment as a major project and strategic foundational work, achieving significant results. Our efforts can be summarized in four areas:

First, we are enhancing systematic planning and leadership capability. We closely follow the needs of enterprises, continuously deepen reforms, and push for policy iteration and upgrades on an annual basis. We have launched more than 1,000 reform measures in total. Last year, the CPC provincial committee held a plenary session and made special arrangements for comprehensive reforms to support the business environment. We established the pillars to optimize the business environment, using stable policy support to guide corporate expectations, boost corporate confidence, and ensure that enterprises truly benefit from these policies.

Second, we are building the foundation by combining both soft and hard environments. We are committed to simultaneously promoting and improving the soft and hard environments for investment. For instance, we have spent more than a decade turning Henan's star-shaped high-speed rail network from a "paper blueprint" into a "land thoroughfare." The China (Zhengzhou) International Mail Distribution Port has officially opened, becoming the fourth of its kind in the country after Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. We continue to deepen reforms such as "handling matters in one go," addressing complaints immediately, and implementing policies for enjoying enterprise-friendly policies without application. Our integrated government service capability has ranked in the top group nationwide for two consecutive years. We regularly conduct the "Ten Thousand People Assisting Ten Thousand Enterprises" initiative, which has helped solve over 110,000 problems for enterprises. We are striving to create an environment where businesses can "stay and thrive" by optimizing the hard environment and overcoming soft environment barriers.

Third, we are promoting practical results through evaluation and improvement. We consider enterprise satisfaction to be the golden standard for the business environment. For five consecutive years, we have conducted business environment evaluations, assessing the effectiveness of reforms, identifying problems, proposing policy recommendations, and implementing targeted reforms from the perspective of enterprises, ensuring that they truly feel the benefits. The vitality of business entities has significantly improved. As the governor just mentioned, the number of business entities in the province has exceeded 11 million, ranking fourth nationwide.

Fourth, we are responding to appeals and solving difficult issues. We insist on taking the rule of law as the core focus of optimizing the business environment. We actively explore new models for responding to enterprise demands, establishing the provincial business environment complaint and reporting center, opening complaint and reporting channels, setting up an online platform for complaints and reports, and issuing measures for investigating and handling business environment complaints and reports to form a closed-loop resolution mechanism for corporate complaints, allowing enterprises to "have somewhere to file a complaint and have a solution if they have a complaint." We sincerely stand up for companies, help them resolve issues, and effectively safeguard business entities' legitimate rights and interests. 

There is always room to optimize the business environment. We will make persistent efforts and continue to promote the development of a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment that meets high standards. This will make enterprise investment more convenient and efficient and public services more comfortable and convenient.

Thank you.

Red Star News:

Henan's annual grain output has remained above 130 billion jin, or 65 billion kilograms, for several consecutive years, accounting for a significant portion of the country's total. What will Henan do to maintain its advantage?

Wang Kai:

Thanks for your question; I will address it. Henan is known as the "granary of the Central Plains ," meaning the province's harvests could guarantee the whole country's grain supply. This season, you can see endless wheat fields along the roads when traveling through Henan by high-speed railway. Whenever I see such a scene, I feel immense gratitude toward this land and its people. Covering one-sixteenth of China's farmland, Henan produces nearly one-tenth of the country's grain and one-quarter of its wheat. Grain production is Henan's trump card, which we cannot and will not lose under any circumstances. To maintain our advantage, we must integrate the use of fertile farmland, good varieties, advanced machinery, and suitable methods.

First, an increase in grain production relies on fertile farmland. Work should be focused on turning farmland into modern fertile land. In 2022, besides over 850 billion mu (about 57 billion hectares) of high-standard farmlands, we established a demonstration zone with 150 billion mu of high-standard farmlands, investing an average of 4,000 yuan per mu in line with the principles of standardization, modernization, intellectualization, large-scale operation, normalization, and environmental protection. Upon completion, grain yield per mu will increase by 220 jin, worth an additional 330 yuan. Meanwhile, the yield of the entire zone will increase by 3.3 billion jin with an added value of 4.9 billion yuan. Henan's grain output in 2022 reached 136 billion jin and is expected to increase by 10 billion jin, aiming for at least 140 billion jin by 2025.

Second, the increase in grain production relies on good varieties. Farmers always say that "all your endeavors will come in vain without good varieties." Henan vigorously initiated a campaign to revitalize the seed industry and became the top province with the most selected varieties in the national list in 2023, holding 12 leading varieties. At present, more than 97% of Henan's farmland is sown with improved varieties , contributing over 45% to the increase in grain output. The annual output of wheat seeds reached 3.6 billion jin, accounting for 38% of the country's total. The province also maintains a nationwide leading edge in the sectors of corn, peanuts and sesame breeds.

Third, the increase in grain production relies on advanced equipment. Currently, Henan has 3.19 million tractors and 7.28 million pieces of supporting agricultural machinery and tools, ranking first in the country. The entire process of wheat and corn production is essentially mechanized.

Fourth, the increase in grain production relies on suitable methods. To ensure high yield, efforts should be made to apply good methods, besides using good varieties. In 2023, Henan carried out a batch of technical models, such as reasonable plant density for corn production, the integration of water and fertilizer, and multi-functional pesticide spraying. As a result, the per unit yield of many high-yield corn demonstration zones in the province exceeded 2,000 jin. The yield per mu increased by an average of 25 jin, and the total yield increased by 1.96 billion jin.

In conclusion, the key to fully leveraging the above-mentioned four advantages is to protect and mobilize farmers' enthusiasm for growing grain. We will consistently make efforts to reinforce agriculture and benefit farmers, enabling grain growers to earn higher incomes and embrace a brighter future. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

Currently, there are numerous popular cultural and tourism projects across the country. Could you give us an introduction to Henan's unique tourism resources? What measures will the province take to improve the tourist experience and tourism services? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Ms. Zhang Min will answer your questions.

Zhang Min:

Thank you for your concern and support for Henan's culture and tourism. Henan enjoys a rich history and abundant cultural heritage, including the culture of the Central Plains , the Yellow River culture, Chinese root-kin culture, and culture related to early CPC history. I would like to give a brief introduction from three aspects.

First, we step up efforts to bringing cultural relics back to life. We have created new scenarios of demonstration platforms to highlight cultural relics in museums, heritage sites, and ancient texts. In recent years, the Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital and Zhengzhou Archaeological Park of the Shang Dynasty have showcased their cultural heritage in better and more vivid ways through digital displays, immersive experiences, and mobile communication. Archaeological "blind boxes," ancient-style beauty model kits, and other creative cultural products sold in Henan Museum have become very popular. This year, nearly 3,000 precious cultural relics are on display for the first time in Yinxu Museum, providing tourists with more opportunities to connect with history through tortoise shells, animal bones, and bronze ware.

Second, we work hard to make traditional Chinese culture thrive. Henan always adheres to maintaining the right orientation while pursuing innovation, using modern elements to enrich cultural heritage and make traditional culture relevant to contemporary trends. In recent years, a series of dance shows like "Night Banquet in Tang Dynasty Palace " and "The Prayer ," inspired by ancient poems, songs, and figurines, have gained widespread acclaim. Programs presented by Henan Radio and TV Station to celebrate the Spring Festival have become internet sensations. Tourists flock to Henan to learn Tai Chi, practice Kung Fu, listen to Yu Opera, taste tea, wear Hanfu, a traditional clothing of the Chinese in ancient times, watch peonies, and appreciate the culture of the Tang and Song dynasties in Henan cities. We are currently working on themed routes featuring Yangshao Culture, the Xia and Shang civilizations, and ancient Chinese capitals to better showcase the profound, time-honored, and unique charm of Chinese culture.

Third, we strive to enrich the cultural and tourism market. Cultural tourism allows people to experience daily hustle and bustle and explore idyllic, distant horizons. We're actively shaping the "Walking in Henan, Understanding China " cultural tourism brand, showcasing our essence. We boast traditional attractions like the Longmen Grottoes , Shaolin Temple , and Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden , as well as new landmarks like Luoyi ancient city and the "Unique Henan, Land of Drama " theatre complex, inviting everyone to immerse in the beauty of our heritage. We emphasize green initiatives by developing iconic sites like the Yuntai Mountain and Laojun Mountain . We are also promoting the high-quality development of the Yellow River Cultural and Tourism Belt to showcase our natural splendor. Furthermore, we're dedicated to carrying forward our revolutionary traditions and heritage, inspiring the youth with the spirit of Jiao Yulu, Hongqi Canal , and the Dabie Mountains .

We welcome our friends from the media to explore the rich history and culture of Henan province, and experience the warmth of our people, the beauty of our landscapes, and the dynamism of our development. Let's journey together toward a brighter future. Thank you.

Jinan Times APP: 

The Yellow River is one of the mother rivers of the Chinese nation, and Henan province holds a crucial position in the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin. What measures has Henan taken to protect the Yellow River? What are the next steps? Thank you.

Sun Shougang:

Thank you for your question. In 2019, General Secretary Xi Jinping chaired a symposium in Zhengzhou and urged continuous efforts to ensure the Yellow River benefit the people . Ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin have since become a major national strategy. Over the past five years, Henan has pursued the strategic direction of "working together to protect and harness the Yellow River," achieving significant progress in ecological protection of the river. I will summarize our efforts with several keywords.

The first keyword is "tranquility." "With the Yellow River being calm, peace reigns throughout the land." We have constructed 501 kilometers of standardized embankments, completed 98 control and diversion projects, and resettled 300,000 residents from the Yellow River flood plain. Additionally, we have digitized Yellow River management, implementing intelligent prewarning systems and precise scheduling, coordinating flood control and prevention measures in upstream and downstream areas, on both banks and along main and tributary channels, efficiently handling various risks. In 2021, we successfully fought off the most severe autumn flood in the Yellow River since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), ensuring the safety of people's lives and property and the long-term stability of the river.

The second keyword is "water quality." We actively promote the protection and governance of water environments in the main trunk and tributaries of the Yellow River, intensifying efforts to address pollution sources. Currently, 94% of the river's nationally monitored sections in Henan reported water quality of above Class III, and the quality of Yellow River water entering Shandong remains above Class II, achieving the effect of "the Yellow River flowing through the Central Plains region and winding its way into the ocean with much cleaner water."

The third keyword is "green." We have led the way in completing ultra-low emission transformations of enterprises in key industries in the basin, establishing 185 green factories at or above the provincial level and 13 green industrial parks. In 2023, energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of industrial value-added decreased by 23.5% from 2019, and water consumption decreased by 40.8% compared to 2020. This resulted in a more robust green orientation in industry and significantly improved resource and energy utilization efficiency.

The fourth keyword is "beautiful." Through the implementation of ecological protection and restoration projects, we have built over 1,200 kilometers of ecological corridors along the Yellow River, afforested more than 4.6 million mu of land, and controlled water and soil erosion over an area of 9,600 square kilometers. With the improvement of the environment, this area has become an important wintering ground for the whooper swan s, and rare species such as the Baer's pochard , known as the "giant panda of birds," breed and inhabit here. Currently, the Henan section of the Yellow River offers enchanting sights of an abundance of spring blossoms and picturesque scenery. We welcome everyone to take a road trip along the Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway to experience the magnificent spectacle of the Yellow River.

Next, we will prioritize ecological protection and green development, continuing our efforts to protect the "Mother River." We will focus on ecological sustainability, promote Yellow River culture, develop digital management systems, and create a river that enhances people's well-being. This will allow people along the Yellow River to share more benefits and enjoy its beauty. We aim to share the stories of the Yellow River in the new era and demonstrate Henan's greater responsibility. Thank you!

Nanfang Metropolis Daily:

Henan is a populous province with significant healthcare needs. What measures has Henan taken to make it easier and more affordable for people to access medical treatment ? What are the considerations for the next steps? Thank you.

Ma Jian:

Thank you for your question. As you mentioned, Henan is a populous province, and no issue is small when it comes to the livelihoods of 100 million people. Healthcare and medical treatment are especially issues that concern the people the most. In response, we adhere to a problem-oriented approach, systematically strengthening medical services at three levels to comprehensively improve the quality of healthcare.

First, we have exerted efforts to improve primary-level medical services to ensure that quality treatment services for minor ailments are accessible at community-level medical institutions. In recent years, Henan has focused on promoting the development of county-level medical consortia to enhance the primary-level medical institutions' capacity. We have established 172 medical consortia, achieving full coverage at the county level. We have implemented an initiative to reform and improve the rural medical and healthcare system, providing subsidies for the basic operation of 59,000 village clinics across the province, comprehensively enhancing the service capabilities of township and community-based health service centers. We have also ensured that "every township has a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic" and "every village has TCM services," thus strengthening the foundation of primary-level medical and healthcare services.

Furthermore, we have focused on attracting high-end medical resources to make medical treatments of serious diseases convenient and cost-effective for patients within the province. Seizing the historic opportunity brought by the national initiative to expand high-quality medical resources to lower-tier cities, we have targeted medical branches with a large patient base and urgent demand, such as oncology, cardiovascular, neurology, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. We have established 12 national and regional medical centers and introduced 392 new technologies and services, with 98 filling gaps in domestic and international markets. This has achieved our initial goal of ensuring that patients do not need to leave the province to seek treatment for serious illnesses. For example, since the establishment of the Beijing Children's Hospital Zhengzhou Branch, from 2019 to 2023, outpatient visits of children from Henan at Beijing Children's Hospital decreased by 58%, and inpatient admissions decreased by 66.8%. This has significantly reduced medical expenses for patients and greatly alleviated the burden on family members.

Third, we have cultivated top-notch medical expertise to develop a strong and technology-powered medical sector. Since last year, we have accelerated medical and technological innovation efforts, introducing a series of measures and integrating provincial resources to promote the reconstruction of the Henan Province Medical Sciences Academy and the integrated development of the Central Plains Medical Sciences City. We are comprehensively reshaping the medical scientific innovation system in Henan. At the same time, we are establishing a national traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) medical center and building the TCM Academy, as we are striving for new accomplishments in medical science and the biopharmaceutical industry.

We will always prioritize people's concerns, focusing on public health. We will accelerate the development of a hub for medical and health innovation, expand and promote accessibility of high-quality medical resources, and strive to ensure that people receive timely, affordable, and effective medical treatment when needed. In particular, we will leverage Henan's TCM resources, strengthen collaboration between TCM and Western medicine, and emphasize both prevention and treatment. Our goal is to minimize the occurrence of illnesses and keep people as healthy as possible.

Thank you.

CCTV:

Earlier, Mr. Wang mentioned that Henan will accelerate the construction of a manufacturing powerhouse in the province. Could you please introduce what advantages Henan has in the manufacturing industry and which areas will be the focus of future efforts? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Thank you to the journalist friend for the questions and to China Media Group for its continuous support for Henan. I will answer your questions. Henan has well-fledged industries with a well-established system. Of the 41 major industrial categories, Henan has 40, and of the 207 subcategories, Henan has 197. Henan's industries serve as the starting point, supporting point, and conjunction point for many industrial cycles. We aim to accelerate the building of a strong manufacturing industrycharacterized by high levels, streamlined structure, strong innovation, deep integration, and good resilience. Our focus can be summarized by the numbers "five," "six," and "seven."

"Five" refers to focusing on the five foundations: basic components, basic electronic components, basic materials, basic processes, and basic software. We will strengthen collaboration between industry, academia, research, and practical application, concentrating on breakthroughs in key core and bottleneck technologies and rebuilding industrial foundations. In 2023 alone, we achieved breakthroughs in 50 "five foundation" technologies, including the production technology of silicon carbide new materials, breaking foreign monopolies. By 2025, we expect to achieve breakthroughs in another 100 items, promoting more Henan products to enter the mid-to-high-end market.

"Six" refers to making breakthroughs in the areas of new infrastructure, technologies, new materials, new equipment, new products, and new business models. This is a strategic choice to seize opportunities and promote the high-end, intelligent, and green transformation of industries. Luoyang CITIC Heavy Industry , through its intelligent transformation, has achieved a 25% increase in production efficiency and a 10% reduction in energy consumption. It has been selected as one of the country's first batch of "digital leading" enterprises. Henan is accelerating the full coverage of digital transformation and R&D activities in industrial enterprises above the designated scale. By 2025, the coverage rate of intelligent application scenarios is expected to reach 100%.

"Seven" refers to leveraging seven trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters as the foundation and building the "7+28+N" modern industrial system. The "7" represents seven trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters, including new materials, new energy vehicles, electronic information, advanced equipment, modern medicine, modern food, and modern textile industries. The "28" represents 28 100-billion-yuan-level key industrial chains, including superhard materials. The "N" represents specialized and emerging sub-sectors such as nanomaterials and synthetic biology. The "7+28+N" industrial clusters have been at the forefront of promoting new industrialization in Henan. It is estimated that by 2025, the industrial scale will exceed 7 trillion yuan. 

Additionally, we have taken a project-oriented scheme in which we should sign a batch of projects, get a batch of projects off the ground, and put a batch of projects into operation each quarter. Under that scheme, we have implemented 17,400 projects in 12 quarters, over 60% of which were industrial ones. With an optimized and adjusted investment structure, traditional industries are accelerating their transformation, emerging industries are being nurtured faster, and future industries are rapidly developing. As a result, the overall quality of the economy has significantly improved. 

Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Two last questions, please.

China Daily:

We have noticed that Zhengzhou recently launched a direct flight to Luxembourg, which is Luxembourg's first intercontinental passenger route. Could you please share what initiatives Henan has undertaken to promote the construction of the Air Silk Road and support the Belt and Road Initiative? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Please let Ms. Zhang answer this question.

Zhang Min:

Thank you, China Daily, for your long-term interest in and support for Henan. I would like to give you an introduction here. First is about this air route. The Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road symbolizes Henan's commitment to promoting high-level opening-up. Since its opening in June 2014, with Zhengzhou and Luxembourg as "dual hubs," this air route has built a bridge to reach over 200 cities in 24 countries, known as "one point connecting three continents, one line connecting Europe and America." Salmon from Northern Europe, cherries from South America, and the latest Italian fashions can be distributed across China within 12 hours after entering Zhengzhou Airport. Our Henan-made smartphones, precision machinery, and beauty products can also reach the world through this Air Silk Road.

Second, we are reaching out to each other. Zhengzhou and Luxembourg leverage their geographical advantages and cooperate closely for mutual benefit. Their cargo and mail throughputs rank among the world's top 40 and top 20 respectively. Utilizing the Air Silk Road, Henan is also actively developing clusters of aviation-preferred industries such as electronic information, biomedicine, and modern services, gathering strong momentum to develop new quality productive forces. With the efficient operation of the Zhengzhou-Luxembourg tourism visa platform and the successful launch of direct passenger flight routes, connectivity and communication between Henan and the world have become more convenient and closer. Currently, 198 Fortune 500 companies have established a presence in Henan, and Henan's enterprises have also expanded their business to over 100 countries and regions globally. Not long ago, the "Small But Beautiful: Treasures of Cultural Heritage from Luxembourg" exhibition made a splendid debut in Zhengzhou, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral exchanges through cultural relics. Next month, the second Zhengzhou-Luxembourg Air Silk Road Forum for International Cooperation will be held in Luxembourg. All these efforts show that our relationship is moving from "hard connectivity" to a "heart-to-heart connection."

Third, we are advancing on four roads. Henan is vigorously developing four "Silk Roads" — in the air, on land, at sea, and online — relying on the Air Silk Road. These efforts form a new pattern of multi-dimensional openness as part of the joint initiative to build the Belt and Road. The China-Europe freight trains are fully loaded both ways, creating an international logistics network that connects over 40 countries. Cross-border e-commerce operates under the principle of "buy globally, sell globally," with annual transaction volumes exceeding 230 billion yuan. We are currently constructing six modern ports, including Zhoukou Port, to enable inland river shipping routes to reach the sea, opening new channels for the Central Plains of China to have access to the ocean.

Moving forward, we will further expand the Air Silk Road from Zhengzhou to more cities in Europe and Southeast Asia, strengthen the hub economy, enhance high-level openness, and build a more competitive inland opening-up highland. Thank you!

21st Century Business Herald:

The Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone is the only experimental zone approved by the State Council that focuses on the aviation-related economy. How is it going? What are the development goals and measures for the next step? Thank you.

Wang Kai:

Mr. Sun is the secretary of the Party Working Committee of the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone. He will answer these questions.

Sun Shougang:

Thank you for your questions. In 2013, the State Council approved the establishment of the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone. It has developed from scratch for more than a decade, rapidly increasing its comprehensive strength. In 2023, it achieved a regional GDP of 129.5 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 14% over the decade.

First, we focus on the hub. As you know, Zhengzhou has a natural geographical advantage and serves as a major comprehensive transportation corridor in the country. Zhengzhou Airport has opened 49 international cargo flight routes, and its annual international cargo and mail throughput ranks among the top 40 globally. We are currently constructing the Zhengzhou International Land Port, which aims to be a modern, international, world-class logistics hub. It will be developed into a full-featured, high-capacity assembly center for China-Europe freight trains, connecting domestic and international routes and serving the eastern, central, and western regions of China. It will be capable of handling 10,000 China-Europe freight train departures annually. Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone Station was the first to launch high-speed rail express cargo services, and the number of vehicles monitored under the TIR (International Road Transport ) system accounts for over 70% of the national total. The Airport Economy Zone has established a major hub pattern integrating the airport, high-speed railways, the international land port, and highways.

Second, we focus on industries. In 2023, the total output of the electronic information industry in the Airport Economy Zone reached 533.4 billion yuan. It has established a complete industrial ecosystem from key core components to end products, essentially forming an airport-related industrial system led by electronic information. With a focus on promoting the high-quality development of manufacturing and accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces, we will strive to build an electronic information industry cluster with international influence, which is expected to generate an annual output of 1 trillion yuan, an manufacturing base producing 1 million of new energy vehicles each year, a biopharmaceutical industry cluster with an annual output of 100 billion yuan, and an aerospace industry cluster with an annual output of 10 billion yuan.

Third, we focus on opening-up. The Airport Economy Zone has established a diverse, comprehensively functional, and highly efficient port system, becoming a vital gateway for inland regions to open up. The Xinzheng Comprehensive Bonded Zone has maintained an A-level ranking in performance assessments for four consecutive years. In terms of import and export, it has been consistently listed among the top of all comprehensive bonded zones nationwide, and it ranked first last year. We will leverage our position as a key node in the Silk Road Economic Belt, deeply integrate into the joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and develop pioneering zones for the Air Silk Road. We will accelerate digital empowerment for "soft connectivity," advance institutional opening-up, create a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment, and establish high-level platforms for opening-up and cooperation.

In the first quarter of this year, the GDP of the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone increased by 19.2% year on year, the added value of industrial enterprises above the designated size increased by 34.2%, and fixed asset investment grew by 10.2%. The Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone is gathering more factors of innovation at a fast pace, showing strong growth momentum. Its future is promising and full of potential.

That's all for my answer. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. Thank you to all the speakers. I also want to express gratitude to all journalists for your participation. Today's press conference concludes here. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Yuan Fang, Guo Yiming, Ma Yujia, Wang Mengru, Lin Liyao, Wang Ziteng, Zhang Junmian, Liu Caiyi, He Shan, Zhang Rui, Wang Wei, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Zhonglin, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hubei Provincial Committee and governor of Hubei province

Mr. Shao Xinyu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hubei province

Mr. Wei Shengbin, vice governor of Hubei province and secretary-general of the Hubei provincial government 

Mr. Li Donghui, director of the Hubei Provincial Development and Reform Commission 

Chairperson:

Mr. Xie Yingjun, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

May 7, 2024

Xie Yingjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 14th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are very glad to be joined by Mr. Wang Zhonglin, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hubei Provincial Committee and governor of Hubei province, who will brief you on advancing Hubei's efforts in Chinese modernization and building Hubei into a strategic stronghold for the rise of Central China, and then take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Shao Xinyu, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hubei province; Mr. Wei Shengbin, vice governor of Hubei province and secretary-general of the Hubei provincial government; and Mr. Li Donghui, director of the Hubei Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang Zhonglin.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you, Mr. Xie. Good morning. It is my pleasure to have this opportunity today to brief you on Hubei's high-quality development. First, on behalf of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee and the Hubei provincial government, I would like to extend my deep appreciation for your long-standing interest in and support for Hubei's development.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to Hubei's development, and has conducted five inspection tours in the province since the 18th CPC National Congress, providing stewardship for its growth. Over the years, we have kept in mind expectations, forged ahead with gratitude and made solid advances in promoting Hubei's high-quality development.

First, focusing on boosting the province's overall strength, Hubei has seen a promising development trajectory. Always taking development as the top priority, Hubei has strived to cope with changing circumstances, to ensure stable growth and to enhance the quality of development. As a result, the province has achieved steady progress. In recent years, despite being hit hard by the pandemic, Hubei has particularly withstood pressures and sustained the momentum of recovery. In 2020, facing a sharp decline of 39.2% in GDP in the first quarter, Hubei managed to persevere thanks to the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the staunch support from multiple ministries, commissions and sister provinces. By the end of 2020, the province's GDP recovered to 95.6% of the year before. In 2021, we made all-out efforts to make up for the loss caused by the pandemic and regained positive growth. The GDP in 2021 grew by 12.9% year on year, surpassing the five-trillion-yuan threshold. In 2022, we effectively responded to the prolonged impact of the pandemic and other unexpected factors. The province's economic output in 2022 was the 7th largest domestically, realizing a robust recovery as economic growth was back on track. In 2023, the recovery momentum continued to prevail, with each quarter showing faster economic growth. The GDP grew by 6% annually, ranking among the top in the country. In the first quarter of this year, Hubei's GDP saw a year on year increase of 6.1%, indicating a robust start for 2024 and promising economic performance. Through relentless efforts, we have fulfilled the earnest expectations put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection tour to Hubei in March 2020 to guide the fight against the pandemic. Specifically, he hoped that Hubei would achieve complete victory against the pandemic, would rise from the ashes, and would make even greater achievements in the new era. In this sense, Hubei's development has reached a higher starting point.

Second, through supporting industrial innovation by achieving advancements in science and technology, Hubei has broken into a sprint with high-quality development. Taking sci-tech self-reliance as our mission, we have strengthened the deeper integration between sci-tech and industrial innovation, further expediting the cultivation and thriving of new quality productive forces. The province's sci-tech innovation has gained momentum and achieved breakthroughs. Wuhan's domestically influential sci-tech innovation center has sped up its construction. The province's sci-tech cluster is also taking shape at an accelerated pace with a national lab, 10 provincial labs, eight big science facilities, 163 national-level innovation platforms and 477 new R&D institutions. Notable progress has also been made in 29 key core technology projects, including world-leading breakthroughs seen in flash memory chips, brain-computer interface (BCI) and myocardial rotational excision surgery. The volume of contracted technology transactions in 2023 grew 59.8% year on year to 486 billion yuan (about $67.2 billion), ranking the third highest nationwide. Hubei's industrial transformation is also accelerating with the rapid emergence of a modern industrial cluster, which features five pillar industries each worth a trillion yuan, 10 competitive industries each worth 500 billion yuan, and another 20 distinctive industries each worth 100 billion yuan. The output of Hubei's industries related to optical communication, chips, new display screens, smart terminals, and the internet is expected to reach the one-trillion-yuan threshold this year. The local auto manufacturing and service industry, as well as the big health industry, are also expected to see similar development. The development of our innovative entities are also thriving, with the number of high-tech enterprises reaching 25,000 and small and medium-sized sci-tech enterprises (SMEs) reaching 35,000, both doubling in just two years.

Third, Hubei has accelerated its efforts to build itself into a "thoroughfare to the whole country" in the new era and reshaped its advantage as a pivot connecting the Land Silk Road, Maritime Silk Road and Air Silk Road. Remaining committed to laying the foundation and shoring up the weak links for long-term planning, we have enhanced major infrastructure construction, expediting Hubei's transition from a "thoroughfare to nine provinces" to a "thoroughfare to the whole country." In Hubei, the high-speed rail network has formed, with the super high-speed rail network spanning 12 directions taking shape more quickly, enabling access to 80% of the nation's major cities within four hours. With the golden waterway of the Yangtze River leading to other rivers and seas, vessels carrying tens of thousands of tons can navigate directly to Wuhan. Here, Wuhan Port boasts the highest container throughput in the river's upper and middle reaches. Additionally, the Air Silk Road provides a global reach. For example, Ezhou Huahu Airport, Asia's largest specialized cargo airport, has been completed and is now operational. It currently serves 64 international and domestic cargo routes, and its cargo throughput is projected to exceed 1.2 million tons this year, ranking fourth nationwide. 

Fourth, Hubei is firmly committed to promoting green and low-carbon development, crafting a picturesque landscape of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. By thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, we have made solid progress in advancing comprehensive basin management, ensuring that the Yangtze River flows clearly eastward and that the lucid waters are effectively channeled northward from the Danjiangkou Reservoir. The quality of the environment has steadily improved. More than 90% of the state-monitored surface water sections have maintained excellent or good quality. Additionally, the water quality of the Yangtze River's main channel and the Danjiangkou Reservoir has consistently exceeded Class II standards. The "smiling angel," the Yangtze finless porpoise, once on the brink of extinction and a public concern, has seen its population rebound to 1,249 after years of ecological conservation efforts. The serene sight of "lucid waters, lush shores, and playful finless porpoises" has become a common sight. The green transition has seen improvements in both quality and effectiveness, expediting the development of green industries and clean energy systems. With green electricity accounting for 65% of installed capacity, Hubei has achieved the seventh-highest economic output nationwide while ranking 22nd in energy consumption per unit of GDP.

Fifth, Hubei is committed to elevating the quality of life for its people with heartfelt sincerity, making warm and substantial contributions to improving well-being. Through grassroots initiatives, we have attentively observed the needs of our residents and addressed their concerns to warm their hearts, aiming to ensure that more people benefit from developmental outcomes. Tangible benefits have been delivered as we thoroughly implement a variety of projects in education, healthcare, and eldercare every year. Last year, we completed 46 projects across 10 categories related to people's well-being. This year, we will continue these efforts with 52 projects in 10 categories, ensuring residents enjoy more tangible benefits. Residents' income has increased steadily, seeing an average annual growth rate of 6.8% over the past three years, surpassing the economic growth rate. Each year, more than 900,000 new urban jobs are created, attracting over 400,000 college graduates to obtain employment or start businesses. Public services have been constantly optimized. For instance, 66% of primary and secondary schools have been incorporated into county-level collaborative development alliances for basic education, and 72% of counties now have third-grade hospitals, the highest level in China's three-tier hospital grading system. Additionally, 12-minute emergency treatment circles in urban areas and 15-minute medical service circles in rural areas have essentially been established.

On the new journey of the new era, we will firmly implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on the work in Hubei. We will thoroughly explore practical ways to create a modernized Hubei with Chinese characteristics by implementing five relevant initiatives, including the one that relies on comprehensive basin management to coordinate and promote high-standard conservation and high-quality development, with the aim to make new and greater contributions to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation.

That concludes my introduction. My colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking your question.

People's Daily:

General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to effectively propel the rise of the central region from a higher starting point. To this end, how can Hubei better fulfill its role as a strategic pivot in the new era?

Wang Zhonglin:

You've raised an important question, and I'll answer it. It's widely recognized that promoting the rise of the central region is a major strategic deployment made by the CPC Central Committee eying the big picture of coordinated development between regions. General Secretary Xi Jinping has high expectations for Hubei. During his visit to Hubei in July 2013, he called for the province to accelerate its development into a crucial strategic pivot in facilitating the rise of the central region. Over the years, Hubei has bravely shouldered its responsibilities and diligently pursued practical endeavors, achieving notable progress in its role as a strategic pivot. We are confident and determined to take on this vital mission as a strategic pivot and secure greater success in advancing the rise of the central region in this new era.

Last month, the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee convened a plenary session and made a systematic deployment on promoting Chinese-style modernization in Hubei and accelerating the building of an important strategic fulcrum for the rise of China's central region. The session clarified the "five defined functions" and the overall plan and key tasks. The five defined functions of the province are: quickly developing Hubei into an important hub for domestic economic flows and a vital link driving both the domestic and global economies; establishing it as a national base for scientific and technological innovation and manufacturing; creating a homeland security service base; serving as a national strategic region for water security; and designating it as a national high-quality agricultural production area. These are not only Hubei's responsibilities as a strategic fulcrum but also the focus of our work. We will double our efforts in the following five aspects. First, we will enhance the province's overall capacity and continue strengthening its supportive role as a strategic pivot. This means consolidating the momentum of sound and steady growth, promoting effective improvement in quality and reasonable quantitative economic growth, and striving to increase the provincial GDP by 2 trillion yuan in five years. Second, we will advance innovation-driven development and constantly enhance the province's core competitiveness as a strategic pillar. We will promote the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, focusing on applicability. Our goal is to accelerate the development of Wuhan into a nationally influential scientific and technological innovation center. We aim to achieve breakthroughs in five major advantageous industries, including optoelectronic information. Additionally, we will strengthen and upgrade modern industrial clusters, marked by five one-trillion-yuan pillar industries, ten 500-billion-yuan competitive industries, and twenty 100-billion-yuan distinctive industries. This initiative will help us foster a pacesetter for developing new quality productive forces in the country. Third, we will continue to open up to the outside world and bring together more factors to enhance the province's role as a strategic fulcrum. We will make good use of channels for opening-up such as Huahu International Airport, the shipping hub of Wuhan for the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the China-Europe Railway Express. We will also further develop the China (Hubei) Pilot Free Trade Zone and other platforms for opening-up, construct international industrial parks with countries including Germany, France, and Japan, actively foster a new system for a high-standard open economy, and build an inland hub for opening-up with stronger competitiveness. Fourth, we will promote green transformation across the board and constantly enhance the ecological carrying capacity of the province. We will integrate the development of industrialization, IT application, urbanization, and agricultural modernization based on comprehensive river basin governance. We will implement 10 major initiatives to improve the quality and efficiency of the Yangtze River conservation, establish 10 major green development systems, including the circular economy framework, build Hubei into a beautiful province, and accelerate its rise that is rooted in green transformation. Fifth, we will advance collaborative integration and make the province a more powerful engine driving the development of other areas. We will promote the development of the three metropolitan areas of Wuhan, Xiangyang, and Yichang-Jingzhou-Jingmen, deepen cooperation and linkage with other central China provinces, strengthen synergy with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and bolster the development of China's strategic hinterland to better integrate into and support the new development paradigm and make a greater contribution to the rise of the central region.

That's all from me. Thank you.

CCTV: 

As we all know, Hubei province's goal to become an important strategic fulcrum supporting the rise of China's central region cannot be achieved without talent. Hubei boasts a wealth of intellectual resources and has competitive scientific and educational talent advantages. Could you please introduce some explorations and practices in this regard? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your question. I will invite Mr. Shao Xinyu to answer your question.

Shao Xinyu:

As one of China's three major intelligence-intensive areas, Hubei is home to 81 academicians, 132 universities, 2 million college students, 3,600 scientific research institutions, and 350,000 R&D personnel. These are the most valuable assets for the province and the main source of potential for its high-quality development. For the first time, the report to the 20th CPC National Congress in 2022 made an overall arrangement to integrate the development of education, science and technology, and talent. Hubei has actively practiced and explored this integration.

First, we pooled the strength of educational and sci-tech professionals based on innovation platforms. The national-level and provincial-level innovation platforms have paved the way for uniting prestigious universities, advantageous disciplines, outstanding talents, and excellent enterprises to expand the talent pool. For example, Huazhong Agricultural University spearheaded the establishment of Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, gathering eight academicians, 147 state-level, high-caliber professionals, and 151 post-doctorates to combine academic disciplines with industries and technology with applications while attaching researchers' benefits to the commercialization of scientific and research findings. In the past two years since its establishment, it has achieved 12 major domestically pioneered and world-class scientific research accomplishments, including identifying key genes for increasing corn and rice production. It has been selected twice as one of China's top 10 achievements in scientific and technological progress.

Second, major projects boost the efficient and integrative development of education, science and technology, and human resources. We have explored a coordination mechanism where enterprises raise questions, the government provides support, and solutions are jointly found through market-oriented assessments. This approach guides and supports universities and research institutes in conducting scientific and technological research, building disciplines, and developing talent, focusing on the critical needs of developing science, technology, and industries. For instance, Dongfeng Motor Corporation led efforts to establish an innovation consortium for automotive-grade chips, organizing over 2,000 researchers from various universities and institutions to join forces in overcoming the bottleneck of auto chips. They developed four types of automotive-grade chips. The Wuhan University of Technology has set up a special "Dongfeng Class" and provided targeted training programs.

Third, we cultivate talents by category to build a talent echelon in education, science, and technology. We follow the laws of talent cultivation, taking phased and classified steps to allocate educational resources. We are nurturing high-performing engineers, top-tier innovators, and strategic scientists in alignment with diverse talent needs for scientific and technological research. We have established schools for outstanding engineers to adapt to and lead future developments in engineering technologies and for scientific and technological innovation. We have carried out campaigns to increase the number of postdoctoral researchers and to cultivate and attract more of the brightest minds in the province. We support them in undertaking vertical (central-local) and horizontal (cross-regional) research programs, promoting the interconnected and coordinated development of education, science and technology, and human resources. For example, we are implementing projects to make breakthroughs in humanoid robot development and have established robotics engineering majors in many colleges and universities to nurture interdisciplinary talent through targeted training programs. Next, we will further explore and contribute to major breakthroughs and the development of a comprehensive education system, science and technology, and human resources in Hubei.

Hubei Media Group:

Mr. Wang just introduced that over the years, Hubei has annually promoted 10 types of projects to ensure success in delivering prosperity and benefits to the people. Personally, I am more concerned about public health issues. My question is: What progress has Hubei made in recent years in building "Healthy Hubei?" Thanks.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your concern. I will invite Mr. Wei to answer this question.

Wei Shengbin:

In recent years, Hubei has implemented important measures to benefit the people, resolve their difficulties, and win their approval. Several pressing difficulties and problems that matter most to the public have been resolved. We have made every effort to address the critical task of fortifying the public health protection network set by General Secretary Xi Jinping for Hubei, to protect people's lives and health. Remarkable progress has been made in promoting the reform of the disease prevention and control system and strengthening the public health system. Hubei ranked second in the evaluation of the "Healthy China" initiative.

First, we uphold comprehensive medical values and have made new progress in strengthening the public health system. We have worked hard to resolve the problems of difficult, expensive, and complex access to medical services. A health service system covering urban and rural areas is now in place, enhancing collaboration between hospitals and institutions for disease prevention and control. We have doubled our efforts to address weaknesses in the field of public health and launched 1,819 programs with a total investment of over 200 billion yuan. We have focused on expanding medical resources and building high-level national and regional medical centers. The number of tertiary hospitals in Hubei has reached 208, ranking fifth in the country. We have promoted balanced development and have established a medical system at five levels: province, city, county, township, and village. Counties with a population of over 1 million and China's top 100 counties located in Hubei each have at least one Grade-A tertiary hospital, and every village has a clinic. We have trained and deployed 13,000 university-educated doctors to villages, allowing residents to access medical services near their homes.

We adhere to comprehensive health values, and the health of our people has improved. With a focus on five areas — prevention, screening, health management, treatment, and scientific research — we have launched the "323" initiative to tackle significant public health issues. This initiative targets three types of serious diseases, such as cancers; two chronic diseases, like hypertension; and three major public health problems, such as congenital disabilities. Through this initiative, we have provided comprehensive health care across the full life cycle, increasing the public health level by 13.9 percentage points compared to pre-pandemic figures. The rate of premature deaths from major chronic diseases has dropped substantially. More than half of all township-level health centers in Hubei are now equipped to provide emergency clot-busting treatments for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In the last three years, they have saved the lives of more than 3,900 patients.

Third, by adhering to a comprehensive population approach, we have made new progress in high-quality population development. We focus on policies that promote long-term balanced population development, such as improving incentives for couples having children, reducing the costs of raising and educating children, and upgrading childcare services. Medical expenses related to childbirth are fully covered by funds under unified management in the medical insurance system. More than 90% of county-level maternal and child health centers have reached secondary-level standards in China's three-tier grading system. In the past three years, we have added more than 149,000 childcare spots, reaching 3.41 per 1,000 people, placing us at the forefront nationwide.

We are committed to cultivating a broad industrial perspective and achieving significant advancements in the development of the healthcare sector. As Mr. Wang mentioned earlier, Hubei prioritizes the healthcare industry as one of its trillion-yuan pillar industries. We are continuously advancing the integration of healthcare and elderly care, as well as medical and elderly care services. Moreover, we are vigorously promoting the growth of high-end medical equipment, biopharmaceuticals, and modern health services. Last year, the industry reached a scale of 881 billion yuan, and this year, it is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan, becoming a solid support for overcoming diseases and protecting health.

That's all from me. Thank you!

Jimu News:

We have noticed that Hubei's number of business entities has increased rapidly, with over 1.6 million new entities established last year, hitting a record high. Could you please describe how Hubei is optimizing its business environment? What are the plans for the next steps? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your high attention to the improvement of the business environment in Hubei. Mr. Li will answer your questions.

Li Donghui:

Hubei is committed to delivering business services that are closely aligned with market needs and public services that are easily accessible to the community. The province is actively working to create a premier business environment that appeals to both local businesses and those from other regions. We have made notable advancements in the "Business Environment Evaluation by Ten Thousand Private Enterprises" national survey, continuously moving up for three consecutive years and ranking among the top nationwide in 2023. Our main practices are as follows:

First, we have placed emphasis on process reengineering to stimulate the vitality of business entities. Centered on the principle of "promoting one-stop government services, " we have widely promoted 52 frequently mentioned items, such as "I want to open a supermarket," across the province, ranking second nationwide in terms of quantity. This has enabled us to achieve a streamlined process of "one-form application, one-window acceptance, and one-time completion." Additionally, we have fully implemented initiatives such as "integrating multiple certificates into one" and "one license per industry," significantly reducing the bureaucratic burden. For instance, procedures for establishing businesses like hotels and internet cafes have been simplified from nine permits to just one. Furthermore, Hubei has been acknowledged for its outstanding performance in the State Council's evaluation of integrated government service capabilities, consistently securing a very high position in the rankings for two consecutive years.

Second, we have focused on restructuring mechanisms to bolster the momentum for sustainable economic growth. We have innovatively implemented reforms in the comprehensive performance evaluation of investment projects, establishing an integrated management service "hub" covering the entire lifecycle of projects, from preliminary planning to construction, settlement, and operation. This initiative has significantly reduced the approval time for engineering construction projects from an average of 120 days to 67 days. For example, the Wuhan Eswin Semiconductor project, with an investment of 15 billion yuan, commenced construction just 42 days after the contract was signed. Consequently, the province has witnessed continuous enhancements in investment efficiency, benefits, and effectiveness. In the first quarter of this year, investment surged by 5.8% year on year, 1.3 percentage points higher than the national average. Notably, private investment saw a remarkable increase of 3.6%, outpacing the national average growth rate by 3.1 percentage points.

Third, we have addressed cost control to stabilize enterprises' development expectations. We have closely monitored key expenses such as financing, energy, land, logistics, and intermediary services, directly addressing the concerns impacting enterprises. We took the lead nationwide in formulating an operational process diagram focused on cost control to optimize the business environment. This approach makes the business environment quantifiable, evaluable, and observable. For example, we pioneered the construction of a supply chain logistics public information platform integrating the "five networks" of railways, waterways, roadways, airways, and storage, achieving multimodal transportation with a unified ordering system. As a result, the proportion of total social logistics costs to GDP has decreased to 13.04%, 1.36 percentage points lower than the national average. Last year, the province collectively reduced various costs for enterprises by 130 billion yuan, with plans to further reduce costs by over 100 billion yuan this year.

For the next step, we will intensify efforts in five key areas: strengthening policy foundations, building trust in Hubei, enhancing legal frameworks, and implementing other major actions. This will accelerate the development of an integrated low-cost environment and elevate Hubei's business environment to new heights.

That's all from me. Thank you!

Associated Press of Pakistan:

Thank you. I represent the Associated Press of Pakistan. I have noticed that a national system for the registration and settlement of carbon credits has been established in Hubei province. Hubei will also host the National Carbon Market Conference this year. So, I would like to ask, what efforts have been made by Hubei province to promote green and low-carbon transformation and the high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you very much for your interest in Hubei. I will take this question. As an important province in the Yangtze Economic Belt, Hubei plays a significant role in accelerating green and low-carbon development. In recent years, Hubei has focused on reshaping its development with a green development philosophy and improving its ecological environment through low-carbon transformation. With a 3% annual average energy consumption growth, Hubei has supported an average economic growth of 6%. Green and low-carbon development has become a hallmark of Hubei's high-quality development. Here is the work we have done:

First, we have accelerated the construction of a green industrial system. We have set priorities in developing green industries, implementing 10 major green transformation projects such as energy-saving and carbon-reduction transformations in key industries, and creating 10 circular economy industrial chains, such as recovering mineral resources from city waste, to synchronize green and value-added economic development. For example, with the rapid development of NEVs, the use of lithium batteries has increased significantly, posing considerable challenges to ecological and environmental protection. We have planned and acted early and made advance arrangements for the recycling of used lithium batteries. For instance, the Bangpu Integrated Battery Material Industrial Park, with an investment of 60 billion yuan, will "turn waste into treasure" and "squeeze out every bit of value." Once completed, its annual output value could exceed 100 billion yuan.

Second, we have accelerated the construction of a clean energy system. We are focusing on reshaping the strategic resource structure and making great efforts to develop clean energy. Our installed power capacity has exceeded 100 million kilowatts, with the proportion of clean energy installed capacity increasing to 65%. We have also planned to implement 38 pumped-storage hydropower projects, with a total installed capacity of 39 million kilowatts and an annual power generation equivalent to 1.4 times Hubei's electricity consumption last year. Our clean energy installed capacity is growing rapidly, with an additional 12.3 million kilowatts added last year alone, and the annual power generation is equivalent to 45% of the province's electricity consumption.

Third, we have accelerated the construction of a green institutional system. Focusing on the dual carbon goals, we established and effectively utilized the China Carbon Emission Rights Registration and Trading Center, improved mechanisms for ecological value realization and ecological conservation compensation, and led green and low-carbon transformation through institutional innovation. Currently, the center manages 2,533 companies across the country, making it the largest in the world, and it has become the underlying database of the national carbon market. It is the first to link the three major markets of electricity, carbon, and finance nationwide. This has led to the creation of a comprehensive whole industry chain for the carbon market, including carbon trading and carbon assets. Hubei's carbon market transaction volume accounts for 42.7% of China's total. We will leverage the center's role in accelerating the creation of a carbon market and carbon finance center with national influence, strengthening Hubei's green rise.

In the second half of this year, Hubei will co-host the China Carbon Market Conference with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Shanghai. We warmly invite all of you to join us in Hubei to collaboratively plan and promote the construction and development of the carbon market.

National Business Daily:

In recent years, Hubei has continued to make efforts in advanced science and technology, and made especially remarkable innovative achievements in high-end chips and biotechnology. Can you give a brief overview of Hubei's main practices in sci-tech innovation? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your great interest in Hubei's science and technology innovation work. I would like to invite Mr. Shao Xinyu to answer this question.

Shao Xinyu:

As Mr. Wang Zhonglin mentioned, Hubei is a province known for its strong science and education sector, with significant sci-tech strength and fruitful innovation achievements. Over the past five years, Hubei has consistently ranked among the top five provinces in the number of national science and technology awards received. The local transformation rate of sci-tech achievements has also increased significantly, rising from 37% to 65%. This success is mainly due to our persistent efforts in technological innovation and the continuous improvement of our innovation capacities and strength. We have primarily undertaken the following work:

First, we have established a framework to build a matrix of sci-tech capabilities. Guided by the initiative to build Wuhan into a nationally influential sci-tech innovation center, we created a high-level matrix of sci-tech capabilities encompassing fundamental research, technological R&D, and industrial applications, forming the core pillars of sci-tech innovation. High-level innovation platforms, represented by a national laboratory, 35 key national laboratories, and eight large scientific facilities, effectively bring together technologies, talent, capital, and industrial needs, serving as important sources of innovation. For example, the pulsed high magnetic field large scientific facility has attracted nearly 100 excellent international and domestic scientists, technicians, and engineers, achieving several technological indicators at the world-class level. We have also attracted more than 130 top research institutions from around the world, such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, Harvard, and Cambridge, to undertake 1,894 scientific research projects in fields such as the material and life sciences. One notable outcome is the 20-megawatt offshore wind turbine, the world's largest in terms of capacity, which can achieve overall magnetization and significantly improve performance.

Second, we have concentrated on tackling issues to accelerate breakthroughs in critical technologies. Focusing on advantageous areas like optoelectronic information, high-end equipment, and the life sciences, we strive to achieve breakthroughs in fundamental research, key technologies, and major products. This effort has led to the development of a range of internationally leading technologies, such as electromagnetic energy, brain-like intelligence, and satellite navigation positioning, resulting in the production of high-end products like the world's first high-resolution radar satellite, the world's leading three-dimensional flash memory chip in terms of storage density, and the world's first fully digital PET-CT for clinical use. For example, Wuhan University led a series of research projects on integrating communication, navigation, and remote sensing for the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. The integrated BeiDou space-ground system has significantly improved the positioning accuracy of over 30,000 satellite navigation reference stations nationwide to the centimeter level.

Third, we have introduced innovative mechanisms to promote the transformation of sci-tech achievements. We have taken the lead nationally in establishing a technology innovation supply chain platform focusing on practical applications. We have improved the transformation system that integrates government, industry, academia, research, finance, service, and transformation, akin to the "Big Dipper" constellation. Each year, we establish over 20 concept verification centers and pilot platforms, facilitating the transformation of over 500 major sci-tech achievements within the province. The device used for myocardial rotational excision surgery, mentioned earlier by Mr. Wang Zhonglin, is an excellent example. The device was developed based on clinical demands and conceptual prototypes from Tongji Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. By integrating cross-disciplinary medical and engineering collaboration and leveraging sci-tech financial resources, we rapidly transformed the prototype into a surgical instrument. This innovation successfully addresses the global challenge of performing "non-invasive, continuous beating heart" hypertrophic cardiomyopathy resection.

Moving forward, we will continue to leverage Hubei's advantages in sci-tech innovation, strengthen original innovation, promote the practical application of these achievements, and strive to build the core engine of new quality productive forces.

That's all I have to say. Thank you!

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV:

We have noticed that Hubei province has proposed establishing itself as an important node in the domestic economy and a crucial hub for the domestic economy and international engagement. What are the main measures being taken in this regard? Thank you.

Li Donghui:

Hubei province is a central transportation hub connecting the country's railway, sea, road, and air routes. In recent years, we have seized the strategic opportunity presented by the new pattern of development, coordinating domestic and international markets and resources more effectively. We have accelerated the transformation of our geographical advantages into developmental strengths, striving to build a transportation hub for the new era.

First, we are constructing three strategic hubs along the Silk Road, aiming to facilitate global connections. The Yangtze River waterway connects to the Maritime Silk Road, with large-tonnage vessels reaching Wuhan directly. We have opened 35 international and domestic container shipping routes, connecting Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and many other countries and regions. The China-Europe Railway Express (Wuhan) connects to the Land Silk Road, allowing goods from Japan and South Korea to be transported directly to Wuhan's Yangluo Port and then transferred to the China-Europe Railway Express, saving 55% in time and reducing costs by 15%. The Ezhou Huahu Airport is the hub for the Air Silk Road, with a peak of 120 daily freight flights. This is accelerating the formation of an air cargo transportation network that "transports and distributes nationwide and globally."

Second, we are building a modern logistics system for the supply chain, in a bid to accelerate integration into industrial chains both domestically and abroad. We have developed seven supply chain platforms, focusing on key areas such as bulk commodities, automobiles, and textiles. These efforts aim to promote the integrated development of upstream and downstream industrial chains, that of production, supply and marketing, as well as integrated development at home and abroad. Efforts have been made to advance the multimodal transportation system that involves railway, waterway, road, and air routes. We have launched 10 national demonstration projects for multimodal transportation. Last year, rail-water transportation in Hubei accounted for one-third of the Yangtze River trunk line. A digital platform for international trade has been built in Hubei to help enterprises collectively expand into overseas markets. In 2023, our exports of the "new three" products — new energy vehicles (NEVs), lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products — grew by 91%, with NEV exports ranking fifth nationwide.

Third, we are developing a new system of open economy and continue to expand win-win economic and trade cooperation. We remain committed to building the China (Hubei) Pilot Free Trade Zone with high standards. We have taken the lead in implementing reforms such as "export before customs clearance," with a total of 28 institutional innovations promoted across the country. We have deeply integrated into the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative. For example, Hubei's bridge construction companies have designed and built nearly 200 bridges in more than 30 countries, and more than half of the world's long-span bridges were made by Hubei's builders. Platforms for high-quality international economic and trade cooperation have been established, including the Fortune Global 500 Dialogue with Hubei, the Conference on Overseas Chinese Pioneering and Developing in China, and the Wuhan (Hankoubei) Commodities Fair. The number of Fortune Global 500 companies investing in Hubei has reached 325. With such efforts, Hubei is moving quickly to become a new pacesetter for opening-up in China's interior. 

That is all from me for now. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency: 

We know that Hubei is a major manufacturing province, with a solid foundation in competitive industries like optoelectronic information, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles. What has Hubei done to build a modern industrial system?

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your question. I'll take this one. We all recognize that industry is the cornerstone of development. Over the years, Hubei has focused on strengthening the real economy, accelerating the creation of a modern industrial system led by strategic emerging industries, dominated by advanced manufacturing, and driven by modern service industries. Hubei's industrial progress can be outlined as follows: fast transformation, strong momentum, new tracks, and enhanced quality and efficiency. The value added by high-tech manufacturing surged by an average of 18.8% annually over the past three years. Industries such as data storage chips, commercial aerospace, and cyber security are leading the nation in terms of overall strength. General Secretary Xi Jinping has acknowledged Hubei's unique position in the optoelectronic information industry. Our efforts are focused on the following aspects: 

First, we have supported the further development of modern industrial clusters, cultivating new advantages for industrial growth. We remain committed to developing distinctive and competitive industries, with a focus on building major industrial clusters in Hubei, which feature five pillar industries each worth a trillion yuan, 10 competitive industries each worth 500 billion yuan, and 20 distinctive industries each worth 100 billion yuan. Hubei is now home to three industries each with an annual output of nearly 1 trillion yuan, 18 industries exceeding 100 billion yuan each, four national strategic emerging industrial clusters, and 16 national innovative industrial clusters, all ranking among the country's highest. We have achieved breakthroughs in five competitive industries, such as optoelectronic information and high-end equipment manufacturing, with revenues accounting for over 60% of the province's industrial enterprises above the designated size. Hubei has become the largest R&D and production base for optoelectronic chips in China, the country's largest manufacturing base for small and medium-sized display panels, and important national hubs for the commercial space industry and for NEVs and intelligent connected vehicles.

Second, we have followed a "three-pronged approach" to advance the development of traditional industries, emerging industries and future industries, and enhanced new driving forces for industrial transformation and upgrading. We have made coordinated efforts to upgrade traditional industries, grow emerging industries, and cultivate future industries, aiming to improve their quality and effectiveness. There is a significant transformation in the traditional sector, with the steel industry moving toward high-end production, the chemical industry toward precision, and the automotive industry toward new energy and intelligent connectivity. Regarding automobile manufacturing, Hubei is one of the few provinces to have a comprehensive automobile manufacturing system. Over the years, we have accelerated the transformation of the automobile industry, launching more than 10 NEV models each year. Popular models include Dongfeng Mengshi, Geely's Lotus, Voyah, Xiaopeng and Ultium. In the first quarter of this year, the production of NEVs grew by 109%, 81 percentage points higher than the national average. We have accelerated the development of emerging industries. Emerging and distinctive industries such as computing power, big data and Beidou navigation have grown rapidly. The value added by the high-tech sector has surpassed 1 trillion yuan, contributing more than 40% to industrial growth. The value added by the digital economy has accounted for 47% of GDP. As for future industry planning, we have launched eight major initiatives regarding breakthroughs in humanoid robots and the innovative development of 6G technology, among others, to seize new development opportunities and elevate Hubei's industrial development to new heights.

Third, we have taken solid steps to promote closer collaboration between industries, universities, and research institutes, creating a new collaboration ecosystem between supply chains and industrial clusters. We have established a mechanism where provincial-level officials assume leadership, leading enterprises take the initiative, and universities and research institutions provide support, generating a multiplying effect of "1+1+1>3." In the past, China relied on imports for the world's highest-end three-dimensional five-axis laser processing machine tools. To address this, we supported three companies, including HGTECH, to take the lead, organized over 100 enterprises and scientific research institutions to jointly tackle key problems, and ultimately broke the foreign monopoly. Currently, 70% of the country's three-dimensional five-axis laser processing machine tools are made in Hubei. The efficient collaboration of the visible hand of the government, the invisible hand of the market, and the empowering hand of innovation has effectively promoted technological breakthroughs and industrial upgrading. Next, we will focus on the strategic task of new industrialization, making every effort to build an innovation ecosystem that links government, enterprises, and scientific research institutions and connects upstream and downstream sectors, injecting strong momentum into high-quality industrial development.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

Thecover.cn:

Hubei has the longest stretch of the Yangtze River and is the core water source area for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Could you please brief us on Hubei's efforts to strengthen water security and water environment governance? Thank you.

Shao Xinyu:

As we know, Hubei is where General Secretary Xi Jinping set the guidelines for the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt. In recent years, we have earnestly implemented the important guideline of promoting well-coordinated environmental protection while preventing overdevelopment, leading to overall improvements in ecological conservation. Our efforts have mainly focused on the following aspects:

First, we are committed to keeping the Yangtze River and reservoir waters clean. We have prioritized restoring the ecological environment of the Yangtze River, launching 10 landmark campaigns to protect the Yangtze River and 10 programs to improve quality and effectiveness for six consecutive years. The water quality of the Hubei section of the Yangtze River's main channel has remained stable at Class II. The Danjiangkou Reservoir, known as "the well of the capital," provides over 70% of the residential water for urban Beijing. We coordinated the implementation of six major water environment governance programs in the reservoir, and its water quality has remained at Class II or above for 10 consecutive years, directly benefiting more than 100 million people along the reservoir.

Second, we are vigorously strengthening ecosystem protection and restoration. We have continued to combat pollution to achieve fundamental improvements in the ecological environment. We have made a tough decision to resolve the issue of the "chemical plants encircling the river." Through the measures of shutdowns, replacements, relocations, and transformations, we have eliminated chemical enterprises within a 1-kilometer range along the Yangtze River, transforming industrial shorelines into ecological shorelines. Hubei has led the country in implementing a five-level river and lake chief system and has strictly enforced the 10-year fishing ban on the Yangtze River. Fish resources and biodiversity have been well restored. Rare fish species such as Ochetobius elongatus and Coilia nasus, which had disappeared for many years, have reappeared in the Yangtze River. The population of waterbirds has increased by 4.9 times in the past five years. The beautiful scenes of clear waters with fish leaping and birds flying are now often seen.

Third, we are effectively promoting the mutual reinforcement of high-standard protection and high-quality development. We are committed to cultivating green momentum through green transformation and supporting high-quality development with high-level protection. For example, we have vigorously promoted the electrification, gasification, and hydrogenation of the Yangtze River, advancing the green development of Yangtze River shipping through new energy technologies. The independently developed Yangtze River Three Gorges 1 is the world's largest electric cruise ship in terms of battery capacity, achieving zero emissions, zero noise, and zero pollution. The market share of electric ship core power systems made in Hubei has reached 62%, ranking first in the country. We will continue to make sustained efforts to make Hubei's waters clearer, skies bluer, and lands cleaner, contributing to more sustainable development. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

The last question, please. 

21st Century Business Herald:

Hubei is a popular tourist destination for many people. We noticed that during the recent May Day holiday, many scenic spots in Hubei were crowded and extremely popular. Could you please brief us on some of Hubei's attractions? Thank you.

Wang Zhonglin:

Thank you for your attention to Hubei. Mr. Wei will answer this question.

Wei Shengbin:

As you mentioned, Hubei is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. As a province with abundant tourism resources, Hubei boasts beauty of mountains and rivers as well as excellent cultural heritage. It is home to four world cultural and natural heritage sites, ranking second nationwide. With 15 national 5A-level scenic spots, ranking sixth in the country, Hubei is a popular tourist destination sought after by visitors from around the world. Here, I would like to introduce Hubei in the following five aspects.

Hubei is like a beautiful painting with enchanting rivers and lakes as well as majestic and diverse mountains. The Yangtze River, the Hanjiang River, and the Qingjiang River are like three jade belts embellishing the land of Hubei, and there are 755 lakes and 4,231 rivers scattered across the region. Here, with the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the once turbulent waters have now tranquillized, giving rise to a broad expanse of lake. Wudang Mountain is known for its Taoism culture, and Shennongjia stands as the "Roof of Central China." All these are world-famous scenic spots. The province showcases its picturesque landscapes throughout the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, lotus flowers in the summer, osmanthus blossoms in the autumn and plum blossoms in the winter, offering scenic beauty year-round.

Hubei is like a profound book as it is the important birthplace of the Yangtze River civilization, the significant origin of the ancient Chu culture and the vital carrier of the Three Kingdoms culture. Historical figures such as Emperor Yan, the poet Qu Yuan, the tea sage Lu Yu and the medicinal expert Li Shizhen still shine brightly. Stories like the musician Boya playing the zither, Zhaojun departing for a frontier and Yue Fei stationing troops have been passed down through the ages. Classic works such as "Yellow Crane Tower" by Cui Hao, "Ode to the Red Cliff" by Su Dongpo, and "Prelude to Water Melody: Swimming" by Chairman Mao have left a lasting legacy. The land of Hubei is like a profound book that is always captivating and ever fresh.

Hubei is like an inspiring poem. It is where the revolution of modern China began, with the Wuchang Uprising marking the first shot of the 1911 Revolution. The Hubei-Henan-Anhui revolutionary base area created the miracle of "28 years with the Red Flag never falling." Hubei is also home to 235 founding generals of the People's Liberation Army. The first bridge across the Yangtze River was built here, serving as a major passage to connect its north and south banks. The "made-in-Wuhan" equipment has played a significant role in supporting the country's industrial backbone. The heroic battles during the 1998 flood and the defense against the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan have safeguarded the land. Generations of Hubei residents have fought fearlessly, creating a grand and magnificent epic that fills the hearts of others with passion and admiration.

Hubei is like an abundant garden, renowned for its delectable cuisine that spreads its fragrance far and wide. Wuchang fish, hot dry noodles and crayfish have all gained popularity both domestically and internationally. Famous teas here offer a long-lasting sweetness, with the historical significance of being transported to other areas through the ancient Tea Road. Enshi Yulu, Lichuan Red and other exquisite Chu-style teas have gained fame worldwide. There are also a wide range of high-quality products, including traditional Han-style clothing, exquisite jewelry and authentic medicinal herbs. Automobiles, mobile phones and smart home appliances sell well globally. The land of Hubei resembles a bountiful home, where people harvest happiness and achieve their dreams.

Hubei is like a well-connected bridge. Here, a high-speed rail network stretches in 12 directions, connecting east and west as well as north and south. The 1,061-kilometer-long high-grade waterway of the Yangtze River is connected to the eastern, central and western routes of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Tianhe Airport and Huahu Airport serve as dual hubs for passengers and cargo, providing an air gateway to the world. An open Hubei, well connected with other regions of the nation, is reaching out to the world.

On this occasion, we cordially invite friends from all over the world to visit Hubei, to admire the magnificent scenery of the Yellow Crane Tower, to practice Wudang tai chi, and to appreciate the essence of the ancient Chu culture. Let us together experience the vast and splendid beauty of Hubei, feel the strong pulse of this land and jointly create a bright future for the rise of the central region. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Governor Wang and all the speakers. Thank you to all the journalists present. This concludes our press conference. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Zhu Bochen, Wang Qian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Liu Sitong, Zhang Tingting, Wang Yanfang, Ma Yujia, Qin Qi, Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Wang Ziteng, Cui Can, Wang Wei, Yang Xi, Li Huiru, Liu Caiyi, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Zhengpu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hebei Provincial Committee and governor of Hebei province 

Mr. Zhang Chengzhong, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hebei province

Ms. Jin Hui, vice governor of Hebei province

Mr. Zhao Dachun, vice governor of Hebei province

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 29, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we are holding the 13th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." We have invited Mr. Wang Zhengpu, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hebei Provincial Committee and governor of Hebei province, to brief you on forging ahead on a journey of high-quality development in the new era, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Zhang Chengzhong, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Hebei province; Ms. Jin Hui, vice governor of Hebei province; and Mr. Zhao Dachun, vice governor of Hebei province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang for his introduction. 

Wang Zhengpu:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It's a great pleasure to meet you all. First of all, on behalf of the CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and Hebei provincial government, I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for Hebei's development. 

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has paid 11 visits to Hebei, where he delivered important speeches and issued vital instructions. Firmly implementing the guiding principles of the instructions, the entire province has focused on the primary task of promoting high-quality development and the strategic task of creating a new development pattern. We have fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy on all fronts, and accelerated efforts to foster an economically prosperous and beautiful province. The province's GDP increased by 5.5% in 2023 and by 5.6% in the first quarter of this year. Major indicators have shown a steady increase, maintaining a favorable momentum. 

Now, I'll offer a brief overview from five aspects:

First, we have emphasized innovation, striving to blaze new trails in advancing innovation-driven development. Taking scientific and technological innovation as a core factor in developing new quality productive forces, we have reinforced the principal role of enterprises in innovation, and worked to ensure policies such as additional tax deductions for R&D expenses benefit all eligible enterprises in Hebei, igniting a strong sense of innovation among them. We have established specialized teams to serve the "little giant" companies (novel and elite small and medium-sized enterprises that specialize in a niche market, boast cutting-edge technologies and show great potential). The proportion of industrial equipment connected to cloud platforms and the comprehensive computing index in Hebei rank among the top nationwide. Traditional industries such as steel and equipment manufacturing have made improvements in both quality and effectiveness, emerging industries like biomedicine and digital information have continued to grow, and future industries including aerospace information and satellite internet have been deployed rapidly, contributing to the rapid construction of a modern industrial system. Overall, Hebei is not giving up on traditional industries in its pursuit of innovative development. Meanwhile, it is also endeavoring to catch up in emerging and future industries.

Second, we have highlighted coordination, redoubling efforts to shoulder new responsibilities in promoting the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and building Xiong'an New Area according to high standards and quality requirements. With coordinated development deepening, the three regions have established a regular consultation mechanism, forming a tighter collaborative pattern. We have partnered with Beijing and Tianjin to develop six key industrial chains, including new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, as well as robots. More than 40,000 enterprises have transferred from Beijing and Tianjin, settling in Hebei. Last year, the volume of contracted technology transactions absorbed by Hebei from Beijing and Tianjin more than doubled, and a historic breakthrough was achieved in attracting second- and third-level subsidiaries of centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs). As we all know, this year marks the 10th anniversary of General Secretary Xi Jinping proposing the strategy of the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. During the past decade, we have fully implemented a package of special support policies introduced by the central government and secured extraordinary achievements, with the Xiong'an New Area experiencing thriving growth. Construction has been expedited for headquarters of the first batch of relocated central SOEs, namely China Satellite Network Group, Sinochem Holdings, China Huaneng Group and Sinomine Resource Group, as well as Xiong'an campuses of the four universities of Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing University of Science and Technology, Beijing Forestry University and the China University of Geosciences (Beijing). The Xiong'an branches of Beihai Kindergarten, Beijing Shijia Primary School, Beijing No. 4 High School and Beijing-based Xuanwu Hospital under Capital Medical University, all supported by Beijing, have entered into operation. The Xiong'an New Area Zhongguancun (ZGC) Science Park has been inaugurated, and noticeable results have been yielded with the series of visits to Xiong'an by a thousand ZGC enterprises, a hundred research institutes, a hundred renowned universities, and ten thousand university students in the capital. As a result, the popularity of Xiong'an is steadily increasing.

Third, we have pursued green development, endeavoring to achieve new breakthroughs in advancing the green transition in all respects. We have worked to make solid gains in the battle against pollution, and air quality has continued to improve. The water quality of Baiyangdian Lake has remained stable at Level III according to China's five-tier water assessment system, hastening the recovery of its crucial role as the "Kidney of North China." Strong efforts have been made to achieve Grade A environmental performance in key industries, with the number of steel enterprises in Hebei achieving Grade A for environmental performance ranking first nationwide, reaching 37. Integrated development of culture and tourism has been deepened, with total trips by tourists reaching 840 million last year. "So Close, So Beautiful, Spend Your Weekends in Hebei" has become a slogan for the province.

Fourth, we have enhanced opening-up, redoubling efforts to foster new advantages in deepening reform and opening-up. We have been committed to promoting development by prioritizing the improvement of the business environment, and have mobilized and made deployments for the province's "first meeting of the New Year" themed on business environment for two consecutive years. All enterprise- and people's wellbeing-related items subject to approval can now be handled in government service halls, while the 12345 hotline for government services has reached a stable connection rate of over 98%. Additionally, we have implemented "double-blind" (the information of both evaluation experts and bidders is not disclosed) evaluation reform in public bidding, enabling both SOEs and private businesses to enjoy the same treatment and engage in fair competition. The integration and upgrading of port resources has been promoted, with port cargo throughput surpassing 1.3 billion metric tons last year. The number of China-Europe freight trains has continued to rise.

Fifth, we have strived for shared benefits and made more efforts to achieve new progress in promoting common prosperity. Last year, we promptly relocated affected people when facing historically severe floods. We devoted maximum efforts to disaster rescue and relief, effectively protecting the lives and properties of our residents. We also made all-out efforts to focus on reconstruction after the disaster. We allocated compensation, rescue, and insurance funds in advance, ensuring those affected lived and worked in safe and warm places during the winter. Last year, our total grain output reached 76.2 billion jin (38.1 million metric tons), exceeding the target set by the country. Moreover, we have implemented rolling plans for projects related to people's livelihoods to raise public service standards in education, social security, elderly care, and healthcare. Nearly 900,000 urban jobs were added last year. Doing so has ensured our people feel a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Going forward, Hebei will thoroughly implement the important guiding principles set by General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection of the province. We will work with solid steps to do a good job in each field, accelerate high-quality development, and strive for a new chapter for Hebei in pursuing Chinese modernization.

That is my brief introduction. Next, Zhang Chengzhong, Jin Hui, and Zhao Dachun, the three vice governors of Hebei, and I will answer your questions. Thank you, everyone.

Xing Huina:

Thank you for your introduction, Mr. Wang. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media agency you work for before asking your question.

People.cn:

I'd like to ask about the Xiong'an New Area. This year marks the seventh year since the establishment of the new area. Can you give an introduction about its development over the past seven years? Going forward, what important plans will you focus on? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

I will answer your questions, which are very important and meaningful to Hebei's development. The development of Xiong'an New Area is a major national strategy that was planned, deployed, and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping. During each important period and at every critical moment, he has pointed the direction and guided the way for us. Over the past seven years, Xiong'an New Area has emerged from a blueprint into a lively area. With solid steps and steady progress, we are working hard to develop the area into a high-standard, modernized city. Next, I will briefly introduce four aspects of the area's development.

First, the top-level design of the area has basically been completed. We have adhered to a global vision and international standards to develop the area into a place with distinctive Chinese characteristics and future-oriented goals. We formulated a planning system that sets the Plan for Xiong'an New Area in Hebei as the overarching guide. It focuses on the general plan for Xiong'an New Area, the regulatory plan for the Initial Development Zone, the detailed regulatory plan for the Pilot Area, and the governance and conservation plan for Baiyangdian Lake. Special plans for fields such as comprehensive transportation, ecological conservation, and flood control also support the system. The province has implemented the central leadership's Guidelines on Supporting Xiong'an New Area in Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Opening up, and rolled out plans to back up the implementation of relevant financial, fiscal, tax, approval, and other policies, providing important support and guarantees for the construction of the new area.

Second, the new area is taking shape comprehensively as a city. The main road network of the Pilot Area is fully open to traffic. The construction of major municipal infrastructure and a group of landmark projects, such as the Xiong'an Sports Center, has been basically completed. The internet industrial park, science park, headquarters area, and four comprehensive residential areas are all taking shape. In the Initial Development Zone, we have begun the construction of the main road network and accelerated the construction of utility tunnels in the northern section of the fifth borough and other infrastructure. The construction of major projects, including the Xiong'an-Shangqiu High-Speed Railway and the Xiong'an-Xinzhou High-Speed Railway, has also accelerated. Overall, we have developed a total area of 184.5 square kilometers in the new area, involving a total floor area of more than 43 million square meters and over 4,000 buildings.

Third, innovation has enjoyed a more favorable environment. Supported by four relocated universities from Beijing, colleges within Hebei province, and some enterprises, the Xiong'an University Collaborative Innovation Alliance has been formed. We have also accelerated the building of the China Aerospace Information and Satellite Internet Innovation Alliance, and a batch of industrial chain enterprises have been launched in the new area, including China Xingwang Digital Technology Co., Ltd. and PIESAT International Information Technology Limited. With a focus on talent, opening-up, and other institutional innovations, 16 policy measures have been introduced to attract top scientists, young talented people, master craftspeople and other talented people. These 16 items of Xiong'an's talent policies have gained wide attention across society. Moreover, we have launched a scenario collection and display project named "Collection of Future City in Xiong'an" and have also bolstered the rapid development of technological innovation platforms such as the pilot base of the Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Center. The new area has become a hub hosting an increasing number of innovations.

Fourth, people's wellbeing has evidently improved. The administrative division code, postal code, and vehicle license plates beginning with "冀X" have been officially put into use in the new area. Enterprises based in Beijing can relocate to Xiong'an through convenient online procedures instead of on-site applications. The social security card is applicable in both Beijing and Xiong'an. A total of 107 services can be accessed through integrated city services. A housing system has been formed in the new area, which ensures supply from multiple sources, provides housing support through multiple channels, and encourages both house purchases and rental. Under this system, more than 120,000 residents have moved into their new homes. We have also stepped up our efforts in forest conservation. The forest coverage rate was 11% before the new area was established and has since risen to 34.7%. We can again enjoy the beautiful scenery of blooming lotuses and lush reeds across Baiyangdian Lake, which has become a paradise for various bird species. The new area is becoming an amazing city that people look forward to visiting and living in

Next, we will firmly adhere to the original mission of the new area, focusing on creating a city of innovation, charm, and the future. First, we will promote relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the capital. We will accelerate the construction of the first batch of relocation projects, coordinate and enact the second batch of relocation plans, and ensure the implementation of landmark projects. In summary, in the construction of Xiong'an New Area, we will prioritize relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the capital. Second, we will focus on construction. We will promote the construction of major areas and key projects in an orderly way, improve supporting facilities, and build a modern urban landscape. Third, we will encourage innovation. We will expand the Scenario Pool of Xiong'an Future City innovative platform, promote the introduction of innovative resources through platforms such as the scientific and technological innovation center, and continue to host the "Xiong'an Trip" series of activities. Fourth, we will create a better environment. We will coordinate the ecological governance of Baiyangdian, focus on the construction and management of the "Thousand-Year Forests Project," and create a model city for green development.

Seeing is believing. I extend a warm welcome to all the journalists present. Please take some time to visit Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province and experience firsthand its development and innovative atmosphere. Thank you, everyone!

Economic Daily: 

The results of the 2023 Annual Survey on Business Environment for 100,000 Private Enterprises released by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce show that Hebei is one of the top five provinces in the country with the most evident progress. My question is, in terms of optimizing the business environment, what specific measures has Hebei province implemented? What are the new priorities for this year? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your question. This question will be answered by Zhao Dachun, vice governor of Hebei province.

Zhao Dachun:

Thank you for your interest and attention regarding the business environment in Hebei. Since the beginning of this year, our efforts to optimize the business environment have been ongoing, focusing on the general objective of creating a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, governed by the rule of law, and internationalized. We have continuously improved efficiency, pursued reforms, and strengthened regulation.

First, we aim to make public services more convenient. We have set the goal of "four conveniences": simplifying procedures, providing smart services, ensuring immediate processing, and delivering satisfactory outcomes. All approval procedures related to enterprises and people's livelihoods have been centralized at local government service halls. Additionally, we have launched a province-wide integrated online service platform to facilitate "single-window" services and "online access for all." We have integrated all provincial hotlines into a single, unified number, "12345." This makes it convenient for the public to contact us and enables us to proactively detect problems through data analysis and promptly address them. In addition, we can provide real-time supervision and objective evaluation of departmental work, ensuring satisfactory outcomes. We have also innovatively created the "Policy Portal for Enterprise and People's Benefit," transforming the approach from "people seeking policies" to "policies reaching people." This platform ensures that policies are promptly and comprehensively enjoyed. Furthermore, governments at all levels have regularly conducted on-site work to promptly address practical issues. Overall, business confidence in Hebei has generally increased, with an average net increase of over 700 companies per day last year.

Second, we strive to ensure fairer market competition. We treat all entities equally. On the one hand, we have implemented "double-blind" reforms in bidding and tendering processes to achieve full online processing, blind selection of evaluation experts, blind evaluation without the bidders' information, and "decentralized" evaluation with physical isolation, eliminating any possibility of opaque operations. On the other hand, we have thoroughly reviewed and cleared standards and subsidies linked to the nature of enterprises, decisively dismantling "hidden barriers" and delegating more opportunities to the market and enterprises. Since June of last year, the percentage of private enterprises winning bids by volume has increased from 39% to 56%, and the percentage of private enterprises winning bids by number has risen from 73% to 84%. The total revenue and assets of the "Top 100 Private Enterprises in Hebei Province in 2023" increased by 16.43% and 27.28% year on year, respectively.

Third, we are enhancing integrity building. We are urging governments at all levels to protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises in accordance with the law, ensuring minimal interference and prompt responses to their needs. We also encourage enterprises to uphold honesty, trustworthiness, and contract compliance. In the National Urban Credit Monitoring Rankings released in February of this year, Shijiazhuang city in Hebei ranked 10th out of 36 cities, including provincial capitals and those at and above the sub-provincial level. Notably, the number of county- and prefecture-level cities that entered the top 20 in their respective categories ranked first and second among all provinces nationwide. This progress is indeed remarkable.

Optimizing the business environment is an ongoing, perpetual process. This year, we will vigorously promote one-stop government services to further enhance the sense of accomplishment for enterprises. We will also continue to improve the level of factor support, ensuring smoother financing channels, more flexible land supply methods, and lower logistics costs, especially for new elements such as computing power and data. Additionally, we will carry out actions to enhance the quality of law enforcement, providing both standards and warmth in enforcement and effectively implementing the rule of law to safeguard the interests of business entities. Thank you!

Hebei Radio and TV Station:

The provincial governor just mentioned that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the significant national strategy for the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the capital is an important task assigned to Hebei by the CPC Central Committee. My question is, how should Hebei seize this opportunity to accelerate its own development while aligning with and serving Beijing and Tianjin? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your question. This question will be answered by Zhang Chengzhong, vice governor of Hebei province.

Zhang Chengzhong:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. The coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is a significant national strategy. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the capital city is a priority and urged Hebei to accelerate its development while aligning with and serving Beijing and Tianjin. We will bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions, seize this significant historic opportunity, and comprehensively integrate and undertake the tasks. The coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has achieved remarkable results, entering a stage of all-round, high-quality, and deepened advancement.

First, we will continue to boost efforts to ensure the transfer of functions nonessential to the capital. A key platform system will take shape, where Xiong'an New Area, serving as a major recipient of functions relieved from Beijing, will play the major role. Moreover, supporting platforms, including those promoting cooperation and providing specialized, professional, and customized services, will serve to continually enhance our comprehensive capability in ensuring the transfer of non-capital functions. The development of Xiong'an New Area, serving as a major recipient of functions relieved from Beijing, has entered a phase when the same importance must be attached to both its large-scale construction and its purpose to relieve Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the national capital. The focus has shifted to high-quality construction, high-level management and high-quality development of relieving Beijing of functions nonessential to its role as the national capital. As such, the role of Xiong'an New Area as a major recipient of functions relieved from Beijing that are nonessential to its role as China's capital has become more evident. Caofeidian district of Tangshan city is positioned with a port, vast tracts of land, and ample potential for development. At the same time, Beijing boasts a wealth of resources in science and technology, education, and talent. As many as 247 industrial projects worth more than 100 million yuan have been transferred from Beijing to Caofeidian, and the latter has invested over 177 billion yuan. Caofeidian is working with Beijing and Tianjin to create new sources of growth for high-quality development in the Bohai Sea region. Around 43,000 companies have moved from Beijing and Tianjin to Hebei province. We will continue to provide good services and support to ensure that the transferred projects can come, stay, and thrive. We will ensure substantial achievements in major areas. Over the past 10 years, the rail network connecting Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei has been quickly taking shape. Moreover, joint efforts to prevent and control environmental pollution have been continuously strengthened, and air quality has been significantly improved. Hebei, Beijing, and Tianjin have made new progress in promoting coordinated innovation, sharing scientific and technological resources, and applying achievements in science and technology research. In 2023, the volume of contracted technology transactions introduced to Hebei province from Beijing and Tianjin reached 81 billion yuan, 12 times that of 2014. To achieve new breakthroughs, we will intensify collaboration with Beijing and Tianjin in such key areas, working together to ensure cleaner air and water, faster traffic, and more dynamic development for the three regions.

Second, we will continue to push forward the integrated development of key regions. Efforts will be intensified to build the demonstration zone for high-quality and integrated development in Tongzhou district and the three northern counties of Langfang city (Sanhe, Dachang, and Xianghe). In the regions along the banks of the Chaobai River, we will promote the integrated development of industrial, supply, and innovation chains. We will continue to hold promotional campaigns for various projects and introduce more projects to cultivate new quality productive forces. Furthermore, we will advance the construction of the Beijing Daxing International Airport Economic Zone, continuously optimize the management system, and explore new approaches for cross-regional integrated development.

Last but not least, we will ensure everyone can enjoy the benefits brought about by the coordinated development. The integration of social security cards in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei has enabled people to access services across multiple fields, including government services, social security, and healthcare. As such, it is fair to say that one card takes care of everything. We will continue to accelerate the integration of government services. A total of 203 government service items are now handled according to consistent standards across Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, and all business-related government services are now provided on a cross-provincial basis. Take Tongzhou district and the three northern counties of Langfang as an example; in the past, business-related services could only be handled in local areas. However, now, self-service terminals for government services in Tongzhou district enable enterprises to access government service centers in the three northern counties of Langfang without traveling far. Moreover, Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei have worked together to establish 40 medical treatment partnerships to promote effective cooperation and coordination between different types of medical institutions, and such services have been made available for all cities with subordinate districts in Hebei province. Going forward, we will accelerate the improvement and sharing of public services and ensure that people in the three regions enjoy the dividends of coordinated development. Thank you.

Phoenix TV:

We noticed that Hebei has implemented 20 livelihood projects in recent years. Could you please introduce more details in this regard? What are the key areas of work going forward? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you. I'd like to invite Ms. Jin to answer your questions.

Jin Hui:

Thank you for your questions. The CPC Hebei Provincial Committee and the Hebei provincial government have firmly adhered to the people-centered development philosophy. As the journalist mentioned, we have implemented 20 livelihood projects for years. We have delivered on our promises to the public through the timely completion of all these tasks. For example, since 2008, we have included rebuilding housing units in run-down urban areas and renovating old residential communities and urban villages as part of our livelihood programs. This has resulted in the reconstruction of 796,000 housing units and the renovation of 13,463 old residential communities and 1,341 urban villages. Such efforts allow residents to transition from old, decayed, and cramped housing units into new apartment buildings. We've also implemented a project to switch rural drinking water sources to river water delivered by the South-North Water Diversion Project. This program has provided nearly 30 million rural residents with access to river water. Hebei was also the first in the country to introduce a program of free genetic screening for pregnant women, which has significantly reduced the birth rates of children with intellectual disabilities and hearing and speech impairments.

A new batch of livelihood projects will be launched in three areas this year. First, stepped-up efforts will be made to improve people's living environment in urban and rural areas. We will complete the task of restoring and rebuilding disaster-damaged rural housing, ensuring all disaster-affected residents can live in safe and secure homes. We are implementing the "pocket park" program to create or upgrade a batch of standardized and small-scale sports themed parks, providing residents with new options for recreation and enjoyment. We will also renovate a batch of toilets in rural areas to help improve the rural living environment. Second, we will focus on strengthening infrastructure in urban and rural areas. We will further elevate the quality of public services, making continued efforts to construct and renovate roads in rural areas, build and expand a group of compulsory education schools, and increase compulsory public education enrollment. We will implement comprehensive scoliosis screenings for all primary and secondary school students across the province, aiming to establish the "Hebei model" for preventing and controlling scoliosis in children and adolescents. In response to families' difficulties in childcare, we will extend the coverage of public childcare services. Third, we will strive to strengthen the social security system. We will make every effort to assist unemployed individuals in finding employment or starting businesses, and support families with elderly members facing special difficulties in renovating their homes to make them more age-friendly. We'll also provide a targeted meal assistance program, meeting the most urgent and pressing needs of people with disabilities. Moreover, we will improve the quality and efficiency of social assistance to ensure people's well-being. So far, all these livelihood projects are being implemented in a smooth and orderly manner. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

Transforming saline-alkaline land into high-yield plots is a major highlight of the work in Hebei. What has Hebei done in treating saline-alkaline land? And what measures will it take this year? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you to the journalist from Xinhua. Saline-alkaline land is an important aspect of the agricultural work for Hebei. Treating and utilizing saline-alkali land is of great importance to China's national food security. Hebei has a large area of saline-alkaline land. In 2011, Hebei had 10.68 million mu of such land, accounting for 12% of its total farmland. Through our treatment work over more than a decade with measures such as irrigation and water conservancy as well as biological treatment, the area of saline-alkaline land has continued to decrease, demonstrating the great achievements made by Hebei in treating and utilizing saline-alkaline land. 

During his inspection tour of Cangzhou in May last year, General Secretary Xi Jinping issued important instructions, requiring us to make great efforts to develop agriculture featuring saline-alkaline land. Hebei province has resolutely implemented the instructions and taken measures in five aspects in the past year. First, we collected information through technical means and field surveys to determine the quantity, types and distribution of saline-alkaline land. According to our findings, there is currently 5.83 million mu of saline-alkaline land, mainly distributed in Cangzhou, Zhangjiakou and Tangshan. Second, we relied on scientific support. We formed a team of experts to tackle technical challenges, with the aim of making improvements through a combination of water management and soil treatment. Last year, we completed transformation of 180,000 mu of saline-alkaline land. Third, we promoted high-quality crop varieties. We adhere to the principle of developing new varieties suitable for saline-alkaline land and continuing development of facilities for irrigation and water conservancy to reduce salinity and alkalinity. Last year, Huanghua's drought and saline-alkaline-tolerant wheat was listed on the national list of local specialties by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Fourth, we conducted pilot demonstration programs. We carried out 13 pilot projects tailored to local conditions to explore different industry models and planting patterns. Last year, Hebei province was included in the national pilot program for comprehensive utilization of saline-alkaline land. Fifth, we explored roads to prosperity. We guided leading enterprises in developing deep-processing industries, nurtured well-known brands, promoted the development of industrial chains, and achieved a triple win scenario — whereby farmers earn income, companies gain profit and the market accepts the products. Hebei's saline-alkaline land has produced many distinctive agricultural products, turning what was once a disadvantage into an advantage. These products are of high-quality and suitable for people to eat, making their way into major supermarkets in Beijing and Tianjin. For example, colorful steamed buns from Tangshan and Cangzhou, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, are made of drought-tolerant wheat from Cangzhou, and have received widespread acclaim from consumers. 

Moving forward, Hebei will vigorously implement a strategy of sustainable farmland use and the innovative application of agricultural technology to increase farmland productivity. We will focus on key tasks such as the development and promotion of saline-alkaline tolerant crop varieties, soil improvement, specialty industry zone construction, large-scale development and industrialized management. A series of supporting policies and measures will be implemented to tap into the potential of saline-alkaline land development and utilization, maximizing the value of saline-alkaline land through special agriculture. Thank you.

Red Star News:

Last year, Hebei experienced extremely heavy rainfall and flooding. Hebei authorities pledged to complete post-disaster reconstruction within two years. Could you provide us with an update on the progress and outcomes of the restoration efforts? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your question. I'd like to invite Mr. Zhang to answer. 

Zhang Chengzhong:

Thank you for your concern about Hebei's post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. After the massive flooding in July 2023, we resolutely implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions, united as one, overcame difficulties and achieved a decisive victory in disaster relief. We have made significant progress in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. First, we united and worked tirelessly to rebuild a better home. Last year, we repaired, reinforced and built over 165,000 rural houses, while construction of over 21,600 new rural houses will be completed before this winter. We ensured that every household in the affected areas had heating facilities in place to ensure a safe and warm winter. Infrastructure such as water, electricity, roads, gas, communication and sewage treatment was fully restored. All students returned to school on time in the fall of last year. We improved the urban and rural environments, and significantly changed the look of flood-affected areas. Second, the production and living order in the disaster areas have been fully restored. We pre-allocated subsidies and relief funds, pre-compensated insurance funds, and carefully handled the compensation for flood retention areas, providing reassurance to the affected population. We implemented policies to alleviate difficulties and provide assistance, such as rent reductions and loan interest subsidies, allowing market entities to quickly resume normal operations. We restored damaged farmland and agricultural facilities, working to minimize losses from the disaster. In Zhuozhou, one of the hardest-hit areas, some disaster-affected communities established canteens to ensure residents have food, and replanting was carried out in damaged farmland and greenhouses with expert assistance. Finally, we ensured timely and high-quality post-disaster reconstruction. All water-damaged flood control projects should be fully restored by June 30. Over 90% of damaged schools, health centers and nursing homes have been repaired or rebuilt, with full completion expected by the end of this year. In summary, we can fully complete the post-disaster reconstruction work within two years.

In terms of building up capacity for disaster prevention, reduction and relief, we have seized major opportunities presented by the additional issuance of government bonds and have coordinated the planning and implementation of 1,210 projects for post-disaster recovery and reconstruction as well as the improvement of capacity for disaster prevention and relief. Once completed, the projects will greatly enhance Hebei's flood prevention and disaster resilience. In January this year, we issued Regulations on the Transfer of Personnel for Flood Control and Hazardous Relief of Hebei Province, standardizing the entire process of transfer for flood control and hazard evasion and providing legal protection for the transfer of people. In February this year, we cooperated with the People's Insurance Company Group of China (PICC) and other insurance institutions to take the lead in creating comprehensive catastrophe insurance across the country, covering all types of disasters and insured more than 74 million residents in the province with comprehensive catastrophe insurance. Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

Data indicates that in the first quarter of this year, investment in Hebei's high-tech industries increased by 45.1%, demonstrating a strong momentum with growth. What experience does Hebei have in promoting technological innovation? What are the next steps in this field? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your questions. I'll invite Mr. Zhao Dachun to answer these questions.

Zhao Dachun:

Thank you for your questions. I'll offer you a brief introduction on scientific and technological innovation in Hebei.

In recent years, we have deeply implemented the strategy of innovation-driven development and striven to turn the key variable of scientific and technological innovation into the maximum increment of high-quality development. Hebei's research and development (R&D) funding growth rate ranks sixth in the country and has maintained double-digit growth for six consecutive years.

First, we let enterprises be the main players. We earnestly execute policies such as additional deductions for corporate R&D expenses and subsidies after R&D investments to make sure enterprises enjoy all the benefit they deserve. At the same time, in order to meet the actual needs of enterprises, we have selected 318 sci-tech special missions to provide one-on-one assistance to "little giant" firms to carry out technological research. Simultaneously, we have also implemented a special initiative to increase R&D investments in SOEs in three years and to strengthen in five years, which has greatly improved the R&D capabilities of provincial SOEs. In the past two years, the R&D investment of Hebei's SOEs has led the nation. The "technology gene" of our enterprises has been significantly enriched.

The second is to empower industrial transformation with technology. We have aimed for high-end, intelligent and green development and to promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Especially, we have built high-energy innovation platforms with a focus on Hebei's leading industries and conquer key common technologies. For example, the Hebei Iron and Steel Laboratory has gathered eight academician teams to carry out whole-chain innovation from materials and technology to products. The world's first 1.2 million-tonne hydrogen metallurgy demonstration project at Xuanhua Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of our provincial enterprise HBIS Group Co. Ltd, was officially put into operation last year, marking an important milestone in the transformation from traditional carbon metallurgy to new hydrogen metallurgy in China's and even the world's iron and steel industries. At the same time, we have deepened cooperation with research institutes and universities to cultivate and expand strategic emerging industries such as integrated circuits, electronic power equipment and biomedicine. In the first quarter of this year, our high-tech industry investment growth rate was 33.7 percentage points higher than the national average. We have proactively laid out future industries such as aerospace information, advanced computing power and green hydrogen energy. We have built 29 data centers in Zhangjiakou city and several intelligent computing centers in Langfang city. Hebei province ranks fourth in the country in terms of comprehensive computing power index. At the same time, we have also creatively implemented the Science and Technology Innovation Leap Plan at the county level, and the innovation capabilities of Hebei counties have been greatly improved.

Third, we solidly promote the development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region as a collaborative innovation community. We are committed to building a leading area for innovation-driven development in Xiong'an New Area, launching 18 solid incentive policies and building seven innovation ecosystems including satellite internet, a BeiDou Navigation Satellite System and intelligent connectivity, making Xiong'an full with an innovative atmosphere. In addition, we focus on solving the "leapfrog" phenomenon of scientific and technological achievements in Beijing and Tianjin, strive to facilitate the channel for commercializing R&D results from these cities in Hebei, implement special projects for basic research cooperation jointly with Beijing and Tianjin, build a network for the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, set up two sub-centers of the Jingjinji National Center of Technology Innovation, build up a long-term mechanism for matching the supply and demand of scientific and technological achievements, continue to expand the brand connotation of "So close, so beautiful, spend your weekends in Hebei" and promote the commercialization of technological achievements from Beijing and Tianjin in Hebei, a province with both a beautiful natural environment and a favorable business environment. Last year, we attracted 81 billion yuan in technology contract transactions from Beijing and Tianjin, doubling the amount year-on-year. The siphoning effect of Beijing and Tianjin is acceleratingly transforming into a radiating and driving effect, and this change is quite evident.

Next, we will first seize major national strategic opportunities, give full play to Hebei's geographical position, further deepen collaborative innovation in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, leverage the role of Xiong'an New Area as an innovation hub and speed up the accumulation of innovative resources and the commercialization of innovation results. Second, we will continue to build a high-level innovation platform, attract high-level innovation teams, create a first-class innovation ecosystem and further enhance the innovation vitality of the province. Third, we will implement the three-year action plan of innovative application scenarios to promote the in-depth integration between industries, universities, research institutes, and end-users, create a number of new industries, new models and new momentum, accelerate the formation of new quality productive forces in Hebei and further promote high-quality development to break new ground.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

People's Pictorial:

The slogan "So close, so beautiful, spend your weekends in Hebei" has already become a well-known catchphrase for Hebei. What high-quality cultural and tourism resources can Hebei recommend to tourists for the upcoming May Day holiday? What measures will be taken to improve the quality of tourism services and the tourist experience? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your questions. I would like to invite Ms. Jin to answer.

Jin Hui:

Thank you for your questions. By creating the cultural tourism brand "Spend Your Weekends in Beautiful Hebei," the province not only actively promotes the high-quality development of the cultural tourism industry, but also has accomplished a significant achievement in the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Hebei is so close and so beautiful. It is so close that a one-hour transportation circle has been formed in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This region is characterized by the presence of a world-class airport cluster and the three major ports of Qinhuangdao, Tangshan and Cangzhou. The convenient transportation infrastructure facilitates travel in all directions and connects the region to the world. Hebei is also very beautiful, boasting rich historical and cultural heritage, magnificent natural landscape, and warm and genuine hospitality. Hebei is home to 12 5A-level scenic spots and four world cultural heritage sites. It ranks among the top in the country in terms of the number of national key cultural relics protection units and national intangible cultural heritage items.

In recent years, we moved quickly to forge a tourism development paradigm that integrates tourism with culture and promotes wholistic tourism in different seasons. When you come to Hebei, you can visit Yesanpo and Baishi Mountain in Baoding and the Xingtai Great Canyon to experience the majestic mountains, clear waters, marvelous canyons and unique rock formations of the Taihang Mountains. You can also explore historical and cultural cities and towns such as the Zhengding ancient city and numerous traditional cultural villages, tracing the roots of historical culture. You can drive along the Grassland Highway and experience the charm of the summer grasslands. In Chongli, the Winter Olympic town, you can fully enjoy the speed and excitement of world-class ski resorts. Additionally, you are welcome to visit Xiong'an, the City of the Future, and feel the vibrant growth. Explore the beautiful Baiyangdian Lake, known as the Pearl of North China, and experience the charm of northern water towns. The Chengde Mountain Resort, Jinshanling Great Wall and other historical and cultural sites are captivating destinations that never cease to amaze visitors. You can also visit Xibaipo, a sacred site in China's revolutionary history, to witness the profound changes of history and reflect upon the passage of time.

In recent years, we have focused on meeting the demands for high-quality cultural tourism products, emphasizing the integration of culture and travel, and developing wellness tourism. This has made tourism an integral part of people's high-quality lives. Destinations like the Aranya's Lonely Library in Qinhuangdao have become popular attractions for photo enthusiasts. The Unique Dream of Red Mansions theatrical complex in Langfang vividly portrays the timeless story of the novel "The Dream of Red Mansions." The Fantawild Legend Kingdom theme park in Handan has become a preferred destination for educational tourism. Furthermore, the revitalization of intangible cultural heritage items, such as martial arts in Cangzhou, acrobatics in Wuqiao and paper-cutting in Yuxian, allows visitors to immerse themselves in diverse folk customs and traditions.

Next, we will continue to strengthen resource sharing with Beijing and Tianjin, and work together to build the Beijing-Zhangjiakou sports and cultural tourism belt, Great Wall cultural tourism belt and Grand Canal cultural tourism belt. We will make good use of the Winter Olympics legacy, cultivate new forms of tourism, and launch a selection of curated travel routes. We will continue implementing policies such as free passage for tourist charter buses and managing the mini app for travel and tourism in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, vigorously supporting travel agencies in bringing visitors to Hebei.

"Spend Your Weekends in Beautiful Hebei." With the May Day holiday fast approaching, we sincerely invite everyone to visit Hebei, explore its beauty, and experience the warm hospitality of its people. Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Due to time constraints, we will take the final two questions.

China Daily:

In recent years, Hebei has accelerated its pace of transformation, with rapid development in industries such as biomedicine and electronic information. What plans are in place for fostering emerging and future industries? What adjustments will be made in the future to deal with the current situation of an imbalanced industrial structure? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you to the journalist from China Daily. I would like to invite Mr. Zhang to answer them.

Zhang Chengzhong:

Thank you for your interest in and support for the industrial development in Hebei. The province of Hebei is known for its traditional industries, with a complete range of industries and a well-established industrial system. In recent years, we have been relying on sci-tech innovation to drive growth and promote the rapid development of emerging industries such as electronic information and biomedicine. In 2023, the revenue of the biopharmaceutical industry exceeded 100 billion yuan, and the revenue of the electronic information industry exceeded 300 billion yuan. Investment in high-tech industries in the province increased by 24.7%. As Mr. Zhao mentioned, the growth rate in the first quarter of this year has been even faster, reaching 45.1%. In order to foster and expand emerging industries, proactively plan for future industries, develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system, our next focus will be on three aspects.

The first aspect is "cluster" aggregation. We are implementing actions to promote the integrated development of strategic emerging industry clusters. We are focusing on supporting nine industry clusters, including biomedicine, electronic information and new energy vehicles. Additionally, we are nurturing eight industry clusters, such as new materials, safety and emergency equipment, and modern traditional Chinese medicine. Our goal is to facilitate the transition of strategic emerging industries from mere aggregation to cluster-based development.

The second aspect is strengthening industry chains. We will extend the industrial chains of emerging industries, fostering not only the "big trees" of leading enterprises but also the "small trees" of upstream and downstream supporting enterprises. Ultimately, this will build up the "forest" of emerging industries, producing a more vibrant industrial ecology.

Finally, we will move towards the "new." We will fully leverage our own advantages and proactively plan for future industries. For instance, Hebei has a solid foundation and advantages in the development of the big data industry. By the end of 2023, the total computing power will exceed 21,000 petaflops. Leveraging this computational advantage, we will vigorously develop future industries such as advanced computing and artificial intelligence. Additionally, we will accelerate the development of aerospace information, green hydrogen energy and other industries, enabling future industries to take root, sprout and flourish as soon as possible.

When it comes to Hebei's industries, the first impression is of heavy industries, with steel dominating. Over the years, we have vigorously promoted the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Starting in 2022, the steel industry took the lead, launching a campaign for seven key sectors to strive for an "A" grade in environmental performance. The industry also greatly improved standards for process equipment and environmental governance, while promoting advanced technologies such as low-carbon metallurgy and clean steel smelting. Now, "new" content in Hebei's steel enterprises has significantly increased. For example, the proportions of high-end and low-end HBIS Group's products have shifted from 30% to 70% 10 years ago to 80% to 20% now, making the company the largest manufacturer of steel for household appliances and the second-largest for automobile steel in the country.

Moving forward, we will adhere to the principles of high-end, intelligent and green development, and accelerate the structural adjustment, transformation and upgrade of traditional industries. We will seize the opportunity presented by the nation's push for large-scale equipment updates by implementing projects for the technological transformation and upgrading in the equipment manufacturing industry. By deepening the empowerment of science and technology, we aim to promote the development of high-end material products in the steel industry and accelerate the supplementation and extension of the industrial chain, and promote the specialized, refined and sophisticated development of the chemical engineering industry. Furthermore, we will actively promote green and energy-saving construction material products, allowing traditional industries to "grow new branches from old trees." Thank you.

Xing Huina:

One last question.

Yicai:

Mr. Wang mentioned earlier the continuous improvement of Hebei's ecological environment. As the province with the largest steel industry, how does Hebei adhere to the principle of prioritizing ecology and green development? Thank you.

Wang Zhengpu:

Thank you for your question, I will answer it. We believe that a good ecological environment is the most universal benefit for people's well-being. We also well aware that Hebei's ecological environment has been a weak point. In recent years, we have firmly embraced the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets. We have resolutely prioritized ecology and green development, coordinating efforts to reduce carbon emissions, cut pollution, expand greenery and stimulate growth. We strive to achieve new breakthroughs through comprehensive green transformation. Over the past few years, we have focused on three main areas:

First, we have fought a rigorous battle against pollution. We have coordinated a multifaceted approach to reduce energy consumption, minimize coal use, enforce regulations on enterprises, control dust, limit vehicles and augment greenery. We have worked hard to safeguard blue skies, clear waters and clean soil. In 2023, the average PM 2.5 concentration across the province was 38.6 micrograms per cubic meter, a decrease of 57.6% from 2014, with 245 days of good air quality. The proportion of surface water sections that achieved excellent ratings in the national examination has remained above 80% for two consecutive years. Through our daily efforts, fighting for every microgram, the number of smoggy days in Hebei has decreased and the frequency of blue skies and white clouds has increased.

Second, we have vigorously pursued green and low-carbon transformation. We have steadfastly promoted the structural adjustment of industries, energy and transportation, and actively pursued a grade A environmental performance in key industries such as steel and coking. We have accelerated the construction of pumped storage power stations while the total installed capacity of wind power, photovoltaic power as well as with the inventory of new energy heavy trucks ranks among the highest in the country, leading to increasingly green development. Particularly in the pursuit of grade A environmental performance, we have guided enterprises towards in-depth emission reduction and low-carbon transformation through measures such as setting standards, providing technological assistance and policy incentives, significantly elevating the level of environmental protection in enterprises.

Third, we have continuously focused on ecosystem restoration. We adhere to the holistic approach to the conservation of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems. We have carried out the construction of the northern sand prevention belt and the treatment of wind and sand sources in Beijing and Tianjin, implemented ecological rectification projects in the Yan Mountains and Taihang Mountains, intensified mine restoration and have promoted large-scale land greening. As you may know, Hebei has a notable example of ecological restoration – Saihanba in Chengde. This place used to be a desert, but after decades of management and rectification, Saihanba has now become the world's largest man-made forest. It has won the UN Champions of the Earth Award and the UNCCD's Land for Life Award, serving as a vivid example of ecological civilization development.

In our future work, we will adhere to the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, firmly holding the "golden rice bowl" of ecological resources and effectively utilizing the "golden key" of green development. We will strive to build a beautiful Hebei with blue skies, green land and clear waters, to support high-quality development with a high-quality ecological environment and to ensure that the benefits of a healthy ecology reach more people.

Thank you.

Xing Huina:

Thank you, Mr. Wang and the other speakers, as well as our friends from the media. That concludes today's press conference. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Zhou Jing, Li Xiao, Ma Yujia, Mi Xingang, Gong Yingchun, Yuan Fang, Liu Jianing, Zhang Junmian, Yan Bin, Zhang Rui, Liu Caiyi, Liu Sitong, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Ms. Liang Huiling, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and governor of Heilongjiang province

Mr. Chen Shaobo, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Heilongjiang province

Mr. Yu Jian, vice governor of Heilongjiang province

Mr. Xu Xiangguo, vice governor of Heilongjiang province

Chairperson:

Mr. Xie Yingjun, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 26, 2024

Xie Yingjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 12th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Ms. Liang Huiling, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and governor of Heilongjiang province, to brief you on striving to break new ground in high-quality development and sustained revitalization of Heilongjiang, and then answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Chen Shaobo, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Heilongjiang province; and Mr. Yu Jian and Mr. Xu Xiangguo, both vice governors of Heilongjiang province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Liang for her introduction.

Liang Huiling:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First, on behalf of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee, the Provincial People's Government and the people of Heilongjiang province, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and strong support for our province.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to the revitalization and development of Heilongjiang province, and he cares deeply about the people of the province. In September last year, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the implementation of the Northeast China revitalization strategy, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Heilongjiang again, delivering an important speech and giving important instructions. We bear in mind his instructions with gratitude, firmly grasp our strategic positioning in the overall national development, tightly focus on the primary task of high-quality development, and build and strengthen the province as an important national commodity grain production base and heavy equipment manufacturing base, an important energy and raw material supplier, a vital guardian of ecological security in northern China, and a pivotal gateway for the nation's northward opening-up. We are effectively safeguarding national defense, food, ecology, energy and industrial security, and making solid strides in high-quality development, presenting a vibrant scene in Heilongjiang.

First, we are ensuring that sci-tech innovation leads the overall industrial revitalization. Heilongjiang province is rich in scientific and educational resources, with 78 universities and 120 independent research institutes. We are harnessing the role of sci-tech innovation in increasing output, strengthening the use of national-level innovation platforms, and applying a number of major technological achievements to national strategic tasks such as manned spaceflight. The first large-scale scientific facility in China's aerospace field, constructed by the Harbin Institute of Technology, has been put into use. We are promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, propeling large-scale equipment renewals, and accelerating the transformation toward high-end, intelligent and green development. Daqing Oilfield is striving to be a model and flagship, with the aim of building a centennial oilfield. It has accumulated crude oil production of 2.53 billion metric tons, accounting for 36% of the national onshore crude oil production. Significant breakthroughs have been made in the exploration and development of continental shale oil. We are vigorously developing strategic emerging industries and future industries, creating industrial clusters in fields such as aerospace and high-end equipment, and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. A number of national major projects in the new era demonstrate China's strength. For example, the hydrogenation reactor produced by China First Heavy Industries set a new world record, and the Baihetan hydropower station, independently developed by Harbin Electric Corporation, has the world's largest single-unit capacity of 1 million kilowatts for hydro-generating units. 

Second, we are firmly fulfilling our role as a "ballast" in ensuring national food security. Heilongjiang province, situated in one of the world's three major black soil belts, boasts a cultivated area of 258 million mu (about 17.2 million hectares), ranking first nationwide. We are committed to cultivating more high-quality crops, actively implementing plans to increase grain production by tens of millions of metric tons, and prioritizing substantial improvements in grain yield per unit area to enhance overall grain production capacity. Last year, grain output reached 155.76 billion jin (about 77.88 billion kilograms), accounting for 11.2% of the national total, and ranking first nationwide in total production, commercial quantity and outbound quantity. Our main focus is on developing modern large-scale agriculture, while simultaneously fostering the development of technology-driven agriculture, environmentally friendly practices, quality enhancement and branded agricultural products. We are dedicated to establishing modern agricultural bases, enterprises and industries, with top-tier standards in farmland management, organic food certification areas and comprehensive crop mechanization rates, all ranking first nationwide.

Third, we are committed to establishing a model region where "clear waters and green mountains are priceless assets, as are snow and ice." Our province boasts expansive forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers and extensive snowscapes, serving as vital ecological buffers in the northern expanse of our nation. We have firmly embraced the notion that nurturing greenery equates to enhancing our strengths and safeguarding forests secures our prosperity. Committed to preserving lush mountains and lucid waters, we are charting a course of ecological conservation and green development. Last year, our region achieved an impressive 94.2% of days with excellent air quality, and our instituted systems of river and lake chiefs earned accolades from the State Council for four consecutive years, underlining the pivotal role of green initiatives in fostering high-quality development. We are actively promoting unique cultural tourism and making high-standard preparations for the 9th Asian Winter Games, aiming to cultivate new economic hubs in the ice and snow sectors. Heilongjiang's ice and snow tourism is experiencing a surge in popularity.

Fourth, we are accelerating the establishment of a pivotal gateway for the nation's northward opening-up. Heilongjiang is a crucial node in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), boasting 27 first-class ports with neighboring countries. We are intensifying efforts to enhance open channels, continuously improving port efficiency, and normalizing operations of key infrastructure such as the China-Russia Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye cross-border railway bridge and Heihe-Blagoveshchensk cross-border highway bridge. The international aviation hub functions of Harbin Airport have undergone comprehensive upgrades. We are also innovating the development of free trade zones, the Harbin New Area and other open platforms, actively expanding into diversified international markets, and constructing a comprehensive pattern of all-round opening-up. Last year, the province witnessed a 12.3% increase in total foreign trade volume. We are consistently enhancing the business environment, offering end-to-end policy support and services throughout the entire business lifecycle. Our approach ensures accessibility when needed and no unnecessary disruption, with a commitment to swift and efficient processing. Last year, the province witnessed a 14% increase in newly registered enterprises. According to a report by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce assessing the business environment of thousands of private enterprises nationwide, our province ranked among the top five provinces for most noticeable advancements.

Fifth, we are working hard to improve people's well-being. Last year, we effectively responded to local flood disasters, intensifying efforts to promote post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. We swiftly restored the order of production and daily life in the flood-affected regions, ensuring the safety and heating for residents impacted by the disaster. In addition, we conducted home visits to ensure that residents' heating needs were met. We promoted smart heating, increasing heating capacity to benefit more than 390,000 households and ensuring that people had a warm winter. We also focused on stabilizing employment. An increasing number of college graduates in the province found local jobs last year , registering the highest level in the past five years. Renovation projects for housing units in rundown urban areas, old residential compounds, and dilapidated houses in rural areas have benefited nearly 1 million people. In the first quarter, the growth rate of per capita disposable income for urban and rural residents ranked among the top in the country.

That is all from me for now. Next, my colleagues and I would like to answer your questions.

Thank you!

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Ms. Liang. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before asking your question.

CCTV: 

We have noticed that in the context of promoting high-quality development, many regions have expressed their intention to "accelerate the development of new quality productive forces." What measures will Heilongjiang take to develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Your question is very important, and I will answer it. We have specifically formulated and published an action plan on accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. We will focus on three aspects to build the province into a hub for developing new quality productive forces.

First, we will focus on scientific and technological innovation as the driving force. Last year, we introduced 60 measures for innovative development and many other measures for driving industrial revitalization with scientific and technological innovation. We established technology transformation platforms like the Institute for Advanced Technology and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence at Harbin Institute of Technology. In 2023, we completed the transformation of 589 major scientific and technological achievements, and the number of high-tech enterprises grew 22.9%. We will make good use of national sci-tech innovation platforms such as the Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar National Independent Innovation Demonstration Zone. Efforts will be made to achieve major scientific and technological breakthroughs, cultivate strategic scientific and technological strength, and promote research into new and disruptive technologies in fields such as intelligent robots, life sciences, and continental shale oil. We will adhere to a mechanism in which enterprises set the agenda, research institutions address the problems, and markets evaluate the research results. We will improve this collaborative innovation mechanism among industries, universities, research institutions, and end-users, with enterprises at its core. Efforts will be made to build an ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship involving universities and research institutions. We will cultivate and introduce high-tech companies, accelerate the transformation of sci-tech achievements in the province, and foster new growth drivers.

Second, we will focus on local conditions and implement tailored measures. We remain committed to developing a modern industrial system with Heilongjiang's distinctive features, based on the province's unique resource strengths, industrial foundation, and research conditions, to foster new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions. On the one hand, we will revitalize old industries. We will carry out actions to promote technological transformation among 1,000 enterprises each year. With a focus on promoting digital transformation of the manufacturing industry and enhancing the digital capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises, we will make efforts to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. In the first quarter, investment in technological transformation grew 43.9%. On the other hand, we will create new engines for revitalization. We will implement plans for developing strategic emerging industries and future industries. In the first quarter, the output of high-end equipment, aerospace, and electronic information all experienced double-digit growths.

Third, we will prioritize the development of talent. We will improve the working mechanism for talent cultivation, as part of the efforts to support the development of new quality productive forces. We will work to ensure that the effect of policies is fully unleashed. Guided by the 60 measures for talent revitalization, we will continue to issue supporting documents to fully remove the barriers in talent cultivation, recruiting, and employment. The province has seen the number of its skilled individuals grow by over 260,000 in less than two years. Moreover, the previous trend of people with senior professional titles leaving universities in the province has reversed, with an influx of such individuals now returning to these institutions. We will continue to stimulate the vitality of talent and deepen the reform of the talent system and mechanism concerning salary distribution and the transformation of sci-tech achievements. In addition, we will make good use of systems such as the "negative list" for scientific research funding. We will step up efforts to turn talent into the primary driving force for innovation.

Southern Metropolis Daily:

We have noticed that in 2022, Heilongjiang introduced the 60 measures for talent revitalization in the new era. Could you please tell us what changes these policies have brought about in terms of attracting and retaining talent in Heilongjiang? What further steps will be taken to consolidate the talent foundation for high-quality development? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your interest in talent revitalization. This question goes to Mr. Chen.

Chen Shaobo:

Thank you for your concern and support for talent revitalization in Heilongjiang. Talent is the key to Heilongjiang's revitalization. Therefore, we have consistently adhered to the principle that talent is our most valuable resource and have introduced a series of concrete measures.

First, we have advanced efforts to implement active and effective talent revitalization policies. As mentioned, we have formulated and implemented the 60 Measures for Talent Revitalization in Heilongjiang in the New Era, along with a series of supporting policies. These policies are active, open, and of high value and quality, leading to positive results. The governor noted that our overall talent pool is expanding, with a significant increase in the number of high-end talents introduced into the province. Moreover, while there was previously a net outflow of individuals with senior professional titles from universities, this trend reversed last year, resulting in a new influx of such talent. Additionally, both the number of college graduates opting to remain in the province and the number of those coming here for employment reached a five-year high, signaling a promising trend of talent returning to and staying in Heilongjiang.

Second, we have made every effort to build a platform for talent development that enables talented people to unleash their full potential. As we all know, Harbin Institute of Technology is one of the best universities for robotics. We have fully leveraged our professional expertise in this regard, and integrated various resources and production factors to give full support for the university to accelerate commercialization of their research findings in robotics. Substantial results have been achieved. I would like to take two companies here as an example. Harbin Boshi Automation Co. Ltd. has achieved breakthroughs in key technologies regarding robots' ability to work in front of a furnace, and Harbin Sagebot Intelligent Medical Equipment Co. LTD. has realized domestic production of surgical robots. Such accomplishments are not easy to achieve. Through these industries and platforms, we have attracted a large number of robotics professionals and other related professionals to the province. Next, we will make sustained efforts in creating suitable jobs and building favorable platforms to better help talented people settle here.

Third, we have intensified efforts to launch key talent programs. In order to support talent development with good faith and money, we have set up special funds financed by the provincial government to implement the "Leading Wild Goose" talent support plan, actively recruiting scientists and technologists who are able to organize and lead scientific research and who have extensive influence in relevant industries and fields, and giving them greater autonomy in their technical routes and their team recruitment and staffing. Meanwhile, we have vigorously implemented a training program for outstanding engineers, steadily promoted the "Skilled Personnel in Heilongjiang" initiative, and continued to carry out activities such as the "Heilongjiang Talent Week." We are accelerating the establishment of a supporting system for talent programs and projects covering all key sectors and areas. Last year, highly skilled personnel reached 825,000 in the province, accounting for 31.7% of the entire skilled workforce.

Fourth, we have jointly fostered a nurturing environment for talent in Heilongjiang province, satisfying the needs of local talent and attracting talented people from afar. We have continuously improved a systematic mechanism to ensure services and support for talent, carried out tiered accreditation for high-level talent, and issued Heilongjiang Talent Cards that offer 24 exclusive services in seven areas including children's education, medical examination and treatment, and transportation, relieving the worries of high-level talent. Meanwhile, we have attached great importance to the discovery, cultivation and use of various talented people, such as people with vocational skills and local talented people, making it common practice throughout the province to identify gifted individuals, value them, respect them and put them to good use.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite talented people from all over the world to join us in building and developing Heilongjiang. Here, you and the province will contribute to each other's success and create a better future together. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

When it comes to Heilongjiang province, people will think of the Greater and Lesser Xing'an Mountains as well as some large rivers such as the Songhua River and the Wusuli River. The province boasts very rich ecological resources. My question is: Over the last few years, what is the situation with ecological and environmental protection in Heilongjiang? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I will invite Mr. Yu to answer your question.

Yu Jian:

Indeed as you said, located in the northernmost and easternmost part of our motherland, Heilongjiang boasts a vast territory, beautiful mountains and rivers, a pleasant eco-environment and distinct seasons. The province remains as determined as ever to pursue green development that prioritizes environmental conservation and adheres to build ecological security shields in northern China. Our work mainly focuses on three aspects. First, we consider ecological resources as the strongest foundation for development. We have taken a holistic and systematic approach to the conservation and improvement of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems and strived to enhance the diversity, stability and sustainability of the ecosystem. The forest area in Heilongjiang hits 201,200 square kilometers; its wetland area reaches 51,400 square kilometers; and there are 46 national nature reserves in the province. All the numbers rank among the top in the country. Second, we take a beautiful environment as the most inclusive benefit to people's wellbeing. We have given greater priority to keeping our skies blue, waters clear and lands clean. The evaluation results of Heilongjiang's pollution prevention and control work have been among the best nationwide for many consecutive years, showing continued improvement in the environment. The province recorded good or excellent air quality on 94.2% of the days in 2023, 7.4 percentage points higher than the national average. The average annual concentration of PM2.5 stood at 25.5 micrograms per cubic meter, 4.5 micrograms lower than the national average. Our people now enjoy more blue skies, clearer waters, lush mountains, and a growing sense of happiness brought by a healthy environment. Third, we take ecological values as the most enduring competitive edge. Under the premise of protection, we have vigorously developed industries involving eco-tourism, non-timber forest-based economy , health and convalescence tourism, and forest food, so as to promote ecological product value conversion and to constantly translate ecological strengths into development strengths.

For the next step, we will further coordinate the structuring of ecological conditions, industries and residents' livelihood, going all out to build a green Heilongjiang to safeguard national ecological security and to strive to make positive contributions in advancing the Beautiful China Initiative. We will make every effort to safeguard green ecology, to advance pollution prevention and control work, to timely address environmental pollution cases that occur at people's doorsteps and to continue improving the environment, so that people in Heilongjiang will enjoy more blue skies, lush mountains, clear waters and clean air. To promote green development, we will make concerted efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, expand green areas, and boost economic growth. We will also build and improve a green, low-carbon and circular economic system, and promote green transition in all respects of economic and social development. Moreover, we will focus on building green homes by advocating green ways of living including green travel, water and electricity conservation, and an "empty plate" campaign. We will also encourage low-carbon, green consumption, improve energy-saving and environmental protection facilities as well as build a modern Heilongjiang featuring a beautiful environment, a developed green economy, and low-carbon ways of production and living. Thank you!

Jinan Times APP:

Heilongjiang is located in one of the world's three major black soil belts, is known for its famous "Great Northern Wilderness" and is a major agricultural and grain-producing province. How does Heilongjiang plan to make new contributions to ensure China's food security and act as a solid foundation for achieving this purpose? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your question. I will answer this question. The focus of our work is in four aspects.

First, we will improve the comprehensive production capacity of grain. We will implement the plan to increase grain production by 10 million tons, focusing on the integrated utilization of fertile farmland, high-quality seeds and machinery, and useful measures and mechanisms. We will systematically integrate policies, engineering and agricultural measures to stabilize the sown area of grain and focus on increasing per unit yield in large area. By 2026, the comprehensive grain production capacity in the province will reach 180 billion jin (90 billion kilograms).

Second, we will strengthen the protection and utilization of black soil. In terms of arable land, black soil is extremely scarce and invaluable. We will adhere to four specific approaches, increasing efforts to protect black soil, and ensuring that its area does not decrease and that its quality improves. First, we will strengthen engineering measures to prioritize the construction of high-standard farmland on black soil. Second, we will reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, return plant stalks to fields, apply organic fertilizer, and substitute with biological agents, with the aim to increase organic matter content of soil. Third, we will highlight technological empowerment, relying on biotechnology and digital technology to improve the management and utilization of black soil. Fourth, we will change backward production methods, promote conservation tillage across large areas, and strictly crack down on unauthorized occupation and destruction of farmland, so as to achieve sustainable utilization of black soil.

Third, we will empower agriculture with science and technology. We give greater prominence to the development of agricultural sci-tech, with our contribution rate of agricultural technological progress ranking among the top in the country. We will vigorously implement the revitalization of the seed industry, establish national bases for quality soybean seed breeding and japonica rice seed production, and strengthen and expand the core of the seed industry. We will build a national pioneering area for large-scale, high-powered, high-end and intelligent agricultural machinery and equipment, accelerate the upgrading and replacement of agricultural machinery, and be the first to achieve the modernization of agricultural material and equipment. Supported by the national key laboratory for smart farming technologies and systems, we will expand the application scenarios of large-scale smart agriculture, and aim to establish 20 unmanned smart farms, each covering an area of 10,000 mu, by 2025.

Fourth, we will create a pioneering region in adopting an all-encompassing approach to food. Leveraging our advantageous location in the world's prime livestock belt, we will vigorously develop modern animal husbandry. We will establish the largest high-end infant formula production base in the country, with the aim of creating a crucial strategic guarantee base for meat, eggs and dairy products at the national level. Additionally, we will harness the advantages of undergrowth resources to promote the recognition of the "nine delicacies and 18 products," such as pine nuts, black fungus and Lonicera edulis fruit, thereby creating a supply hub for eco-friendly forest food products. Moreover, we will capitalize on the province's advantages in rivers and lakes by expanding the supply of premium and high-quality fish, including 26 species of freshwater fish, with the aim of establishing a base for the supply of high-quality cold-water fish. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

As a major agricultural province, the construction of livable, prosperous, harmonious and beautiful rural areas in Heilongjiang province is closely related to the well-being and sense of achievement of rural people. What measures has Heilongjiang taken to learn from and apply the experience of the "Thousand Villages Demonstration and Ten Thousand Villages Renovation" project in promoting comprehensive rural revitalization? And what achievements have been made? Thank you. 

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your interest in this matter. I'd like to invite Mr. Xu to answer these questions.

Xu Xiangguo:

Thank you for your questions. Over the past few years, we have been diligently promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas in line with the specific conditions of Heilongjiang province. We have placed significant emphasis on respecting the will of the people and have implemented concrete measures in the following key areas:

First, we organized study visits to Zhejiang province and hosted thematic seminars. Simultaneously, we held a series of on-site meetings to promote progress, and enable officials at all levels to transform their learning into practical work efficiency through hands-on experience. Through a category-based, region-specific approach, we advanced village planning and constructed five types of beautiful and livable villages, including ecologically friendly villages, well-preserved ancient villages, and aesthetically pleasing and livable villages.

Second, we have implemented a five-year living environment improvement campaign, promoting initiatives such as domestic sewage treatment, household garbage management and enhancements to the appearance of villages. We have also introduced innovative residential construction projects, resulting in 95% of villages across the province becoming cleaner, tidier and more orderly.

Third, we have implemented the initiative to create 100 exquisite villages, 1,000 demonstration villages, and 10,000 beautiful villages. We aim to cultivate distinctive industries, improve public services, and drive the overall creation and enhancement of 9,829 villages (state farms) across the entire province. 

Fourth, we promulgated the regulations of Heilongjiang province on the promotion of rural revitalization and formulated and implemented guidelines for the overall revitalization of rural areas. We established and improved mechanisms for integrated urban-rural management and protection, public participation, and performance evaluation and incentives.

You asked about specific achievements in comprehensive rural revitalization. I think that they can be summarized using three words to provide you all with an introduction.

The first word is "beauty," which describes the picturesque village landscapes. We have focused on creating 100 exquisite villages at the provincial level and 1,000 demonstration villages at the municipal level, promoting the construction of livable, business-friendly, harmonious and beautiful rural areas across the province. Currently, the 54 China beautiful leisure villages and 87 pilot programs for improving residential environment across Heilongjiang have together created a beautiful new rural landscape. As many netizens have commented, "Rural life here is very soothing and appealing."

The second word is "harmony," which signifies the harmonious spirit of the countryside. Our rural areas are tranquil, and local people are pure and unpretentious, just as the lyrics say, "In harmony, neighbors and kin, with unity found in young and old alike." There, we can see and feel the mutual assistance among villagers, who live together as members of one family. We can also feel their sincerity and enthusiasm towards guests. At present, across the province, there are 728 national demonstration villages and towns for rural governance, with 5,212 exemplary villages promoting interconnected development. 

The third word is "happiness," which reflects the joy of the farmers. In the past, people carved out a living in the vast wilderness, setting up shacks, living in cellars. Through their hard work, they turned the once desolate "Great Northern Wilderness" into the now prosperous "Great Northern Granary." Now, leveraging ecological advantages and snow and ice resources, farmers actively engage in new industries and business forms, such as agrarian cultural exhibitions, leisure fruit picking, and forest wellness retreats. They have fertile soil for entrepreneurship, ample job opportunities, and with increased incomes, their wallets have grown fuller. Wealth springs from the chernozem soil, and happiness abounds in this great natural oxygen bar. That's all from me. Thank you.

Red Star News:

We have observed that in the past two years, the number of enterprises investing in Heilongjiang has been increasing, which, to some extent, reflects changes in the local business environment. What has Heilongjiang done to improve the business environment, and what other measures will be taken? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I'll invite Mr. Yu Jian to answer this question.

Yu Jian:

Thank you for your question. As we all know, Harbin's winter sports tourism has recently become a sensation. With proactive service support from government departments, commitments upheld by businesses, and warm hospitality from the locals, Heilongjiang has embraced a "pamper the guests" approach. This has garnered extensive praise and serves as a testament to the ongoing improvement of our province's business environment. As Governor Liang Huiling just said, last year saw a 14% increase in newly registered market entities, a 13.8% rise in newly signed investment projects, and a 68.5% growth in newly established foreign-invested enterprises compared to the previous year.

In our practical work, we focused on the following four aspects. First, we established a mechanism for people to learn from each other and strove for excellence. We benchmarked against advanced regions and mobilized the entire province's efforts to carry out targeted campaigns to optimize the business environment. Through monthly scheduling, quarterly reporting, semi-annual reviews and annual assessments, all local departments have strived for excellence, thus cultivating a favorable atmosphere and inter-level synergy centered on improving the business environment.

Second, we worked with sincerity and passion. By soliciting enterprises' demands and providing government services to them, we opened "fast lanes" and "green channels" for problem-solving. Across the province, 30,000 officials have partnered with 522,000 enterprises, resolving 17,800 practical problems. We have implemented inclusive and prudent regulation and law enforcement across the board, allowing businesses ample room to make and learn from mistakes. More than 310,000 such cases have been handled, demonstrating compassion in our law enforcement. A series of pro-business relief policies were introduced, and the timely and accurate delivery of these policies via the Addressing Problems Across the Province app has ensured that these enterprises can leverage our policies to the fullest extent.

Third, we prioritized immediate action and excellence. With the development of digital governance, we have optimized our administrative service model, advancing multiple initiatives for efficiently accomplishing tasks. Nationally, Heilongjiang leads the way in innovating and demonstrating a focused approach to "retirement procedures," reducing the processing time from 30 working days to just 10 minutes, marking a historic leap. We have introduced more than 500 convenient applications related to public security, public affairs, human resources and social security, healthcare, and transportation, significantly cutting down both the steps and time required for public services.

Fourth, we honored our commitments and tried our best to meet people's demands. We improved the credit system and continued a special campaign to address the issue of "new officials ignoring old debts," clearing up overdue payments to private enterprises. Any actions that damage the government's credibility are met with serious investigation and consequences. The 12345 public service hotline serves as a "central customer service hub", with government departments swiftly responding to and addressing concerns of citizens and market entities. In this way, we ensure that the pressing difficulties and problems that concern business entities and people are resolved.

We are well aware that there is always room for improving the business environment. We will further cultivate a world-class, market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment, making Heilongjiang a favored destination for investment, stimulating the vitality of business entities, and promoting high-quality development and sustainable revitalization. We welcome more companies to invest and do business in Heilongjiang. I believe that through our efforts, the business environment will continue to improve. Thank you.

CNR:

It was just mentioned that Harbin experienced a surge in popularity around this year's Spring Festival holiday, with its winter sports tourism becoming a cultural phenomenon. How will Heilongjiang maintain the momentum of its ice and snow tourism and further amplify the spillover effect? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your question. During last year's snow and ice season, Heilongjiang launched a "pamper the guests" approach, sparking enthusiasm among visitors. This has led to the flourishing of tourism and related industries, greatly boosting the morale of local officials and residents, and enhancing their confidence and determination to revitalize and develop the region. Moving forward, we will redouble our efforts to enrich our offerings and enhance our services, ensuring that visitors to Heilongjiang are happy, comfortable, and at ease.

First, we will create new growth drivers for the ice and snow economy. Key scenic spots such as Harbin Ice and Snow World, Yabuli Ski Resort and Xuexiang village will be upgraded. The amount of ice at the Harbin Ice and Snow World this year exceeded 200,000 cubic meters, which is nearly three times as much as last year. If you come to Harbin again this winter, you will see a larger, more cultured and more international ice and snow kingdom. We are making preparations for the 9th Asian Winter Games to a high quality, building the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ice and Snow Sports Demonstration Zone to a high standard, and creating five centers for ice and snow sports events, talent, industry, culture and cooperation . We will promote innovative development of winter sports equipment such as ice skates, snowboards and ski lifts, and build the world's largest new energy vehicle extreme cold-weather testing base in Heihe and Mohe. We will expedite the development of the entire industry chain of ice and snow sports, ice and snow culture, ice and snow equipment, and ice and snow tourism, build a leading ice and snow economic area, and turn "cold" resources into "hot" economy .

Second, we will develop high-quality, integrated and all-season tourism. We will give full play to the advantages of different sceneries in the four seasons and rich geography, and strive to create special projects such as forest tourism, wetland tourism, boundary river tourism and border tourism, and accelerate the cultivation of new tourism formats such as camping, self-drive tours, travel photography and study, and elderly-care and health tourism. We will strive to transform the characteristic cultural tourism industry from "one place and one season" to "all regions and all seasons." We will strengthen the construction of tourism infrastructure supporting facilities, build star-rated homestays across the province, and a multi-faceted tourism transportation system, accelerate the popularization and promotion of smart tourism, and comprehensively improve tourist satisfaction. We will continue to regulate the order of the tourism market, make good use of advance compensation, ensure that complaints are handled in a timely fashion, and effectively protect the rights and interests of tourists.

Third, we will expand and amplify spillover effects of the tourism industry. We will promote the integrated development of tourism and culture, sports, health care, catering, sports equipment and other primary, secondary and tertiary industries, so that Heilongjiang's history and culture, music and performing arts, local delicacies, and sports events can provide tourists with new experiences, and ensure the local tourism infrastructure and thermal clothes and hats, green food, and special cultural and creative products offer consumers across the country with more choices. We will promote good practices and models of ice and snow tourism, strive to create a first-class business environment, and attract more companies to invest and develop in Heilongjiang. We will see that positive work styles in ice and snow tourism continue to thrive, and take solid, pragmatic and resolute steps to ensure that officials become more capable of serving the people and pursuing development. Thank you.

China Daily:

Heilongjiang is located between 43 degrees and 53 degrees north latitude, in the "Golden Belt" for corn and livestock. We have noticed that Heilongjiang has created distinctive brands in recent years, such as Black Soil Premium Products and Forest Delicacies and Specialties . What has been the result? What is the next step in leveraging the natural endowments to further promote the high-quality development of the processing of agricultural products? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your interest in this work. I would like to invite Mr. Xu to answer these questions.

Xu Xiangguo:

Thank you for your questions. The two brands of Black Soil Premium Products and Forest Delicacies and Specialties are not only representatives of Heilongjiang's regional agricultural products, but also a green label for agricultural products in the province. Currently, a total of 221 offline stores in 63 cities across the country sell those two brands, with online and offline sales reaching 7.3 billion yuan since 2023. With the rising popularity of Harbin last year, local specialties such as chicken stewed with mushrooms, iron pot stewed goose, wild blueberries, black fungus, hazelnuts, lion's mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) and cranberries, have also attracted the attention of people across the country.

In terms of further promoting the high-quality development of the agricultural product processing industry, we are mainly focused on the principle of "grain planting to the forefront and produce to follow (This means that grain planting should be the source, and produce should be found on the dining table, which requires us to properly deal with the relationship between planting and marketing)" and "agriculture to the forefront and industry to follow (This requires us to integrate the primary and secondary industries and realize intensive processing of agricultural products)", solidly advancing the three-year action plan for the high-quality development of the agricultural product processing industry. Our work is focused on four main aspects:

First, we will genuinely cultivate business entities. We will give full play to the demonstration and leading role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) such as Beidahuang Agricultural Reclamation Group and leading enterprises in the province such as Feihe Dairy , and build larger and stronger demonstration parks as platform carriers. At the same time, we will expedite the cultivation of a group of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) featuring fast development speed, strong innovation ability, high-quality products and good economic returns, so as to form a development pattern in which large enterprises serve as the backbone of the industry and numerous SMEs are spread across the province.

Second, we will carefully extend the processing chain. As Ms. Liang explained about the protection of black soil, Heilongjiang's certified planting area of green organic food is 94.59 million mu. This is our greatest confidence in developing green agriculture. We will focus on the standardized production of raw materials on one hand and green food processing on the other, and transform and upgrade the traditional processing industry through technological improvements. At the same time, we must strengthen the empowerment of technological innovation to develop and expand our emerging processing industries, develop high-end and refined products with strong market competitiveness, further extend the industrial chain, strengthen the supply chain, and enhance the value chain.

Third, we will closely focus on food quality and safety. We will strictly adhere to the bottom line of product quality, establish a standardized, institutionalized and regular mechanism, and implement quality supervision throughout the entire chain, link and life cycle, so that the quality and safety of agricultural products can be traced throughout the entire process, and the approval rate of provincial agricultural product quality and safety routine monitoring can be stabilized at above 98%. We will truly ensure food safety for consumers "from field to tongue" and "from farm to table."

Fourth, we will wholeheartedly build high-quality brands. This year, whether we are carrying out brand promotional events in first-tier cities, brand culture empowerment campaigns, building themed restaurants, upgrading premium supermarkets, or assisting farmers with livestreaming platforms, we will serve the best dishes and the best products, so that more people can enjoy delicious, fresh, safe and healthy food. Thank you.

Heilongjiang Radio and Television:

The 13th Heilongjiang Provincial Congress of the CPC in 2022 proposed the development of the province in six aspects, with "Quality Longjiang" taking the priority. How does Heilongjiang plan to promote and advance this initiative? What are the key directions? Thank you.

Chen Shaobo:

Thank you for your attention and support with the development of "Quality Longjiang." Heilongjiang has clearly stated its commitment to vigorously building a "four-in-one" quality Longjiang by integrating high-level standards, quality, brands and reputation. We are focusing on the following aspects:

First, we adhere to development that is led by standards. As everyone knows, black soil and ice and snow tourism are Heilongjiang's merits. We have taken the lead nationally in establishing a local standard system for "black soil fertile plow layer construction" and an ice and snow industrial standard system. The Standardization Administration has released 11 national standards for ice and snow sports, with our province taking the leading role in their formulation. Last year, there were 21 new national-level standardization pilot demonstration projects in our province, with 15 standards incorporated into the national enterprise standards "leading" list and eight standards filling international gaps. In addition, China Feihe Limited led the formulation and implementation of two international association standards.

Second, we work to strengthen quality management. We have specifically formulated a set of 60 indicators for high-quality development tailored to the reality of Heilongjiang. We have vigorously implemented projects to improve the quality of industry and to enhance the capacity of quality infrastructure, aiming to comprehensively improve product engineering and service quality. Our food safety work has been rated A-level for six consecutive years by the Food Safety Commission of the State Council in their evaluation and assessment. Last year, two projects won the Luban Prize and the Dayu Prize, respectively. Two individuals and two teams were awarded the National Engineer Awards.

Third, we emphasize brand-driven development. We have vigorously carried out brand building activities, earnestly promoted the transformation and upgrading of "time-honored brands," comprehensively cultivated brands across four fields and extensively fostered "new brands," making every effort to build well-known brands that represent Heilongjiang's characteristics and reputation. To be specific, "the four fields" refers to crude oil, raw coal, grain and timber, all of which represent competitive products from Heilongjiang. Now, "time-honored brand" enterprises, such as China First Heavy Industries, Harbin Electric Corporation, Daqing Oil Field and Beidahuang Group, have been reinvigorated, with 35 companies being listed as China Time-Honored Brands. We have 168 national Geographical Indication (GI) products such as Wuchang rice. We will continue to enhance brand building, allowing more "black soil superior products" to reach the dining table of Chinese people and empowering more "flagship products" from "Longjiang manufacturing" to contribute to the development of a strong country.

Fourth, we step up credit support. We are vigorously improving the social credit system, coordinating the building of government integrity, business integrity, social integrity and judicial credibility. In order to effectively solve the financing problems of small and medium-sized enterprises, we have strived to build a first-class financing credit information platform. Since the platform's official launch this March, 129 various financial institutions have joined in just over a month, releasing 78 financial products and issuing a total of 7.5 billion yuan in loans. This year, Heilongjiang's ice and snow tourism has become a trending topic on the internet, allowing everyone to feel the sincerity and honesty of the Heilongjiang people. Honesty and trustworthiness have become a bright business card in the practice of high-quality development in Heilongjiang. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

The last question.

China News Service:

A few days ago, a themed celebration was held in Harbin to mark the countdown of 300 days to the Asian Winter Games. May I ask, what kind of Asian Winter Games will Harbin present to everyone? Thank you.

Liang Huiling:

Thank you for your attention to the Asian Winter Games. The Ninth Asian Winter Games will be held in Harbin from Feb. 7 to 14, 2025. Following the Beijing Winter Olympics, this will be another comprehensive and international winter sports event hosted by China. Heilongjiang has unique ice and snow resources and a solid foundation in ice and snow sports. We will leverage the advantages of being a competitive ice and snow sports province and mobilize the entire province to make this Asian Winter Games a sports and cultural event that showcases Asian style, Chinese ethos, Longjiang characteristics and the charm of this ice city.

First, we will abide by the principle of "a streamlined event" in organizing the games. Harbin is a two Asian Winter Games city, with the first-time hosting being the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996. Thus, Harbin has a certain foundation for venue facilities. We will coordinate the needs of the games and post-game utilization, systematically and properly use existing resources, avoid large-scale demolition and construction and utilize the existing facilities for renovation in the implementation of "two competition areas, nine venues, and 37 villages."

Second, we will stick to the principle of "green development" in organizing the games. We will integrate the concept of green development throughout the entire process of the Asian Winter Games. Venue renovations will use energy-saving and environmentally-friendly building materials as well as green, low-carbon construction techniques to ensure environmental protection, green technology and eco-friendly furnishings. We will widely use clean energy, environmentally-friendly products and green, safe food in all aspects of the games, such as using new energy vehicles for torch relay and game services as well as using biodegradable materials for all tableware. The athlete village, technical officials' village and media village will also be heated by clean energy.

Third, we will adhere to the principle of "smartness" in organizing the games. We will apply information technology, intelligent services, biometric identification, artificial intelligence and other technologies in training, event management and security services, providing scientific and technological support for the events and service guarantees. We will comprehensively upgrade the network of venues, transportation hubs, high-speed rail, scenic spots and main hotels. For example, 5G-A technology will be used in venues to provide peak downlink speeds of up to ten gigabits and uplink speeds of up to one gigabit, providing a smoother network experience for everyone.

"Dream of Winter, Love among Asia." The mascots of this Asian Winter Games, "Binbin" and "Nini," are two lovely little Manchurian tigers, symbolizing "Harbin welcomes you." We sincerely look forward to meeting friends from all walks of life in this beautiful ice city and to share the grandeur of the Asian Winter Games. Thank you all!

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you Governor Liang and all the presenters for your introductions. Thank you to all the journalists for your participation. Today's press conference will conclude here. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, Cui Can, Wang Wei, Li Xiao, Liu Caiyi, Liu Sitong, Zhang Tingting, Liu Qiang, Yan Bin, Ma Yujia, Mi Xingang, Yuan Fang, Li Huiru, David Ball, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Li Lecheng, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liaoning Provincial Committee and governor of Liaoning province

Mr. Wang Jian, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Liaoning province

Mr. Zhang Lilin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and vice governor of Liaoning province

Mr. Gao Tao, vice governor of Liaoning province

Chairperson:

Mr. Chen Wenjun, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 23, 2024

Chen Wenjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 11th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Li Lecheng, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Liaoning Provincial Committee and governor of Liaoning province, to brief you on writing a new chapter in Liaoning's full revitalization with greater responsibilities and efforts, and then answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Wang Jian, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Liaoning province; Mr. Zhang Lilin, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and vice governor of Liaoning province; and Mr. Gao Tao, vice governor of Liaoning province.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Li for his introduction.

Li Lecheng:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. First, on behalf of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, the Provincial People's Government and the people of Liaoning province, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and strong support for the full revitalization of Liaoning.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to the revitalization and development of Liaoning. He has visited the province multiple times to inspect progress, and presided over the symposiums on promoting the revitalization of Northeast China three times. This has helped outline a comprehensive revitalization strategy for Northeast China and Liaoning. We remain committed to his guidance, and fully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy. We are focused on high-quality development and establishing a new development pattern as our primary strategic task. We firmly uphold our political responsibilities in safeguarding national defense, food, ecological, energy and industrial security. We are capitalizing on the crucial three-year period following the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) Plan to vigorously drive the three-year action for full revitalization and new breakthroughs. In 2023, Liaoning's GDP grew by 5.3%, surpassing the national growth rate for the first time in a decade and reaching a total economic output of 3 trillion yuan. In the first quarter of this year, Liaoning's socioeconomic development continued its positive trend from the previous year, with the growth rate increasing to 5.4%, demonstrating enhanced resilience, vitality and creativity in high-quality development.

To thoroughly implement the strategic decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and accelerate the promotion of high-quality development, the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee has set the goal of establishing "six areas" in the new era. Through relentless effort, we aim to transform Liaoning into a major supporting area for national strategies, a key source of technological innovation, a competitive hub for advanced manufacturing industries, a pioneer in the development of modern agriculture, a demonstration area for the integrated development of high-quality culture, sports and tourism, and a core region for opening-up and cooperation in Northeast Asia. Standing at a new historical starting point, we are dedicated to making these plans a practical path to enhance high-quality development, reviving the esteemed legacy of the "eldest son" of the People's Republic of China, and propeling the old industrial base to greater heights.

First, we are courageously leading in the development of new quality productive forces. This year, at the Shenyang sub-venue of the Spring Festival TV Gala, representatives of Liaoning's industrial and technological sectors, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, industrial robots, and chips, were showcased one by one. They demonstrated Liaoning's industrial strength and technological allure to the nation. Leveraging our scientific and educational resources, we are accelerating the establishment of a regional science and technology innovation center with national influence. We are focused on four trillion-yuan-level industrial bases, in advanced equipment manufacturing, petrochemical and fine chemicals, new metallurgical materials, and high-quality specialty consumer goods industries, and continue making structural adjustments. We have been working on "three major tasks": transforming and upgrading "time-honored brands," deeply developing "original brands" and nurturing and enhancing "new brands," to build a modern industrial system at a high level. We strive to turn sci-tech innovation from the "greatest variable" into the "greatest increase," promoting high-quality development.

Second, we aim to make breakthroughs in deepening reform and opening-up. We regard optimizing the business environment as the primary project to drive high-quality development and comprehensively deepen reforms. With the improving business environment in Liaoning, state-owned enterprises, private enterprises and foreign enterprises are actively establishing themselves in the province. Last year, the total investment in key central-local cooperation projects in Liaoning was 1.3 trillion yuan. The Huajin Aramco project, witnessed by the heads of state of China and Saudi Arabia, and the accelerated construction of the Xudapu Nuclear Power Plant, jointly witnessed by the heads of state of China and Russia, exemplify our efforts. Today, Liaoning's reform and opening-up will continue unabated. We welcome guests from all corners with more substantial strategies and sincere sentiments, ensuring that all business entities and the general public can truly feel that "Northeast China has immense potential for growth."

Third, we are strengthening our advantages by adhering to green development. We are steadfastly fighting the battle against pollution, defending ecological restoration and engaging in the prolonged battle for low-carbon transformation, while coordinating the management of mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems to make Liaoning's comprehensive ecological landscape even more splendid. The green, low-carbon and intelligent transformation of traditional industries is in full swing. This year, the proportion of installed non-fossil energy capacity will reach 50%. In the near future, clean energy will enter many more households all across Liaoning.

Fourth, we are actively working to enhance people's livelihoods and well-being. Last year, Liaoning ranked first nationally in the scale of old residential compound renovations. In the past three years, the number of pocket parks built in Liaoning ranked first in the country. We ensure that people experience small, tangible joys; we focus closely on the old and the young, and will progressively reduce the costs of education, healthcare and pensions for our citizens, enabling children to grow up healthy and the elderly to live long, healthy lives. Our cities are connected by high-speed rail, and our counties by expressways. On weekends, everyone can explore Liaoning's beauty. With the CBA playoffs underway, basketball fans can also come to Liaoning to experience the excitement of these events. In short, we treat "small matters of people's livelihoods" as "important matters," planning more projects to improve the livelihoods and well-being of the people in Liaoning, laying a solid foundation for their happiness and well-being.

That concludes my introduction. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Li. Now, the floor is open for questions. Please state the name of the media outlet you work for before asking your questions.

Economic Daily:

As Mr. Li just introduced, Liaoning's economy saw a growth rate of 5.3% last year, marking the first time in a decade that it exceeded the national average. What factors do you believe are driving this trend? And do you think Liaoning can sustain this upward trajectory?

Li Lecheng:

Thank you for your questions. Liaoning's achievements are attributed to the strong leadership and guidance of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as well as the robust participation and support from all sectors of society. The driving force behind the growth is also thanks to the implementation of the new round of comprehensive support policies for the full revitalization of Northeast China by the CPC Central Committee. We have implemented the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee, and have precisely implemented a package of supporting policies such as the Guideline on Policies and Measures to Further Promote a New Breakthrough in the Full Revitalization of Northeast China in the New Era issued by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We have introduced a series of policies and measures in a timely manner to stabilize the economy and reinforce growth, effectively translating policy dividends into tangible results for Liaoning's revitalization and development. The growth has also benefited from Liaoning's unique comparative advantages. Liaoning has a solid foundation across its primary, secondary and tertiary sectors, particularly excelling in its comprehensive industrial system, which leads the way nationally. Liaoning covers 40 of the 41 major industrial categories in the national economy, 197 of the 207 medium-sized industrial categories, and 519 of the 666 small industrial categories. In Liaoning, a constellation of "major national equipment" has emerged, including the debuts of the first domestically-built aircraft carrier and carrier-based aircraft. Robotics, intelligent equipment and aviation equipment hold crucial positions nationwide. Liaoning has significant advantages in terms of its location, with well-developed transportation facilities, ranking high in terms of railway and road network densities, and possessing six important ports including Dalian Port, Yingkou Port and Jinzhou Port, serving as key nodes for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and as key gateways connecting the Eurasian land bridge. Liaoning boasts rich scientific and educational resources, with 114 higher education institutions. The concentration of talent clusters provides an endless source of momentum for scientific and technological innovation throughout the province. Furthermore, the growth is driven by the increasingly entrepreneurial spirit among both officials and the general public across the province. We adhere to the concepts of having an open mind, staying true to principles while exploring innovations, and prioritizing business environment optimization as a key and critical battle. Starting from addressing the "small issues" that trouble and worry enterprises and the public, we are advancing institutional innovation. We have refunded taxes and fees totaling over 140 billion yuan, benefiting 11 million business entities, and continuously lowering production and operating costs for enterprises. The current situation in Liaoning is characterized by harmonious governance, shared aspirations from all levels, and forward-thinking. Across the province, there has been a noticeable surge in the flow of people, goods and capital. The people's enthusiasm, initiative and creativity have been unleashed, fostering enduring confidence and strength for comprehensive revitalization. Liaoning will undoubtedly continue its upward trend, forging a path toward high-quality development. Thank you.

China National Radio:

As we know, Liaoning is an important industrial base for the country. What considerations and arrangements does Liaoning have for developing new quality productive forces in the future?

Li Lecheng:

Thank you for your question. It's an excellent question. As I mentioned in my introduction, Liaoning is striving to take the lead in developing new quality productive forces. I will now elaborate on this aspect.

To foster new quality productive forces, we will reinforce the role of sci-tech innovation in turbocharging growth. This includes advancing the development of key laboratory clusters and basic science centers, establishing Liaoning laboratories, and promoting pre-research projects for major scientific equipment to strengthen the foundation for sci-tech innovation. We are facilitating closer collaboration among tech companies, universities and research institutions, enhancing the integration of research and industry. We are addressing challenging issues in critical areas. For example, Ansteel has developed a novel steel for extreme cold marine equipment, with three products debuting globally and six domestically, providing material support for major marine engineering projects such as the world's first ultra-deep-water drilling platform, "Blue Whale 1." We will continue striving to achieve more original and disruptive sci-tech innovations, and contributing Liaoning's strength to safeguarding the nation's industrial security.

In the pursuit of developing new quality productive forces, we will prioritize the development of the real economy. When discussing Liaoning's industrial landscape, the first thing that comes to mind might be the variety of major national achievements, such as the inaugural domestically built aircraft carrier, carrier-based aircraft, wind tunnel compressors and shield tunneling machines. Additionally, for those of us who use domestically produced smartphones, there is a high likelihood that the motor in your phone's camera originates from Liaoning. Currently, Liaoning holds the top position domestically and ranks second globally for this particular product. Aside from manufacturing numerous major national equipment, Liaoning has also cultivated many "hidden champions." We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the high-end upgrading of traditional industries and the industrialization of cutting-edge technologies, with a focus on areas such as digitalization and sustainability, to comprehensively boost our industrial competitiveness.

As part of our efforts to develop new quality productive forces, we will comprehensively deepen reform. Through a reform-oriented approach, we aim to efficiently gather innovative factors and conduct major technological innovation verification and demonstration applications. This will forge a seamless link between innovation and practical application, ensuring that more research outcomes can transition from theoretical concepts to tangible market products. For instance, we support large centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in addressing emission reduction and carbon reduction technologies through open competition. This approach has resulted in a 1.9% reduction in comprehensive energy consumption per metric ton of steel, a 43.6% decrease in labor costs, and savings of millions of yuan in foreign software licensing fees. Furthermore, we will persist in our efforts to adjust and optimize the state-owned economy, empowering more promising entities to play pivotal roles in the economic landscape by confronting challenges head-on and overcoming obstacles effectively.

That is all from me. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

My question is regarding talent. In 2023, we saw Liaoning reverse the trend of 11 consecutive years of continuous net outflow of its population, achieving a net inflow of 86,000 people. What efforts has Liaoning made in attracting and retaining talent? Could you also please share the initiatives and strategies Liaoning is implementing to further retain talent? Thank you.

Li Lecheng:

Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Zhang to answer this question.

Zhang Lilin:

Thank you for your keen observation of the full revitalization of Liaoning province, especially the development and changes of Liaoning's talent work. You mentioned the changes last year, which have not been seen in 11 years. The net population inflow was 86,000. Although this is not a huge number of people, it demonstrates a qualitative change. This change signifies our upward economic development and industrial direction. It is a concentrated reflection of our improved environment and stronger economic vitality, which fully demonstrates that the outside world's expectations of Liaoning have undergone major changes.

Talent is the primary resource. Talent is a key element in Liaoning's revitalization. In recent years, we have taken the three-year action plan for comprehensive revitalization aimed at making new breakthroughs as our general guide, fully promoting high-quality development, further stimulating innovation vitality, creating more openings, and expanding the talent pool. We have accelerated the creation of an upgraded business environment as a solid leverage, striving to create a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment to attract more investment, introduce more enterprises, and create a more attractive platform for talents. In terms of practical measures, we continue to promote the optimization of talent introduction policies. We have taken the "creating a province strong in talent" strategy as one of the 10 new breakthroughs and 50 key tasks. We continue to prioritize the development of talents, optimize the talent environment and enhance the attractiveness for talents. Last year, six new academicians to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), were employed in Liaoning, bringing the provincial total to 61. Meanwhile, 4,387 full-time doctoral degree holders and personnel with senior professional titles at home and abroad were introduced, a year-on-year increase of 77%; and 401,000 college graduates were employed, a year-on-year increase of 20.8. This provided solid support in terms of talent for achieving the first phased victory in the three-year action plan of comprehensive revitalization for new breakthroughs.

We will set the goal of making Liaoning a popular choice for talent, and strive to create an international talent destination focused on Northeast Asia by attracting talented professionals, retaining them and putting them to good use. We will innovatively implement the Liaoning Talent Initiative, continue efforts to attract graduate students to remain in or come to live and work in Liaoning, and continue to deepen the reform of the talent development system and mechanism. We will ensure the implementation of policies such as providing rewards and subsidies, housing, schooling and medical services, to make Liaoning a more affectionate place so that more of talented people can settle down, feel at ease and have a promising career here.

That is all from me. Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

As you mentioned, Liaoning province has more than 110 universities and research institutes, as well as 61 academicians, and has abundant sci-tech resources. How will Liaoning next promote the transformation of these premium scientific and educational resources into advantages for innovative development? Thank you.

Gao Tao:

That is a very good question. The key to Liaoning's high-quality development lies in innovation-driven development. We will set the goal of creating a hub for major technological innovation, focus on creating a regional technological innovation center with national reach, and adhere to attaching importance to both sci-tech innovation and institutional innovation. We will develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions, strive to open up new areas and new arenas, and build a modern industrial system with Liaoning characteristics, as part of the efforts to transform the advantages of our scientific and educational resources into a winning force for revitalization and development. The focus will be on the following aspects:

First, we will coordinate the construction of the innovation system, and consolidate the "beams and pillars" of sci-tech innovation. We will promote the construction of Shenyang Hunnan Science and Technology City, Yinggeshi Science City in Dalian and Shenyang-Fushun Scientific and Technological Innovation Park to create a regional sci-tech innovation powerhouse. We will systematically deploy strategic sci-tech strength and strive to launch more national-level innovation platforms in Liaoning. The province has received approval to build 11 new national key laboratories. We have also established and operated four Liaoning laboratories with new systems and mechanisms to explore new models for the construction of major innovation platforms. This year, we will focus on key industrial clusters to build 20 provincial key laboratory clusters to further promote the in-depth integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Second, we will promote high-level scientific and technological self-reliance, and strengthen research on core technologies in key fields. We support leading companies to take the lead in establishing innovation consortia and implement major sci-tech projects focusing on high-end computer-numerical-control machine tools, energy storage and hydrogen energy industry. We will make breakthroughs starting from zero in a number of major scientific issues in key areas such as chemistry, materials and energy. We will resolve a number of choke points in the fields of high-end equipment, new energy and integrated circuit equipment. A large number of major equipment such as the CAP1400 (Guohe One) canned motor main pump and the AGT-110 heavy-duty gas turbine were developed in Liaoning.

Third, we will reform and innovate systems and mechanisms, and open up channels for the transformation of sci-tech achievements. We will further improve the service system for the transformation of sci-tech achievements, and promote more achievements to move from laboratory to workshop, integrate into the industrial chain, and gain access to the market. Focusing on key industrial areas, we will promote the construction of 36 pilot test bases and build a public service network for pilot test covering the entire province as an intermediate station for the transformation of sci-tech achievements. We have also actively cultivated over 400 sci-tech service institutions to carry out professional and market-oriented roadshow activities, and promoted the transformation and industrialization of sci-tech achievements. In 2023, Liaoning's technology contract turnover reached 130.83 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 30.8%.

Fourth, we will cultivate and strengthen sci-tech enterprises, and continue to stimulate innovation vitality. We have vigorously cultivated technology-based enterprises and enterprises that use specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. We have supported enterprises to take the lead in establishing 600 substantive alliances between industries, universities and research institutes, and bringing together more than 2,000 universities, scientific research institutions and key enterprises to carry out collaborative innovation. We have also organized and carried out special events to introduce technicians into enterprises and rural areas to provide more precise services for industrial development. In 2023, our small and medium-sized sci-tech enterprises and new- and high-tech enterprises grew by 55.6% and 16.0%, respectively. There were 1,029 newly added start-up enterprises with strong innovation ability and high growth potential and gazelle enterprises, and 41 "little giant" enterprises with high growth potential, advanced technology and strong market competitive edge in Liaoning province. We also saw the birth of the first unicorn enterprise in the province. As Mr. Li mentioned, the "biggest variable" of technological innovation is being transformed into the "biggest increment" in promoting high-quality development in Liaoning. That is all from me. Thank you.

N Video from Nanfang Metropolis Daily:

Liaoning province is renowned for its abundant energy resources. However, it faces pressure to reduce carbon emissions and tackle environmental pollution, among other pressing issues. What efforts will Liaoning make to accelerate energy mix readjustment and achieve a transition toward green and low-carbon practices? Thank you.

Wang Jian:

I'll answer this question. As the journalist said, as a heavy-industry base, Liaoning province faces the challenge of accelerating the transition to green and low-carbon practices due to its significant and intense energy consumption. In recent years, we have upheld the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets and have intensified efforts to coordinately promote carbon emission reduction, pollution reduction, green development expansion and economic growth, so as to make "green" a defining feature of the full revitalization of Liaoning province.

We have made substantial efforts in the following two areas:

First, we intensified our efforts to control and reduce carbon emissions at the source. Recognizing our high proportion of fossil fuel consumption, we have significantly increased the utilization of wind and solar energy in a concentrated and efficient manner, aiming to build up the province's strength in clean energy production. Currently, clean energy accounts for 49.5% of the province's total installed power generation capacity, with this share expected to exceed 50% this year. By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the proportion of the installed capacity of clean energy is expected to reach 56.8%. While ensuring energy supply, we are actively promoting the construction of smart power grids to better manage clean energy resources, encompassing grid connection, distribution, and control. Moreover, we have been implementing pilot projects for establishing integrated energy systems, enabling the comprehensive and coordinated arrangement of power sources, grids, loads, and energy storage to ensure effective generation, transmission, and utilization of new energy.

In order to build Liaoning province into a clean energy powerhouse, we will leverage its strengths in energy equipment and scientific research in the energy sector. This includes bolstering specific sectors, such as nuclear energy, power transmission and transformation, hydrogen energy, and energy storage. Additionally, we will implement new-type energy storage pilots for lithium-ion batteries, vanadium redox flow batteries, compressed air technologies, and sodium-ion batteries. Furthermore, we will actively promote the development of industrial chains related to hydrogen energy production, storage, transportation, and application. All these efforts will help ensure national energy security in an all-round manner.

Second, we prioritize carbon emission reduction in existing sectors. Liaoning's refining capacity ranks second nationwide, and its steel and iron production capacity ranks fourth. While our petrochemical and metallurgical industries are competitive, they are also top priorities for carbon emission reduction. We will promote large-scale equipment upgrades to accelerate technological transformations in the petrochemical, metallurgical, and other manufacturing industries, advancing toward higher-end, more intelligent, and greener development. Last year, a total of 537 key projects for ultra-low emission transformation were completed in steel and iron enterprises, and the rate of fine chemicals in the province's chemical industry reached 46.2%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points from 2022. Moreover, we have implemented rigorous market access controls and have resolved to halt the blind development of energy-intensive and high-emission projects. We have stepped up efforts to promote energy-saving renovations of buildings and facilitate the transition to green and low-carbon transportation, aiming to ensure a lighter industrial structure, a greener economic model, and higher-quality development.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

Thecover.cn:

Industrial revitalization serves as a prerequisite for the revitalization of Liaoning province. However, traditional heavy industries rely highly on resources and cause significant environmental damage. How will Liaoning province build a modern industrial system with its own distinctive advantages to revitalize the old industrial base? Thank you.

Li Lecheng:

Thank you for your question, and I'll provide an answer. It's widely acknowledged that the industrial sector serves as the backbone of Liaoning's economy. Therefore, revitalizing the industrial sector is a top priority for the overall revitalization of the province. In 2023, Liaoning ramped up its efforts in industrial restructuring, transformation, and upgrading, successfully achieving higher-quality growth with appropriate expansion of output. This year, the province aims to establish a modern industrial system with distinctive competitiveness, supporting its full revitalization in the new era through high-quality and new-type industrialization. We will enhance efforts in the following aspects:

We will focus on industrial restructuring. Greater efforts will be made to cultivate key industrial clusters and establish four trillion-yuan-level industrial bases. Additionally, we will advance large-scale equipment renewals and technological transformation, intensifying efforts to upgrade the equipment manufacturing industry to a more advanced and innovative level, expand downstream operations in the petrochemical and fine chemical industries, ensure cutting-edge innovations in the new metallurgical materials industry, and enable the consumer goods industry to produce more high-quality and specialized products. Meanwhile, we will develop emerging industries such as integrated circuit equipment and biomedicine while nurturing future-oriented industries such as artificial intelligence and cell therapy. Moving forward, we will advance technological innovation, making efforts to push forward industrial upgrading through innovation. We will carry out industrial foundation reengineering projects and research projects on major technologies and equipment. We will also implement the high-quality development action plan for key industrial chains in the manufacturing industry, focusing on the development of major fields, such as high-performance membranes and the titanium industry. This year, we will establish four provincial-level manufacturing innovation centers and intensify research efforts to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, facilitating their industrialization and enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of industrial and supply chains. Additionally, we will prioritize industrial transformation and upgrading. Efforts will be made to accelerate the use of intelligent technologies to promote development. This year, we anticipate the establishment of more than 20 5G factories and over 10 "5G+industrial internet" integrated application pilot zones, along with the creation of over 100 provincial-level industrial internet platforms. We will ramp up efforts to hold a successful Global Industrial Internet Conference this year and will execute the special action plan to empower the development of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digitalization, promoting their digital and intelligent transformation and network-based connectivity. In addition, we will strive for green development. Efforts will be made to promote the development of the industrial sector in a green, low-carbon and circular manner. We will implement measures to peak carbon dioxide emissions in the industrial sector and facilitate the green and low-carbon transformation of key industries such as petrochemicals, steel and iron, and building materials. These efforts will help improve industrial energy efficiency and facilitate the comprehensive use of resources. We will enhance the green manufacturing system with the goal of reaching 650 provincial-level green manufacturing enterprises by the end of this year. We will intensify efforts to support enterprise development, including boosting major industrial companies' development and improving public service systems for SMEs. This year, we will promote the integrated development of small-, medium- and large-sized enterprises, aiming to establish 1,000 new innovative SMEs, 300 SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products, and 50 provincial-level single-product champion enterprises in the manufacturing sector. 

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

Liaoning Radio and Television Station: 

I would like to ask a question about agriculture. We all know that Liaoning province has a wide variety of agricultural products, such as strawberries from Dandong, cherries from Dalian and river crabs from Panjin. Could you please explain how Liaoning plans to leverage these rich agricultural resources to promote high-quality agricultural development in the future? Thank you.

Wang Jian:

I will answer this question. It is often said that the land shapes its people and fosters unique characteristics. Liaoning is located in the southern part of the Northeast Plain, one of the world's three major black soil regions. The province boasts "mountains accounting for 60%, rivers and lakes accounting for 10% and arable land accounting for 30% of its territory," with a complete ecosystem including mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans, wetlands, and more. The unique natural resources and climate conditions have endowed Liaoning with distinct advantages in agriculture. The province produces a wide range of agricultural products with superior quality and has many well-known geographical indication (GI) products. We aim to become a pioneer in the development of large-scale modern agriculture, and to accelerate the construction of a strong agricultural province and a leading province in the food industry.

First, we must firmly shoulder the political responsibility of guaranteeing national food security. Liaoning is one of the 13 major grain-producing provinces in China, with its grain yield per unit area ranking among the top. Last year, our total grain output reached 25.64 million metric tons, reaching a new historic high. To increase grain production capacity, we will implement actions to enhance capacity, consolidate the foundations of food security, strictly adhere to the red line for protecting arable land, increase investment, raise standards and strive to become a model province for the construction of high-standard cropland. We will also implement projects for the protection of black soil according to different types, converting more arable land into "stable-yield fields" and "high-yield fields." Seeds are the "chips" of agriculture, and we will fully leverage our advantages in agricultural science and technology to carry out actions for the revitalization of the seed industry, providing a guarantee of seed sources for food security.

Second, we will actively adopt an all-encompassing approach to food and build a diversified food supply system, transforming agriculture into an inclusive industry. The distinctive advantages of Liaoning's agriculture are obvious. As mentioned earlier by the journalist, strawberries in Dandong, cherries in Dalian and river crabs in Panjin are all well-known to everyone. In addition, we have many other specialty agricultural products. For example, our offshore resources are abundant with the Liaodong Bay and Haiyang Island being two major traditional fishing grounds, ranking fourth in the country in terms of marine aquaculture output. Additionally, fruits in southern Liaoning, miscellaneous grains in western Liaoning and the "six treasures of traditional Chinese medicine" in eastern Liaoning are also renowned nationwide. Furthermore, Liaoning's greenhouse vegetables achieve year-round production and sales, ensuring supply throughout the seasons. We will focus on developing superior varieties, improving quality and building brands, further refining quality and expanding the scale of specialty agricultural products, allowing people to taste more Liaoning's specialties and flavors.

We will also strive to extend the industrial chain of agriculture and increase its added value. We will cultivate a group of leading enterprises, accelerate the construction of 100-billion-yuan industrial clusters in livestock and poultry, grains and oils, aquaculture, and fruits and vegetables, forming a development pattern in the food industry with leading enterprises and thriving clusters. We will make good use of Liaoning's unique advantages in agriculture, achieving industrial prosperity, agricultural strength and rural prosperity. Thank you.

People's Daily: 

Just now, it was mentioned that Liaoning has carried out a large amount of effective work in areas such as providing services for the elderly and children as well as renovating old communities. Could you please tell us what other efforts Liaoning has made to continuously improve people's well-being? What measures will be taken in the future? Thank you.

Zhang Lilin:

Thank you for your concern toward people's livelihoods. Benefiting the people is an eternal theme for us. In recent years, we have focused on addressing the pressing difficulties and problems that concerned the people most, releasing practical measures, doing practical things and seeking solid outcomes. We have issued the "Implementation of Measures on Further Guaranteeing and Improving People's Livelihoods in the Three-Year Action Plan for Comprehensive Revitalization of Liaoning," and formulated a list of practical matters for the people, striving to ensure that the people feel more fulfilled, have a more sustainable sense of happiness and experience a greater sense of safety. In 2023, the proportion of general public budget expenditures used for people's livelihoods in the province reached 76.5%. In the future, we will further guarantee and improve people's livelihoods in the pursuit of high-quality development, making the lives of Liaoning’s citizens better day by day.

First, we will make people feel more at ease with housing. We will make great efforts to build government-subsidized housing, implement urban renewal actions and create more high-quality living spaces. The province will renovate another 4,600 kilometers of old pipe networks, including 300 kilometers of gas pipelines, 1,500 kilometers of water supply pipelines, 1,500 kilometers of heating pipelines and 1,300 kilometers of drainage pipelines. We will continue to renovate 700 old communities and 4,463 buildings, covering a total construction area of 18 million square meters and benefiting 256,000 households, making life more comfortable for the general public.

Second, we will strive to make people more satisfied with education. We will accelerate the formation of a high-quality and balanced basic public education system. The proportion of public-interest kindergartens and regular senior high schools with high quality and distinctive features in the province have reached 89.9% and 56.4% respectively. We will ensure there are special needs education resource centers in all city-level administrative areas, accelerate the development of high-quality, well-balanced and integrated compulsory education in both urban and rural areas, and expand the scale of regular senior high schools with high quality and distinctive features. Thus, we will make students and parents more satisfied with education. 

Third, we will try to make people more satisfied with employment. We will carry out a series of actions to guarantee and promote employment, so as to advance revitalization. In 2024, Liaoning plans to release policy dividends in the field of human resources and social security and issue loans for enterprises to bolster employment totaling more than seven billion yuan, helping companies fill more than 700,000 vacancies. We will shift from "being able to find jobs" and "finding jobs quickly" to "finding good jobs" and "being content with one’s job," helping job hunters attain full employment.

Fourth, we aim to make public health care services more caring. Upholding the principle of medical professionals providing the necessary services for people's health, we are advancing the expansion of high-quality medical resources and striving for a balance in regional distribution. In 2024, we will add 100 key clinical specialties at the provincial, city and county levels. We are creating warmer health care services by optimizing outpatient processes throughout the pre-diagnosis, diagnosis and post-diagnosis stages. We are also promoting multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment models, flexible scheduling of outpatient appointments, and establishing one-stop service centers. Our goal is to ensure that the people have reliable medical support to improve their lives and health.

Fifth, we aim to help the elderly feel greater reassurance. We will steadily increase the level of social insurance benefits and implement a comprehensive social security coverage plan. We will strengthen the construction of urban and rural community elderly care service networks, focusing on providing elderly care services on their doorstep. We are committed to creating "15-minute elderly care service circles" that ensure convenient access to services. Additionally, we will carry out senior-friendly transformations for 15,000 households with elderly people in special difficulties, further enhancing the peace of mind for the elderly.

That concludes my introduction. Thank you.

CCTV:

Earlier, Mr. Li mentioned that optimizing the business environment should be regarded as the "first move" and "key battle" in comprehensive revitalization. What are your considerations for the next steps in building the business environment?

Li Lecheng:

Thank you for your question. This matter is of great concern to various sectors of society. We often say that businesses create wealth, while the government creates the environment. We consider optimizing the business environment as the "first move" and "key battle" in the three-year action plan for comprehensive revitalization. We will continue to deepen reforms in key areas, improve government services, focus on benefiting enterprises and the people, and strive to explore a new path that is in line with the reality of Liaoning province and has its own characteristics.

To improve the business environment, we have started by focusing on the government itself. We firmly believe that integrity and the rule of law are the cornerstones of optimizing the business environment. We have initiated special campaigns to ensure government compliance and commitment, emphasizing that new officials must address old issues. We have made significant efforts to address instances of government misconduct, and we have overseen the resolution of nearly 17,000 issues related to the business environment. As a result, market confidence, industry confidence and social confidence have all significantly improved.

Enabling the public to handle their affairs without relying on personal connections is like giving them a reassuring dose of fairness and justice. We have initiated the reform to eradicate favoritism in handling affairs, promoting a campaign in Liaoning of "No Favoritism, No Personal Gain." Throughout the province, more than 900 beneficial policies have been implemented that can instantly be enjoyed without the need for application, benefiting over 11 million enterprises and allowing business entities to fully reap the benefits of these policy dividends.

We are striving to ensure that good things are done well and done quickly. We are actively promoting a direct reporting system between the provincial authorities and counties for land requisition and modularized approvals, significantly reducing the time required for approval. By reducing the tax and fee burden on enterprises, last year we achieved over 40 billion yuan in additional tax and fee reductions, exemptions, refunds and deferred payments provincewide. We have implemented a "one-stop" approach for 35 high-frequency scenarios, resulting in a reduction of average processing time by 62%. This year, we will further expand this approach to include 48 scenarios.

Telephone calls from ordinary people serve as the best opportunity for us to optimize the business environment. Currently, the 12345 hotline has been developed into the centralized customer service for government affairs across the entire province. By addressing specific small issues, scenarios and initial signs of improvement, we are promoting targeted rectification of persistent problems in the business environment. Last year, the hotline received a total of 12.55 million requests, with a completion rate of 99%, effectively addressing various demands.

How is the business environment in Liaoning? Let me provide you with some data. Last year, the business vitality of enterprises in Liaoning increased to 66.7%, showing year-on-year growth of 3.4 percentage points. The in-place investment increased by 16% compared to the previous year. Both domestic and foreign enterprises have shown their trust in the province's business environment by actively engaging and investing. Entrepreneurs can pursue their dreams with confidence while we stand as their strongest support and best partner.

We sincerely welcome friends from the media to visit Liaoning, explore its wonders, and closely observe the development of our business environment. We also welcome your valuable feedback. Thank you.

Phoenix Satellite Television:

Cities like Shenyang and Dalian have always been popular tourist destinations. Additionally, places like the wetland park in Panjin have also garnered significant attention. How does Liaoning plan to turn this widespread attention into a solid foundation for the long-term development of its cultural tourism industry, attracting people to visit and also return? Thank you.

Gao Tao:

Thank you for your interest in Liaoning's cultural tourism sector. Liaoning province boasts beautiful natural landscape, rich cultural heritage and warm, genuine people. We have a diverse range of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands and deserts, each with their own unique beauty. The historical legacies of the Hongshan culture, San-Yan culture, Liao and Jin dynasties culture, and the early Qing dynasty culture have been preserved over time. Moreover, the people of Liaoning province are known for their hospitality and kindness. We are working tirelessly to present the most beautiful aspects of Liaoning to visitors from both home and abroad.

At the end of last year, the National Cultural Heritage Administration (NCHA) announced the latest findings in its research project to trace the origins of Chinese civilization, confirming that the Niuheliang Site of the Hongshan culture represents the first stage of ancient Chinese civilization. This discovery has attracted a large number of tourists to visit the city of Chaoyang in Liaoning, seeking to explore its ancient wonders.

During this year's Spring Festival holiday, visitors flocked to Liaoning to revel in ice and snow activities and hot spring relaxation, attracted by its combination of accessibility, moderate temperatures, and affordability. Liaoning's abundance of ski resorts, coupled with its milder winter temperatures, has made the province a consistently sought-after destination for ice and snow tourism. In Shenyang, visitors flocked to the Xiaoheyan morning market to experience the quintessence of affordability and made a stop at the internet-famous Shenyangzhanzhan subway station to partake in the "Listen to Advice Tourism" trend (The Shenyang Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television reverted the station's name back to its original version after heeding the advice of internet users). Additionally, visitors explored the historical relics of the Qing dynasty (1616-1911) at the Shenyang Imperial Palace, one of the nation's two remaining ancient imperial palace complexes. During the Spring Festival holiday, Liaoning received a total of 40.866 million visitors, a year-on-year increase of 299.6%, generating a total revenue of 41.27 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 572.7%.

This trend continues to gain momentum. This spring, Liaoning has witnessed a resurgence in the popularity of flower and bird appreciation tours. Visitors have been flocking to the province to admire the stunning spring blossoms and picturesque landscapes, indulge in distinctive local cuisines, and immerse themselves in folk culture. Currently, Gangdong 5th Street in Dalian has emerged as a bustling new tourist destination.

Moving forward, we will continuously refine our tourism offerings and enrich the cultural depth of ice and snow, oceanic, borderland, and game-based experiences. By incorporating elements of leisure travel, we will vigorously develop ice and snow hot spring tours, eco-friendly residential getaways, marine and island excursions, revolutionary legacy study journeys, and distinctive culinary explorations, among others. Our aim is to introduce a wider range of high-quality cultural, sports, and tourism-integrated products that not only cater to market demand but also embody rich regional characteristics.

By capitalizing on the opportunity to host China's 15th National Winter Games and embracing the concept of "traveling with sports events," we will enhance and diversify our cultural and sports tourism experiences. This initiative aims to deeply ingrain Liaoning's tourism slogan, "Mountains and seas bear affection; Liaoning beckons with heart and harmony," within the hearts of visitors and establish the province as a pioneering region for the high-quality, integrated development of cultural and sports tourism.

That's all for my answer. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

The last question, please.

China Daily:

This year's Summer Davos meeting will take place in Dalian, Liaoning. As an important platform for enhancing international exchange and cooperation, what are the unique aspects of this year's event? Positioned as a hub in Northeast Asia, what steps will Liaoning take next to pioneer new opening-up frontiers? Thank you.

Li Lecheng:

Thanks for your interest in this regard. This year's Summer Davos Forum will gather more than 1,500 guests from across the globe in Dalian, marking a historical milestone in both scale and level of attendees. The hosting of this event in Liaoning aligns perfectly with the province's strategy of positioning itself as an opening-up and cooperation hub in Northeast Asia. Meanwhile, the theme of this year's forum, "Next Frontiers for Growth," mirrors Liaoning's aim of pioneering new frontiers for opening-up.

Situated at the core of Northeast Asia, Liaoning boasts both coastal and border regions. With its extensive coastline, favorable port resources, and advantageous location near Japan, South Korea, Russia and Mongolia, the province also enjoys a strong industrial foundation with comprehensive industrial categories and a wealth of innovative resources driven by the concentration of scientific and educational talents. These factors make Liaoning one of the provinces with the richest opening-up traditions, the greatest opening-up potential, and the highest opening-up vitality. We will fully leverage our geographical, industrial, and production factor resources, deeply integrate into Belt and Road cooperation, and advance opening-up to the north and east. We will conduct targeted investment attraction efforts, actively promote the development of foreign trade and economic ties, and deliver higher-quality services to foreign-funded and foreign-trade enterprises. We will also focus on Fortune Global 500 enterprises and prominent domestic and international corporations to secure a range of high-caliber, large-scale projects, as well as ventures that harness cutting-edge technologies to create novel and distinctive products. Additionally, we will endeavor to grow foreign trade and fully leverage domestic and international exhibitions to aid enterprises in expanding their global reach. We will cultivate new business forms and models of foreign trade, and steadily expand the scale and improve the quality in terms of exporting used cars and the "new three," namely photovoltaics, lithium-ion batteries and new energy vehicles. We will fully explore new growth drivers such as cross-border e-commerce, overseas warehousing, transit trade, and bonded trade. Moreover, we will accelerate the construction of a sea-land corridor in northeast China, work to establish the China-Europe Railway Express (Shenyang) Cargo Consolidation Hub, and steadily improve the quality and scale of China-Europe Railway Express operations, thus advancing the quality and effectiveness of sea-rail intermodal transportation. We will continue to enhance various opening-up platforms by implementing four strategies: upgrading the pilot free trade zone, driving innovation and quality improvement in the economic and technological development zone, empowering the special customs regulation zone, and fostering synergistic development among different platforms.

When adopting a global perspective, nothing escapes our sight. By strategically planning our opening-up with a worldwide perspective, synchronously driving the development of investment, consumption, and export, advocating competitive growth among state-owned enterprises, private businesses, and foreign companies, and expediting the attraction of capital, technology, and talent, Liaoning will undoubtedly set forth on a more expansive path towards revitalization and development. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity, through the media in attendance today, to extend an invitation to businesspeople from both China and around the world to come to Liaoning. Let's join hands to build Liaoning into a hub of opening-up and cooperation in Northeast Asia, and share the valuable opportunities presented by northeast China's all-round revitalization. Thank you.

Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Li. Thanks to the other speakers and friends from the media. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Wang Yiming, Wang Qian, Qin Qi, Liu Qiang, Yan Bin, Yuan Fang, Gong Yingchun, Zhang Junmian, Mi Xingang, Huang Shan, Liu Caiyi, Zhou Jing, Xu Xiaoxuan, Li Huiru, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Hu Yuting, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jilin Provincial Committee and governor of Jilin province

Mr. Cai Dong, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Jilin province

Mr. Li Guoqiang, vice governor of Jilin province

Ms. Yang Andi, vice governor of Jilin province

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 22, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 10th press conference in the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we are very pleased to be joined by Mr. Hu Yuting, deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jilin Provincial Committee and governor of Jilin province, who will brief you on striving for new breakthroughs to revitalize Jilin in the new era and then take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Cai Dong, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee and executive vice governor of Jilin province, as well as two vice governors of the province, Mr. Li Guoqiang and Ms. Yang Andi.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Hu Yuting.

Hu Yuting:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. I would like to start by extending my deep appreciation for your long-standing interest in and support for the revitalization and development of Jilin. It is also my pleasure to have the opportunity to brief you on this topic.

General Secretary Xi Jinping holds high expectations for the revitalization and development of Jilin. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, he has conducted three inspection tours in the province and put forward the important requirements for us to "shoulder new responsibilities, achieve new breakthroughs and make new accomplishments." This has drawn up a blueprint for Jilin's comprehensive revitalization, and injected strong impetus into the endeavor.

Bearing in mind such expectations, we have resolutely shouldered the important mission of safeguarding the nation's security in food, industry, energy, eco-system and national defense, ushering in a phase of accelerated revitalization and development. In 2023, Jilin's GDP saw year-on-year growth of 6.3%, outpacing the national GDP by 1.1 percentage points. In the first quarter of this year, the province's GDP growth rate hit 6.5%, again surpassing the national economic growth by 1.2 percentage points. With the growth rates of its multiple economic indicators ranking among the top in the country, Jilin has maintained a sound momentum of achieving stable growth while making further progress.

Jilin is not only a key industrial base in the country, but also a major farming province and one rich in ecological resources. Its industrialization started early, and it served as the cradle of the country's auto, chemical and film industries. Jilin has achieved numerous unprecedented national milestones and made key historic contributions to the nation.

On the new journey in the new era, we have kept this historical heritage in mind, carried forward our diligent traditions, and spared no effort to shore up weak links and embrace new challenges. We are poised to achieve new breakthroughs in Jilin's comprehensive revitalization.

Jilin's biggest advantage lies in its agricultural sector. Located within one of the world's three major chernozem soil regions, Jilin leads the nation in large-scale farming and agricultural mechanization. Its annual grain output has exceeded 40 billion kilograms for three consecutive years, and its pioneering role in advancing modern agriculture has been further consolidated.

Jilin's primary strength stems from its manufacturing industry. "Made-in-Jilin" products like vehicles from FAW Group , high-speed trains from CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, and satellites from Chang Guang Satellite Technology are well-recognized across the country. Notably, the world's first hydrogen-powered urban train completed its test run here. The Jilin-1 satellites have become the world's largest sub-meter-level commercial remote sensing satellite constellation.

Jilin's innovation strength comes from its edge in science, education and humanities. It is home to 66 colleges and universities, 106 research institutes, and numerous national strategic sci-tech facilities. It ranks fifth nationwide in terms of the scientific research material conditions index , and boasts huge potential for innovation-driven development.

Jilin has made "green" a defining feature of its ecological environment. It boasts not only lucid waters and lush mountains, but also abundant ice and snow resources. Jilin ranks top in the country in the comprehensive evaluation of forest resources. In addition, it is rich in wind and photovoltaic power, and also enjoys a vast expanse of land, providing a unique advantage for the development of new energy industries.

On the new journey in the new era, we will seize the opportunities and work to the best of our abilities. There is much that we can do in achieving new breakthroughs in Jilin's comprehensive revitalization. Specifically, we aim to make breakthroughs in the following fields:

First, we will spur industrial innovation by making sci-tech innovations, and develop new quality productive forces in accordance with Jilin's local conditions. We will implement a sci-tech innovation mechanism, making organized efforts to achieve sci-tech breakthroughs and foster their applications. By doing so, we will address the needs of the industrial sector, further pool strength to make sci-tech breakthroughs in this regard, and expedite their application. We will ramp up efforts to develop the "four key clusters": big agriculture , big equipment , big tourism and big data. We will bolster the "six emerging industries": new energy, new materials, new medicine, new healthcare, new services and new e-commerce. In addition, we will enhance the construction of "new facilities in four categories": new infrastructure, new environment, new lifestyle and new consumption pattern. With such efforts, we aim to develop a high-quality development system and a high-level living system.

Second, we will focus on the development of modern agriculture and expedite efforts to enhance Jilin's agricultural capabilities. We will prioritize the nation's food security and adopt an all-encompassing approach to agriculture and food . In accordance with Jilin's advantages in natural resources, we will strengthen chernozem soil protection and improve saline-alkali land. In addition, we will promote the application of smart agricultural machinery and bio-breeding technologies, foster the production of green and organic food, and develop a modern agriculture industry with a value surpassing the 1-trillion-yuan ($138 billion) mark.

Third, we prioritize ecological progress, insist on green development, and pioneer in building a beautiful China. We will view lush mountains and lucid waters as invaluable assets and firmly safeguard ecological security, better preserving the eco-environment by developing eco-tourism and vice versa. We plan to create world-class ice and snow brands and tourism attractions for both winter and summer. By 2027, tourism revenue is expected to exceed 1 trillion yuan. We will proactively develop the clean energy industry and accelerate efforts to forge a "green hydrogen+" industrial cluster with global competitiveness.

Fourth, we have comprehensively deepened reforms, and elevated the level of opening-up and cooperation. We will work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support, and guide development of the non-public sector. We will empower development and increase efficiency by lifting restrictions and unleashing people's ingenuity. While deepening and improving reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), we will also vigorously develop the private sector. We will continue to improve the business environment, increasingly conduct approval procedures online, and make "getting things done without having to rely on personal connections" the standard practice. We aim to deeply involve ourselves in the Belt and Road Initiative and build Jilin into an important gateway for China's opening-up in the north and a hub for cooperation among northeastern Asian countries.

Fifth, we are promoting the high-quality development of the population and enhancing talent support. We will comprehensively improve the quality of the population, create more favorable conditions for innovation and entrepreneurship, offer more support for talent, and expand employment opportunities in various industries. Our goal is to attract more than 60% of college graduates to stay in Jilin for work, thus cementing the positive trend of a net inflow of talent and population into the province.

We have experienced a lot and are now facing a new horizon. It's time for Jilin to realize comprehensive revitalization in the new era. This is highly anticipated. We welcome our friends from the media to visit Jilin again and continue to support this northeastern province. 

That's all from me for now. Thank you all.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Hu. Now, the floor is open for questions. Please identify your news agency before raising your questions.

CNR:

I have noticed that Jilin's total grain output has exceeded 40 billion kilograms for three years in a row. So, as an important province for agriculture and grain production, how does Jilin plan to fulfill its role in firmly safeguarding food security in China? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Thank you for paying attention to Jilin's agricultural development. Jilin has been a frontrunner in terms of grain production in China. It is located in one of the three major black soil areas in the world and is renowned for its advantageous conditions for cultivating corn and rice. It is also endowed with vast plains and boundless stretches of land for developing large-scale modern agriculture. 

You just mentioned that Jilin's total grain output has exceeded 40 billion kilograms for three consecutive years. Last year, Jilin's total grain output reached 41.865 billion kilograms, rising to the fourth position in the country. The per-unit output ranked first among major grain-producing provinces. More than 90% of the grain output was commercialized, and more than 50% of the grain output was allocated outside the province. Under the new initiatives of increasing grain production capacity by 50 million metric tons, Jilin is assigned to accomplish one-fifth of the total increase, or 10 billion kilograms. As a result, Chinese citizens will be able to enjoy more grain produced in Jilin.

These are the due responsibilities we need to shoulder to realize the goal of continuing to safeguard national food security. The task is weighty, and the solution lies in fostering new quality productive forces in agriculture and in raising total factor productivity through the following measures:

First, we will increase fertile farmland. Jilin has nearly 100 million mu (6.67 million hectares) of black soil land, often referred to as the "giant panda of farmland." We have leveraged our scientific and technological strengths to better protect and utilize black soil, and ensure grain output. We have promoted new, eco-friendly farming methods, such as returning plant stalks to fields and implementing no-tillage planting. Additionally, we have renovated and improved medium- and low-yield fields. This year, we aim to create 666,667 hectares of high-standard croplands, striving to be the first to upgrade all basic croplands to high-standard ones. We will also develop saline and alkaline lands as backup resources to expand agricultural production, expecting a 133,333-hectare increase in fields. We aim to add 4.3 billion kilograms of grain output by sustainably utilizing farmlands to enhance grain production capacity.

Second, we will cultivate quality seeds. Seeds are dubbed as the "chips" of agriculture. We have actively promoted the revitalization of the seed industry and established breeding platforms for key crops such as corn, rice and soybeans. We advocate for the integration of seed breeding, propagation and popularization to expand the use of quality seeds. Thanks to the use of fine seeds, per-unit yields have increased, resulting in a 3 billion-kilogram output increase.

Third, we will utilize high-quality equipment. The overall mechanization rate in crop production in Jilin has reached 94%, which is 20 percentage points higher than the national level. Moving forward, we will focus on developing high-end, smart agricultural machinery, including powerful equipment suitable for flatlands, small-sized machinery for hilly terrain, and innovative solutions that address market gaps, particularly unmanned ones. Mechanization improves efficiency and reduces losses, resulting in a 150 million-kilogram increase in output.

Fourth, we will adopt useful measures. Fertigation and compact planting enable a 30% increase in output per mu (0.067 hectares). We promote commercial agricultural services, provide support to new types of agribusinesses, and expand large-scale, intensive, and standardized operations. Through the utilization of new technologies and services, output has increased by 3.75 billion kilograms.

Lastly, we will develop smart agriculture. We have established digital platforms for agricultural development, promoted soil testing and formulated fertilization plans, deciphered the secrets of soil composition, and expanded the application scenarios of the Jilin-1 satellite to include soil moisture content monitoring, early warning of crop diseases and pests, and meteorological services. This will empower large-scale modern agriculture with smart technologies.

We are confident in maintaining a strong growth momentum of grain production. The province's expected grain output in 2024 is 44 billion kilograms and that of 2030 is anticipated to exceed 50 billion kilograms. Thank you.

CRNTT:

In the first quarter of this year, the value-added industrial output of Jilin's industrial enterprises above designated size witnessed double-digit growth, as did the automobile manufacturing industry. As an old industrial base, what factors support Jilin's good momentum for long-term development of industrial economy? What measures will the local authority take to promote new industrialization? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Jilin is an important industrial base in the country. You are very familiar with industrial issues. Mr. Li will answer your questions.

Li Guoqiang:

Thank you for your concern about Jilin's industrial economy. The foundation, strength, and potential of the province's comprehensive revitalization lie within its industrial sector. In the first quarter of this year, we achieved a remarkable 10.4 percent growth in industrial added value, building upon last year's 6.8 percent. China's leading automaker, FAW Group Co., Ltd., located in Jilin, ranked first in production and sales nationwide. Jilin's success mainly attributed to its pursuit of a new path of industrialization, focusing on three key areas.

First, we have facilitated intelligent industrial transformation and digitalization, which are seen as essential for the future of industrialization. With the backing of financial institutions, we spend hundreds of millions of yuan each year on intellectualization and digitalization. We have implemented a series of policies to upgrade every company with digital and smart technologies in an orderly manner, whether they have single production lines or entire production plants. We aim to complete a round of intellectual and digital upgrading for all of Jilin's industrial enterprises above designated size within three years.

Second, we have promoted the formation of industrial clusters, which is a crucial measure to advance new industrialization and make industrial and supply chains more secure. We have fostered 10 major industrial clusters in the province, including a trillion-yuan automotive industry cluster, a 100 billion yuan carbon fiber industry cluster, a corn-based bioproduct industry cluster and seven industrial clusters with the output of over 100 billion yuan. By 2030, the output value of these clusters is expected to account for 85% of the total industrial output.

Third, we have developed hubs for high-end industries, which is key to grasping the initiative of future-oriented industries and supporting new industrialization. Although Jilin's future-oriented industries are still in their initial stage, some major enterprises have already made forward-thinking plans. For example, in the field of intelligent connected vehicles, the FAW Group has completed its hardware design for a high-performance supercomputing platform, which can meet the functional needs of advanced automatic driving. The group has also completed domestic production of the whole industrial chain in the high-precision positioning system for automobiles. In the field of high-speed rail transportation, the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd . developed a hydrogen-powered urban commuter train with a maximum range of over 1,000 kilometers on a single charge and accelerated the manufacturing of high-speed maglev train at a speed of 600 kilometers per hour. In the field of satellite applications, the number of Jilin-1 satellites in orbit increased to 108, making it the largest remote-sensing satellite constellation operating at sub-meter resolution in the world. In the field of ultra-HD displays, the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics (CIOMP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) can produce high-quality full-color LED displays using its unique technology of single full-color display chips. Cedar Electronics, one of Jilin's specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce new and unique products , developed 75-inch to 165-inch ultra-HD direct digital TVs, filling a domestic gap in this area.

Next, we will accelerate the development of a modern industrial system and embark on a road to new industrialization featuring Jilin's characteristics and advantages. Thank you.

People's Daily Online:

Recently, Jilin's restaurants for the elderly have attracted wide attention from the public. Could you please introduce the progress of the program? What other measures will Jilin take to address livelihood issues? Thank you.

Cai Dong:

Thank you for your attention on this important issue. There are around 6 million elderly people in our province, accounting for about a quarter of the total population. Meeting their dining needs and improving relevant services is a significant matter related to people's livelihoods and well-being. We have already built a batch of restaurants for the elderly, effectively providing them convenience, resulting in positive feedback. This year, we will build and renovate 1,300 restaurants for the elderly in the province to ensure every community has at least two establishments and each township has at least one. Furthermore, we aim to achieve full coverage of meal services for the elderly in urban and rural communities with relatively concentrated aging populations and higher demands within about three years.

The elderly dining service epitomizes Jilin's work to improve people's livelihoods. We regard the small matters in people's lives as important issues, strive to address them with dedication and sincerity, and truly respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. For example, in terms of employment, we are fully committed to promoting employment for key groups such as college graduates and migrant workers. In 2023, the proportion of college graduates staying in the province to work exceeded 60%, with many young people from other provinces choosing to pursue careers here. Additionally, the proportion of migrant workers employed within the province has increased from approximately 60% in the past to around 80% currently. Another example is heating supply, which is a matter of great concern to the people. We have made significant efforts to address related issues. On one hand, we have established a digital supervision platform to monitor the outlet temperature and operating curves of heating ports in real-time. On the other hand, we have established a reward and punishment mechanism for heating-supply enterprises, resolutely removing those receiving many complaints and providing poor service from the market to ensure that the people can enjoy a warm winter. Furthermore, in healthcare, we have implemented the policy of "only one registration for each medical visit," which we will pilot this year in over 100 major hospitals. At the same time, we are vigorously promoting the delivery of high-quality medical resources to township hospitals to make healthcare access more convenient.

This year, our province will focus on seven areas: employment promotion, social security, education benefits, health care, elderly care, cultural and sports activities, and public services. We will implement 25 livelihood projects, paying particular attention to major and difficult issues of widespread concern, and delivering practical benefits that enhance people's sense of fulfillment. For example, we will upgrade the valves and pipes for users of bottled liquefied gas, support the construction of "vibrant playgrounds" in primary and secondary schools, and reform passenger transport routes to make them similar to the model for buses.

Our financial investment in livelihood projects has been increasing every year, with over 70% of new finances being allocated to safeguard people's livelihoods. Our goal is to quickly address shortcomings, secure the basic livelihoods of the people, and align high-quality development with the people's interests, ensuring that the fruits of development benefit a wider range of people. Thank you.

Science and Technology Daily:

We all know that the development of new energy is progressing rapidly nationwide, and Jilin province has abundant wind and solar power resources. Could you please elaborate on how Jilin province will transform its advantages in wind and solar power resources into advantages in new energy development? What are the key measures? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Thank you for your question. The advantages of new energy in Jilin province can be summarized in three sentences.

First, "Jilin possesses unlimited wind and solar power resources." Jilin province has hundreds of millions of kilowatts of potential development capacity for wind and solar power resources, offering vast development space. The average utilization hours for wind energy are close to 3,300 hours, and the average utilization hours for solar energy are nearly 3,000 hours, equivalent to nine hours of power generation potential per day.

Second, "Jilin has strengths in wind and solar power." Jilin province enjoys strong advantages in terms of its location for developing new energy, being close to domestic industrial hubs such as the three northeastern provinces and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Our industrial development has a solid foundation, with strong demand for greening traditional manufacturing. With vast and flat land, abundant unused land for project construction, comprehensive transportation infrastructure, and abundant water and biomass resources, Jilin possesses complete conditions for developing a new energy industry chain.

Third, "Jilin has established the groundwork for hydrogen power." We are utilizing wind and solar power resources, straw resources, and river and lake resources as raw materials to vigorously promote the transformation of green electricity into forms of energy such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, green methyl alcohol, green aviation fuel and green materials. Our goal is to establish a hydrogen-based industrial cluster, with the aim of becoming "China's hydrogen capital." Currently, more than 20 leading companies in related industries have settled in Jilin, and over 10 ten-billion-yuan "green hydrogen plus" projects have been launched.

Of course, to transform the advantages in wind and solar power resources into development advantages, we need to innovate our thinking and strive to find a path suitable for making transformative advancements in new energy in Jilin province.

First, policy breakthroughs are required. We encourage leading enterprises or consortia to serve as the main operators of green power industrial parks. We have established a series of supporting policies in terms of electricity pricing, power transactions, project land use and project approval, which are highly operable and valuable.

Second, innovative models are required. We adopt energy supply models such as incremental distribution networks, local power grids, direct supply of new energy and self-contained loads, which are collectively known as "green power plus consumption." With these models, 80% of Jilin's green power can achieve local transformation, thus solving the problem of grid consumption. For example, we support distributed self-generation and self-consumption for flexible electricity use and manufacturing projects such as "hydrogen-based green energy." For modern industries that consume high amounts of energy, such as carbon fiber and new materials, we maximize the use of green power through reasonable ratios of wind and solar power or direct supply models.

Third, expansion of the industrial ecosystem is required. We are building several 10-million-kilowatt-level green power industrial parks and a batch of ten-billion-yuan hydrogen-based green energy industrial parks. We are promoting the integrated development of modern energy storage and other related green industries, while expanding application scenarios and enlarging the industrial scale of hydrogen-fueled vehicles, hydrogen-powered trains and a series of other products to create a complete "green hydrogen plus" industrial chain.

In general, green electricity is a valuable resource in Jilin, and bound to be a powerful means for us to foster emerging industries and future industries. Thank you.

Yicai:

Since last year, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council has been advancing a new round of initiatives to deepen and enhance SOE reform. As a major hub for SOEs, what measures has Jilin taken to deepen SOE reform? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Thank you for your interest in the development and reform of Jilin's SOEs. For Jilin to achieve a breakthrough in revitalization, SOEs must take the lead. In recent years, Jilin has made steady progress in SOE reform. With enterprises operating steadily and soundly, the quality and efficiency of development are consistently rising. However, when measured against the requirements of the central government's new round of SOE reforms and the goal of high-quality development, we still have a considerable amount of work to do. We are facing the issues head-on and are vigorously advancing our action plan to deepen and enhance SOE reform in order to strengthen core functions and improve the core competitiveness of enterprises. We aim to use two to three years to increase the assets of Jilin's provincial SOEs by 50%, doubling their revenue and profits and revitalizing Jilin's SOEs to restore their former strength.

First, we are promoting strategic restructuring and specialized integration of SOEs.. We are accelerating channeling stated-owned capital to strategic emerging industries like new energy, new materials and big data, concentrating on competitive sectors such as large-scale agriculture and tourism and extending into foundational, essential and livelihood-related areas. This approach aims to fully leverage SOEs' supportive roles in technology innovation and industrial security. Jilin is rich in forest resources, with us previously having two large forest industry groups. Due to homogenous competition, the resource advantage was not being fully utilized. Through our reform strategy of merging, integrating and harmonizing, we combined these two separate groups into a single forest industry group to strengthen core industries like ecological protection, product processing, under-forest economy, beverages and leisure resorts. By shedding non-essential businesses, the enterprise has seen sound operation, with substantial increases in revenue and profits this year.

Second, we are increasing the leading role of SOEs in scientific and technological innovation. We support SOEs taking the lead in integrating production, academia, research and application, forming innovation consortia, building platforms for the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements and expanding application scenarios. We have implemented elevated management for Jilin Chemical Fiber Group, coordinating provincial resources and establishing a carbon fiber research institute to tackle critical technologies. High-grade products have already achieved mass production, with expanded applications in aerospace, rail transportation, automotive lightweighting, sports equipment, household goods and other fields. Additionally, the downstream product industrial park is under construction. Currently, Jilin Chemical Fiber boasts the world's largest capacity for protofilament and China's largest capacity for carbon fiber, pressing ahead toward becoming a world-class innovative enterprise that uses special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products.

Third, we are optimizing governance system and enhancing core competitiveness. We are innovating the SOE oversight and evaluation system by implementing a target-based responsibility system for corporate leaders through their tenures. We are reducing the number of management levels in enterprises, optimizing equity structures and promoting enterprises to conduct reforms and improve their structures. By increasing governance efficiency and improving operational quality and effectiveness, we have restructured and consolidated 66 small and scattered provincial-level SOEs into 12 larger and stronger ones, reducing the number of firms by 81.8%. The levels within the companies have been decreased from five to three, with the total number of enterprises across all levels reduced from 826 to 542, representing a 34.4% decrease.

At present, we are making efforts to deepen and enhance SOE reform, and we expect that over the next several years Jilin's SOEs will regain their vitality. Thank you.

Beijing Youth Daily:

The business environment has been a topic of wide concern. We have observed that Jilin province has made The Conference on Optimizing the Business Environment its first meeting of the year for four consecutive years. What efforts has Jilin made in this regard? Thank you. 

Cai Dong:

Thank you for your interest in Jilin's business environment. In recent years, Jilin has made significant progress in improving its business environment with digital technologies and advancing socioeconomic development through an optimized business environment. 

In 2018, we took the lead across China in formulating administrative services and a digital construction governance bureau. Adopting the model of provincial coordination as well as city and county application, we significantly improved online approval efficiency. The overall approval time for engineering construction projects has been reduced by over 60%, and the time to start a business has been shortened from the original 11 days to just 1 day with the fastest cases completed in just 20 minutes. We have implemented a credit evaluation reform for business entities in 41 fields, and, currently, the comprehensive city credit directories from various cities and prefectures rank among the top in the country.

The improvements in the business environment have injected strong momentum into Jilin province's high-quality development. In 2023, the number of business entities in Jilin increased by 14%, with the number of businesses entities per one thousand people ranking eighth nationwide. Over the past five years, the utilized capital of attracted investment has increased by over 30% annually, and a number of landmark and leading major projects have been implemented in Jilin. 

This year, we will launch initiatives focusing on improving the business environment. We have formulated 40 specific measures to facilitate breakthroughs as well as to solve key and minor problems, thus creating a first-class business environment featuring streamlined process and providing online and one-stop services.

For instance, in terms of administrative law enforcement, we have set up a mechanism for law enforcement supervision and management marked by "reporting in advance," "presenting certificates on-site," "scanning QR codes for inspection" and "follow-up evaluation." Law enforcement officers inspect and record through QR codes generated by the corresponding APP, inform about inspection matters by showcasing the QR code and then the businesses can make comments through the APP after the law enforcement actions. At the same time, we have also established a system of benchmarks for administrative discretion and made a list of cases that "receive no punishment for first violation" so as to effectively address issues of arbitrary law enforcement after a combination of policies and measures.

Regarding construction and approval of projects, for example, we implement "one-stop services or online handling." For cases that can't be handled online, we can provide assistance or proxy services and integrated access to government services, so that enterprises as well as the public can save more time and energy. In addition, concerning the protection of project factors, we have built a land-supply model combining "standardized land and a commitment system," set up a digital supermarket for available land, provided projects with land for construction in a targeted manner and promoted connectivity and interaction between immovable property registration platforms and financial platforms, thus realizing "one-stop" handling of mortgage loan and mortgage registration. Here, I'd like to share with you how we improved our efficiency and made significant changes. Taking the Audi FAW new energy vehicle project that was a collaboration between Jilin province and Germany as an example, we set up a special team for targeted services. It took only 20 minutes to complete the enterprise registration and the construction permit process was finished within 2 days. We completed handling of construction review and other procedures within 15 days, while capping the main structure of the factory area in 5 months. In one and a half years, the project was completed and started trial operation. Such speed was also highly praised by the German partners as "Chinese speed, industry miracle."

In short, Jilin's business environment is improving and its future bears high expectations. We welcome media friends to examine our work. Thank you.

Jilin Radio and TV Station:

Recently, Changbaishan Global Geopark was listed in the Global Geoparks network by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As we know, Jilin boasts a wealth of prestigious tourist sites including Changbai Mountain and Chagan Lake as well as abundant winter tourism resources. What are the province's measures and plans to promote the high-quality development of its tourism industry? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Thank you for your attention to Jilin's tourism industry. I'll invite Ms. Yang to answer this question.

Yang Andi:

Thank you for your attention to tourism in Jilin. Representing the origin of tourism in Jilin, Changbai Mountain is a paragon for the development of Jilin's cultural tourism industry. The sacred mountains and waters, powder snow, hot springs and sea of forests have formed an ecological barrier for the Northeast Asia region. Its listing in the Global Geoparks Network by UNESCO signifies that Jilin has more confidence and strength in efforts to build a world-class tourism brand.

We will promote the high-quality development of Jilin's tourism industry through five comprehensive approaches:

First, an all-dimensional layout in the whole province will be built. As you just mentioned, Jilin is a province with abundant tourism resources, good structure, strong differentiation and outstanding advantages when it comes to resources for winter activities. It boasts many hot springs and extensive wetlands, competitive border location conditions and has profound cultural and historical heritage. Though our cultural and tourism industries started relatively late, it developed quickly, from the solo highlight of Changbai Mountain area during the 12th Five-Year-Plan period (2011-2015), to the "core leading pairs" of Changbai Mountain area and Changchun-Jilin tourism economy during the early period of the13th Five-Year-Plan (2016-2020), to the "three growth poles" of the western ice industry center in the middle of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, to the "four engines of growth" after the rise of Tonghua and Meihekou cities during the late 13th Five-Year-Plan period, and then to the building of cities and counties throughout the province with annual GDPs exceeding 100 billion yuan and 10 billion yuan, respectively. Through these efforts, a fully supported spatial layout with diversified development has basically taken shape.

Second, full-season development will be carried out. In terms of different seasons, we will solve the problem of winter tourism by focusing on the local feature of ice and snow, promote innovative development of art and leisure industries and form an industrial model where winter tourism interplays with summer one, they together stimulate spring and autumn tourism, and each season has its own special features.

Third, the whole industrial chain will be promoted. Aiming to build the province both as a winter resort and a summer resort, we will make more efforts to form a double industrial pattern. "5+X" industrial chain with snow and ice sports, tourism, culture, equipment manufacturing and scientific innovation at its core is taking shape. We will also optimize the four traditional business models including summer resorts in mountains, waterfronts, forests as well as rural areas, and highlight the three new types of sectors including health care at summer resorts, study tours and extended stays at summer resorts.

Fourth, we will build a complete product portfolio. In winter, Jilin features ice and snow activities for vacation and leisure purposes, forming a vibrant product ecosystem to appeal to high-end and mass-market tourists at both day and night and throughout the year. In summer, Jilin has built a diversified tourism product system featuring refreshing experiences with its scenic mountains and rivers, tranquil forests, serene countryside, unique culture, leisurely lifestyle and gourmet food. Jilin has also staged an array of well-designed tourism products for autumn and spring, which are themed on seeking the most beautiful fairytale of autumn in Jilin, Changbai Mountain spring snow, and spring blossom appreciation tours.

Fifth, we will provide all-round services. We will continue to improve tourism infrastructure. The six airports in Jilin will have more than 280 air routes by 2025. The opening of the Shenyang-Changbaishan high-speed railway will bring tens of millions of passengers to Changbai Mountain. The province's scenic spots will attain full 5G network coverage to improve service capabilities. At the end of last year, the number of beds in Beidahu Ski Resort reached 8,000, making it the largest single ski resort in Asia in terms of reception capacity. By the end of this year, another 1,000 beds will be added. The number of ice and snow sports instructors has increased from less than 300 when the industry began to 6,417 now. To optimize the market environment, the provincial government took the lead and joined forces with the public security, transportation, commerce, culture and tourism, market regulation and other departments to carry out comprehensive rectification in six key areas, so as to create a convenient, comfortable and safe tourism environment.

Lastly, I would like to sincerely invite all friends from the media to visit Jilin. Jilin is a beautiful province and I am waiting to see you there. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

The last two questions, please.

CCTV:

We have noticed that Jilin province has introduced many measures to support the development of the private sector, especially in terms of improving enterprise-related services. Can you give us a detailed introduction?

Li Guoqiang:

Thank you for your interest in private enterprises. Private enterprises account for half of Jilin's GDP. To some extent, we can even say that only when the private economy is robust, can Jilin achieve prosperity. We have focused on four areas, namely, policy innovation, service consideration, industry expansion and quality improvement.

We stress policy innovation. Last year, we introduced 41 substantial policies to support the development of private enterprises. Some measures set the pace in the country. For example, 41 fields have used professional credit certificates to replace the previous reports of non-violation records. Now, as long as you enter company-related information online, the certificate will be issued within 3 seconds, which allows enterprises to make fewer visits to government departments in order to get things done and greatly improves efficiency. This new method has gained widespread popularity among private enterprises.

We provide considerate services for our enterprises. Governments at all levels often hold corporate salons, roundtable meetings and other activities to listen to the needs of enterprises in person and to help them address problems in a practical way. We resolve matters that can be addressed quickly and immediately, and try our best to handle those that are difficult. In cases where no solutions can be found, we will explain clearly to the company the reasons why. Let me give you two examples. The first example is last year we had a company that wanted to go public, and needed relevant departments to provide reports. It would probably take several months for the company to complete all established procedures. So, we changed from sequential approval to parallel approval and it only took seven working days to complete the approval process, creating convenient conditions for the company's listing. For the second example, we have a company that needs to spend more than 2 million yuan annually in treating electronic waste generated in production. After learning about the situation, we helped this company establish contact with a new energy company to buy the electronic waste as raw material. In this way, this company not only eliminates electronic waste disposal fees, but generates additional income. There are many other examples like these two in Jilin. At the same time, we have made the transition from solely solving one concern to solving concerns of the same category. For example, we face a shortage in talent in the automobile and pharmaceutical industries, both of which are key industries in our province. To tackle this problem, the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee and the Jilin Provincial People's Government have introduced special policies for talent recruitment in these two sectors, with talent being able to receive up to more than 2 million yuan in support.

We have greatly increased the number of business entities. Mr. Cai has just elaborated from the perspective of the business environment, saying that last year the number of business entities in Jilin increased by 14%, and the number of business entities per 1,000 people in the province is among the highest across the country. You may not have expected this.

We have improved quality in terms of empowerment. We have mainly focused on cultivating science and technology enterprises. Last year, our science and technology enterprises grew by 15.36% and small and medium-sized science and technology enterprises grew by 72%, ranking first in the country, which everyone may not have expected, either.

Not long ago, we held a provincial conference on the development of private economy. Next, we will carry out a series of activities serving enterprises in terms of talent, technology, finance and project matchmaking, continue to use solid measures to improve the "soft" environment and build a cordial and clean relationship between government and business in order to make Jilin truly a hub for investment and business development. Thank you. 

Shou Xiaoli:

The last question, please. 

Cover News:

In recent years, the number of wild Amur tigers and Amur leopards in Jilin has continued to increase, and they have been frequently seen "on camera," indicating significant improvement in the ecosystem. Could you share with us the good experiences and practices of Jilin province in protecting the ecological environment and building a beautiful Jilin? Thank you.

Hu Yuting:

Thank you for your interest in Jilin's efforts in ecological conservation. Now, with the growth and expansion of wild animal populations, animal diversity in Jilin has continued to increase, reflecting the ongoing enhancement of the province's ecological environment. Here is a set of data to share with you. The current numbers of wild Amur tigers and Amur leopards in Jilin are over 50 and 60, respectively. While the figures may seem modest, they represent a doubling compared to 2017. This 100% increase in population for these special species is remarkable. New Amur tiger and leopard cubs are born every year, forming a relatively stable breeding population. In Jilin's Hunchun city, the core area of the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park , "roadblocks" caused by these special species frequently occur, as is evident from online videos. These encounters are not only seen in our surveillance cameras but are also often experienced by tourists on roads within certain scenic areas, signifying considerable populations for these special species. In addition, the Chinese merganser, dubbed "the giant panda of birds," has seen its population exceed 600, doubling over the past five years. Furthermore, tens of thousands of white cranes and red-crowned cranes migrate and settle in the wetlands of west Jilin each year. Currently, Jilin has established a system of protected areas, including the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, 36 nature reserves and 88 natural parks, with the protected area accounting for 17% of the province's total land. 

Green is a defining feature of Jilin. In the east, the land is adorned with rugged mountains where tigers and leopards dwell. In the west, expansive grasslands and wetlands see the graceful flying of cranes in the sky. In the central region, fertile plains stretch for miles, filling the air with the fragrance of abundant grains. We protect Jilin's ecology as we would our own eyes, striving to build it into a pilot zone for the Beautiful China Initiative.  

For one thing, we have accelerated efforts to build up Jilin's strengths in ecology. Jilin stands as the source of the Songhua River, Yalu River and Tumen River, with five major water systems weaving across the province. The Changbai Mountain in Jilin, one of China's six major forested areas, constitutes a crucial ecological shield in Northeast Asia, earning the acclaimed titles of "Changbai Forest Sea," "Northeast Water Tower," and "Gene Bank of Species." We have consistently implemented the ecological conservation and restoration project targeting the mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland and desert ecosystems. In recent years, a diverse ecological pattern has emerged, with extensive forests, interconnected grasslands and interspersed wetlands. The Chagan Lake in west Jilin ranks as the seventh largest freshwater lake in the country, and winter fishing practices on the lake have been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. We have implemented the Chagan Lake conservation and development project, aiming to restore forests, grasslands and wetlands. As a result, the ecological environment around the lake has significantly improved, earning it a 5A rating scenic spot this year, and making it another signature attraction for Jilin's tourism.  

Additionally, we have continuously elevated the ecological "happiness index." Taking the improvement of ecological environment as a crucial aspect of people's well-being, we have made solid efforts in preventing and controlling pollution, consistently achieving new highs in the quality of the environment across the province. Jinlin now sees around 93% of days with good or excellent air quality, leading the nation in this regard. In the Changbai Mountain area, the air contains over 40,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter. Today, "Jilin Blue" has become a prevailing hue of happiness, with clean, beautiful and livable villages scattered across the province. 

We sincerely invite you to Jilin and experience its lush mountains, lucid waters, fertile black soil, clear blue sky and refreshing air. Thank you.  

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Hu. Thanks to all the speakers and our friends from the media. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye. 

Translated and edited by Zhu Bochen, Wang Wei, Liu Sitong, Huang Shan, Lin Liyao, Ma Yujia, Wang Ziteng, Yuan Fang, Liu Jianing, Zhang Tingting, Wang Yanfang, Yan Bin, Zhang Junmian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Li Huiru, David Ball, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers: 

Mr. Wang Dongwei, vice minister of finance

Mr. Li Xianzhong, director general of the Department of Treasury of the Ministry of Finance (MOF)

Mr. Wang Jianfan, director general of the Budget Department of the MOF

Chairperson:

Mr. Xie Yingjun, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 22, 2024

Xie Yingjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this briefing held by the State Council Information Center (SCIO). This is a regular briefing on China's economic data in the first quarter. Today, we have invited Mr. Wang Dongwei, vice minister of finance, to brief you on China's fiscal revenue and expenditure in the first quarter of 2024, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Li Xianzhong, director general of the Department of Treasury of the Ministry of Finance (MOF), and Mr. Wang Jianfan, director general of the Budget Department of the MOF.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang for his introduction. 

Wang Dongwei:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good afternoon. I'm very glad to meet you again. Thank you for your long-term interest in and support for the fiscal work. First, I will brief you on China's fiscal revenue and expenditure in the first quarter of 2024.

Since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we have thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference and the "two sessions" (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference). Following the decisions and deployments outlined in the government work report, we have appropriately enhanced the intensity of our proactive fiscal policy and improved its quality and effectiveness . We have consistently leveraged fiscal policy space effectively, strengthened the coordination of fiscal resources, and improved the policy toolkit and its utilization, promoting sustained economic recovery and growth. In the first quarter, fiscal revenue and expenditure maintained a stable performance, presenting the following three features:

First, fiscal revenue maintained a rebound trend when calculated on a comparable basis. In the first quarter, revenue in the national general public budget reached 6.0877 trillion yuan ($0.84 trillion), marking a year-on-year decline of 2.3%, or comparable growth of 2.2% after adjusting for special factors, maintaining a recovery trajectory. What are the special factors? One is the inflated baseline caused by the entry into treasury of partial tax deferrals for micro, small and medium enterprises in manufacturing during the first few months of 2023. Another is the decline in this year's fiscal revenue as a result of the carryover effect of the four tax reduction policies introduced in mid-2023. In the first quarter, national tax revenue stood at 4.9172 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 4.9%, yet maintained stable growth after adjusting for the aforementioned special factors. 

Second, tax revenue of certain industries such as cultural tourism and advanced manufacturing registered rapid growth. In terms of services, the tax revenue from accommodation and catering, which are closely related to consumer spending, increased by 44.7%, culture, sports and recreation by 26.7%, transportation, storage and postal services by 6.8%, and retail by 5.7%. These figures demonstrate that the vitality of consumer spending is continuously being unleashed. Regarding manufacturing, its tax revenue in the first quarter experienced a year-on-year decline, yet registered stable growth after adjusting for incomparable factors such as the aforementioned inflated baseline. Despite the influence of incomparable factors, the tax revenue of certain subsectors in manufacturing still performed well by showing an upward trend. For example, the tax revenue of railway transportation equipment manufacturing increased by 9.5%, and computer manufacturing increased by 6.8%. 

Third, funding for key areas was effectively ensured. Fiscal departments at all levels strengthened coordination of fiscal resources, accelerated budget approval and utilization of additionally issued treasury bonds, and strengthened sufficient funding for major national strategic tasks and efforts to meet people's basic living needs. Meanwhile, we improved the structure of fiscal expenditure, made sure that Party and government departments get used to keeping their belts tightened, spending where necessary and saving where possible, and thus pooling financial resources to accomplish major tasks. In the first quarter, expenditure in the national general public budget increased by 2.9% year on year. Specifically, expenditure on social security and employment was 1.2708 trillion yuan, up by 3.7%; education was 1.0436 trillion yuan, up by 2.5%; urban and rural community development was 561.4 billion yuan, up by 12.1%; agriculture, forestry and water was 518.5 billion yuan, up by 13.1%; and housing support was 204.9 billion yuan, up by 7.8%.

Moving forward, the MOF will make solid efforts to implement the proactive fiscal policy, and strengthen fiscal management and supervision. We will integrate enhancing macro regulation, expanding domestic demand, fostering new growth drivers, and preventing and defusing risks, further improve the quality and effectiveness of the fiscal policy, and consolidate and strengthen the momentum for economic recovery and growth.

That's all for my introduction of the fiscal revenue and expenditure in the first quarter. Now, my colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions. Thank you. 

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. Now the floor is open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you work for before asking your question. 

Xinhua News Agency:

As Vice Minister Wang just mentioned, China's fiscal spending expanded by 2.9% in the first quarter, ensuring effective funding for key areas . Could you provide further information on how this budget was allocated? Thank you.

Wang Dongwei:

Thank you for your question. In the first quarter, finance departments at all levels kept their belts tightened and continued to prioritize and ensure funding for key areas, while observing the principle of controlling general expenditures. In the first quarter, China's general public budget spending was nearly 7 trillion yuan (US$985 billion), up by 2.9% compared to the same period last year. This was not easy, especially due to last year's concentrated settlements with pandemic-related expenses. This growth underscores our efforts in enhancing the intensity of our proactive fiscal policy as well as to improve its quality and effectiveness. Here, I'd like to elaborate on how we have achieved this.

First, all funds from additionally issued treasury bonds were allocated at the beginning of the year. An additional one trillion yuan of treasury bonds issued in the fourth quarter of last year were mostly used this year. By the end of February, the Ministry of Finance had already assigned all one-trillion-yuan bonds to local governments. Official data showed that the funds specifically targeting expenditures in urban and rural communities, agriculture, forestry, water conservancy , and disaster prevention and emergency management increased by 12.1%, 13.1% and 53.4% year-over-year, respectively, showing double-digit growth.

Second, over 80% of transfer payments' budget has been issued. For 2024, the central government has planned 10.2 trillion yuan for transfer payments to local governments, a comparable increase of 4.1%. After the National People's Congress approved the central budget for 2024, the Ministry of Finance promptly completed the budget allocation as per the Budget Law .

By early April, all of the central government's budgets for this year were approved with 8.68 trillion yuan of transfer payments being allocated to local governments, accounting for 85.1% of the budget that was set early this year. All projects eligible under general transfer payments and those under shared fiscal powers have been fully funded.

Third, the process of making budgetary funds available for fiscal expenditures has been accelerated. In the first quarter, China's general public budget spending has already completed 24.5% of the total budget, exceeding the average rate for the same period over the past three years. Several sectors registered rapid growth in fiscal spending, including social security and employment, healthcare, urban and rural communities, transportation, and housing. Fiscal spending with social security and employment reached 30.7%, urban and rural communities 26.2%, healthcare 25.1% and transportation 25.1%. All ahead of schedule.

That's all I'm going to say for this question. Thank you.

China Financial and Economic News:

According to media reports, investors have been actively purchasing savings bond, leading to a situation where some banks are unable to meet demand. How do you view this phenomenon? Thank you.

Wang Dongwei:

My colleage Mr. Li Xianzhong will answer this question.

Li Xianzhong:

Thank you for your question. Savings bonds represent national credibility. They are favored by investors due to their capital preservation and interest protection along with stable returns. The progression of March's and April's issuance of savings bonds was generally stable, but there was, to a certain extent, imbalances between supply and demand. To explain this, it is important to understand that there are different types of savings bonds and different issuance methods. Currently, we have two kinds of savings bonds: certificated bonds and electronic bonds .

Certificated savings bonds are normally available at bank counters. Due to varying customer bases and demands at each branch, there are challenges with adjusting the sales quotas across different branches, which can lead to supply-demand imbalances at some locations. Take the issuance of certificated bonds in March, the Beijing branch of a major commercial bank sold 70% of its total allocation on the first day. Each issuance of treasury bonds would normally last for 10 days. 14 out of 466 outlets in Beijing sold the planned volume within half an hour, causing some investors at the counters to miss out on purchasing bonds.

Electronic savings bonds can be purchased at both bank counters and online via smartphones. And the sales quota can be flexibly adjusted among different channels, either between different banks, different outlets or through online methods. According to statistics, investors over 60 years old, who normally prefer purchasing at bank counters, account for 55% of the total investors of savings bonds. To better meet the needs of this traditional customer segment, the sales quota for electronic savings bonds on the first day are weighted towards counter sales, allocating 60% of the total quota to branch counter sales. This ensures that demand at the counters is generally met.

Since April, the public has paid more attention to savings bonds, which was influenced by factors such as some banks lowering deposit interest rates and suspending sales of large deposit certificates. 99.7% of the planned electronic savings bonds issued in April were sold out on the first day of issuance, which was significantly faster than the average in recent years. At many banks' counters, the bonds were sold over two hours. As the internet or mobile phone platforms could accommodate more investors to buy products simultaneously, these sales were more concentrated, leading to a momentary imbalance between supply and demand of bonds in some banks. Online or on mobile platforms offered by 32 banks, investors had about half an hour on average to purchase savings bonds. The bonds were sold out online or on mobile platforms within a minute at two banks while at seven other banks the record was six minutes.

In order to further meet investors' demand for bond purchases, we will take the following four measures in the next step: First, we will pay close attention to changes in the supply and demand relationship and sales of savings bonds, and study how to appropriately increase the issuance scale. The core of being "hard to purchase bonds for investors" is that demand is strong and supply is relatively insufficient. So, our next step is to appropriately increase the scale of issuance. Second, we will study how to further reduce the limits on individual purchases so that savings bonds can benefit more investors. Third, we will continuously improve the information service of electronic savings bonds on the basis of ensuring over-the-counter sales, and steadily increase the online (mobile phone) sales of electronic savings bonds. At the same time, we will encourage and guide more investors to purchase bonds online or through mobile banking, so as to improve their purchasing experience. Fourth, we will work with relevant departments to further optimize certificate savings bonds' mechanisms for quota allocation to better match branches with actual needs. We will optimize the mid- and long-term arrangements for the issuance ratio of certificate and electronic savings bonds to better meet the needs of investors' demand when purchasing bonds.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

Yicai:

In the fourth quarter of last year, the central government issued additional treasury bonds worth one trillion yuan. Can you give us a detailed explanation to the use and distribution of these additional funds? And what measures has the MOF taken to strengthen capital supervision? Thank you.

Wang Jianfan:

Thank you for your questions. In accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and upon review and approval by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, an additional one trillion yuan of treasury bonds were issued in the fourth quarter of 2023, with a focus on supporting post-disaster recovery and reconstruction and making up for shortcomings in disaster prevention, reduction and relief. It is of great importance to comprehensively improve China's resiliency against natural disasters and better protect the safety of people's lives and property in China. The MOF has earnestly implemented and refined a work plan and has completed tasks in a concrete and orderly manner.

First, we have organized the issuance of treasury bonds well. After the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress reviewed and approved the plan for the additional issuance of treasury bonds, the MOF promptly adjusted the treasury bond issuance plan for the fourth quarter, optimized the issuance window and the mix of bond maturities, mobilized members of the treasury bond underwriting group to prepare for debt repayments and ensured a smooth issuance of additional treasury bonds to raise funds fully. With the coordination and cooperation of all relevant parties, the issuance of one trillion yuan of treasury bonds was successfully completed by the end of 2023.

Second, we have worked hard in allocating funds raised by the issuance of treasury bonds. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the MOF, along with relevant departments, have established a special working mechanism to organize the application and review of treasury bond projects in a timely manner. According to the project list determined by the special working mechanism, the MOF had allocated all funds raised by the issuance of the additional treasury bond to localities in advance by this February. We have urged and guided local authorities to use these funds for specific units and projects in line with the pace of progress, resulting in practical outcomes as soon as possible.

Third, we have made good arrangements for funds raised from the issuance of additional treasury bonds. The MOF has established a separate allocation mechanism for these funds. In December of last year, we allocated 500 billion yuan of funds to local governments in two batches. From January to February of this year, we allocated another 500 billion yuan of funds to local governments in three batches. In general, all one trillion yuan has been allocated to localities to ensure that projects in various areas could be launched and promoted smoothly.

Fourth, we have established a supervision system for funds raised by treasury bonds. The MOF formulated the "Measures for the Management of Additional Treasury Bond Issuance in 2023" to standardize the allocation and use of funds raised by the government bonds, to improve the integrated budget management system and to conduct full-process supervision over funds. We have urged local regulatory bureaus to set up normalized supervision mechanisms in order to promptly discover and address existing issues. We have prompted local governments to standardize the use of funds and improve their efficiency.

Next, the MOF will actively utilize its functions, guide local governments to accelerate the implementation of projects and continuously enhance our supervision on the issuance of additional treasury bonds, ensuring the precision and efficiency of fund use. Thank you.

CCTV:

We have noticed that in the first quarter of this year, the central government introduced some policies supporting new drivers of economic growth. Could you please elaborate on the relevant situation and what policy considerations will be taken in the next step? Thank you.

Wang Dongwei:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. The central government attaches great importance to cultivating new drivers of economic growth and vigorously supports them. I will respond in the following way:

First, we focus on supporting the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. Centering on vigorously promoting the building of a modernized industrial system and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, the central government has allocated special funds in the manufacturing sector to make up for weaknesses and strengthen advantages in key technologies and industries and to promote leapfrog development in industries such as new-generation information technology, high-end equipment and new materials. Soon, we will collaborate with departments such as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to implement a new round of fiscal support policies for small and medium-sized enterprises with specialized and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products , cultivating more corresponding experts in vital links within the industrial chain. We will pilot new technological transformation in some cities in the manufacturing sector and allocate 3 billion yuan in 2024 to support the "intelligent transformation, digital transformation and networking " of the first batch of around 20 pilot cities, so as to enhance the high-end, intelligent and green standards of the manufacturing industry.

Second, we will focus on promoting the growth of the digital economy. The central government's fiscal support will spotlight key areas of the digital economy, including supporting the construction of digital infrastructure, cultivating industrial internet platforms and promoting the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to promote the deep integration of the digital economy and the real economy. In the first quarter, the growth rate of the value added of information transmission, software and information technology services reached 13.7%. In 2023, we allocated 3 billion yuan to support 30 pilot cities in carrying out pilot projects for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises and address the prominent issue of "not daring to transform, unwilling to transform and not knowing how to transform" faced by those enterprises. This year, another 3 billion yuan will be allocated to expand the scope of the pilot. In the next step, we will work with relevant departments to launch the digital transformation and upgrading of transportation infrastructure, supporting the digital transformation of a number of busy national highways, ordinary national roads and high-grade waterways, aiming to promote intelligent expansion, safety efficiency improvements and industrial integration of transportation facilities.

Third, we will focus on expanding and promoting domestic demand. We will make good use of fiscal and tax policies to support the implementation of large-scale equipment renewal and trade-ins of old consumer goods. Centering on the trend of upgrading residents' consumption, we will integrate existing policies with new ones, adhere to the linkage between the central government and local governments, actively promote the trade-in of old durable consumer goods, such as automobiles and household appliances, and cultivate new growth points for consumption. We will support the implementation of county-level actions for commercial construction and the construction of modern commercial and trade logistics systems to improve the level of guarantee for consumption service . Soon, we will work with relevant departments to launch county-level charging and battery swapping facilities to make up for weaknesses and, this year, we will support about 70 pilot counties in 24 provinces to tap the potential of new energy vehicle consumption within rural areas.

Fourth, we will focus on improving the quality and efficiency of infrastructure. We will comprehensively use policy such as additional issuance of treasury bonds, special local government bonds, the central government budget for investment and vehicle purchase tax funds to promote the construction of key fields and major projects. For example, since 2022, a total of 13.7 billion yuan has been allocated to support the implementation of national comprehensive freight hub reinforcement work in two batches of 25 cities, aiming to promote the reduction of comprehensive logistics costs.

Next, we will work with relevant departments to support some large and medium-sized cities in implementing urban renewal actions, including updating and renovating underground pipe networks. At the same time, we will support a new batch of cites to reinforce their functions as national comprehensive freight hubs. These efforts will further improve the shortcomings of infrastructure and better leverage the stimulus effect of government investment.

That's all I have to say. Thank you.

Bloomberg News:

What is the reason for the slow issuance of local special bonds since the beginning of this year? And when is the issuance expected to speed up? Thank you. 

Wang Jianfan:

In order to implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, actively play the role of local government bonds, stimulate effective investment and promote steady economic recovery and growth, in December 2023, the MOF performed approval procedures in accordance with the law and approved part of the 2024 quota for local government special bonds in advance.

In 2024, the MOF will work with related departments to continuously improve and adjust the investment areas of local government special bonds and the scope of project capital. We will include more fields of new energy, new infrastructure and new industries for investment in local government special bonds. We will issue bonds to support independent new-type energy storage and the comprehensive treatment of water environments in key river basins; guide local governments to provide more support for areas including infrastructure of national industrial parks, integrated application of 5G technologies, urban village renovation, construction and supply of government-subsidized housing and college dormitories; further plan major projects that deliver significant socio-economic benefits, have a strong driving effect, are wanted by the people, and need to be implemented. We will allow the use of local government special bonds as project capital for government-subsidized housing to help the bonds play their leveraging role. Meanwhile, we will guide local governments to strengthen project reserve, focusing on key investment areas identified by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and strictly implement the list of prohibited items. We have worked with related departments to ask local governments to submit their demands for new special bond projects in 2024. Currently, the MOF has been strengthening the review of projects from the aspects of project maturity, balance of financing and revenues, and fund use compliance to improve the quality of project reserves. 

In the first quarter of 2024, all localities issued special bonds within the limit of the 2024 quota for local government special bonds approved in advance, mainly for the construction of projects in key areas identified by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, such as municipal construction, industrial park infrastructure, social programs, transportation infrastructure and government-subsidized housing projects. Special bonds have played a positive role in strengthening the economic foundation, shoring up weak links, improving people's lives and expanding investment. The issuance scale of special bonds in the first four months was smaller than the same period in previous years. This is due to two factors. On one hand, the scale of issuances at the beginning of previous years was expanded to cope with the impact of special factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, it is also related to demand for local project construction funds, conditions for construction in winter and spring, bond market interest rates and other factors. At the same time, we have also done a lot of work to improve the quality of special bond projects and strengthen the preliminary preparations of projects. Overall, the issuance scale for the whole year is still in line with expectations.

Next, the MOF will work with related departments to guide local governments to issue special bonds at the right pace, optimize the pace and scale of government investment, guide and ensure the funding demand of major projects, use special bonds more efficiently, give full play to the driving and amplifying effect of government investment, consolidate and build momentum for economic recovery and growth, and continue to effectively pursue higher-quality economic growth and appropriately increase economic output. Thank you. 

Guangming Daily:

At present, spring plowing and sowing have entered a critical period. How has the central government's financial support for spring plowing been this year? Are there any new initiatives? Thank you. 

Wang Dongwei:

Thank you for your questions. I will answer your questions. Plans for the year begin in spring. Spring plowing is of great significance for stabilizing agricultural production throughout the year, and especially grain production. The central government has strengthened policy implementation, and funds related to agricultural production have been allocated this year to support a good start to agricultural production throughout the year. I would like to share several points with you. 

First, we will focus multidimensional efforts on the land to help consolidate the foundation of grain production. There are three main measures: First, we will increase capital investment. We are guiding all localities to make good use of an additional 224.9 billion yuan of treasury bonds issued at the end of 2023 to efficiently advance the cultivation of high-standard cropland, and the redevelopment and upgrading of irrigated areas. Continued support will be provided this year through transfer payment to cultivate modern and high-quality farmland with high and stable yields regardless of drought or floods. Second, subsidies for farming have been increased. The central government's subsidy per mu of high-standard cropland has been increased from 1,300 yuan to 2,400 yuan, and local requirements for supporting funds from major grain-producing counties have been canceled. Third, the scope of support has been expanded. An allocation of 5.2 billion yuan will be used for expanding the conservational tillage area of black soil to 100 million mu. A total of 4 billion yuan has been allocated for expanding pilot programs for comprehensive utilization of saline-alkali land from two provinces to 12 provinces. We should either grow tolerant crops in such land or transform such land for specific crops, so as to expand the space for agricultural production. 

Second, we focus on strengthening efforts in technology to support cost reductions and efficiency improvements in agricultural production. There are three main aspects: Firstly, supporting the increase in per unit yields for grain and oil crops across large areas. An allocation of 4 billion yuan will support the implementation of actions to increase the per unit yields of large-scale planters of grain and oil crops and promote the application of technologies such as dense planting and precision seeding to increase production. An allocation of 3.4 billion yuan will support the implementation of actions to grow key crops such as grain and oil crops through an eco-friendly, high-yield, and efficient approach, accelerating the integrated utilization of fertile fields, good seeds, high-quality machines, and useful methods and management systems. Secondly, supporting the revitalization of the seed industry. An allocation of 11 billion yuan will continue to support the seed source related key core technology R&D of key varieties such as corn and soybeans, and be used to carry out integrated pilot projects for the research, development, promotion and application of major varieties, implementing policies such as incentives for counties with significant seed production. Thirdly, supporting the promotion and application of agricultural equipment. This year, an allocation of 24.6 billion yuan will support the subsidization for purchase and application of agricultural machinery and strengthen the implementation of the scrapping and replacement of old agricultural machinery, which is included in the new round of large-scale equipment upgrades that I just mentioned.   

Third, we focus on providing support to enhance services and improve the agricultural service system. The main aspects include: Firstly, increasing support for socialized services. An allocation of 8.8 billion yuan will support various regions in providing commercial agricultural services to help solve the problem of "who will farm." Secondly, strengthening the foundation of agricultural talent. An allocation of 5.8 billion yuan will support the implementation of the Shennong elite project, a national program for fostering strategic scientists in agriculture, and the Touyan project that prepares leaders for rural revitalization, as well as programs to develop competent farmers, accelerating the cultivation of agricultural talent adapted to agricultural development. Thirdly, strengthening agricultural credit guarantee services. An allocation of 4.2 billion yuan in fund for rewards and subsidies will offer support for the national agricultural credit guarantee system to innovate and improve products related to grain production, processing and circulation. As of the end of March, there were 1.13 million projects under guarantee, with a balance of 398 billion yuan under guarantee.

Fourth, we focus on creating synergy of policies to improve the grain production income guarantee mechanism. There are four points: Firstly, ensuring the income of grain farmers. An allocation of 185.2 billion yuan will be used to continue subsidies protecting cultivated land fertility, subsidies for corn and soybean producers, and rice-related subsidies, and to increase the minimum purchase price for wheat and early indica rice. We implement policies to reward and subsidize domestic soybean crushing and processing and stabilize soybean planting expectations. Secondly, strengthening support for major grain-producing areas. This year, 57.1 billion yuan has been allocated for incentive funds in major grain-producing counties, achieving 19 consecutive increases. An allocation of 56.2 billion yuan for agricultural insurance premium subsidies will ensure the comprehensive implementation of the policy to insure the full cost and planting income of three major grain crops. Thirdly, fully supporting agricultural disaster prevention, reduction and relief efforts. Carrying out the approach of spraying pesticides, germicides, plant growth regulators and foliar fertilizers to prevent plant diseases, insect pests, and dry-hot wind hazards is very important for wheat production during the spring plowing season. We have allocated 1.6 billion yuan in advance to carry out this work. In the first quarter, more than one billion yuan was allocated to support the efforts in response to the impact of rain, snow, freeze and drought. We strengthened the assessment of crop pest and disease situations and will allocate relevant funds for prevention and control in the near future. Fourthly, improving the diversified input mechanism. We give play to the leverage effect of fiscal funds, innovating investment methods, coordinating with financial policies, and leveraging policy effects.

That is all from me. Thank you.

Zhinews of Shenzhen Satellite TV: 

The scale of government procurement in China is huge and plays an important role in guiding and promoting socio-economic development. What new measures will be taken in government procurement next to promote innovation and establish a modern industrial system? Thank you.

Li Xianzhong: 

Thank you for your question. In recent years, the MOF has actively utilized government procurement to support technological innovation, green environmental protection, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and rural revitalization, assisting in the high-quality development of the economy and society. Next, in accordance with the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, the MOF will continuously establish and improve a government procurement policy system that conforms to international rules, focusing on supporting the development of new quality productive forces and constructing a modern industrial system. This year, our work will mainly involve three aspects:

First, we will study and establish a cooperative innovation government procurement system. Cooperative innovation procurement refers to the procurement of innovative products that are not currently available on the market and require research and development, with the procurers starting to get involved as early as in the R&D stage, purchasing R&D services first and then purchasing the newly developed products. We summarized the characteristics of this new procurement method: it not only compensates suppliers for their R&D costs but also places orders in the form of a commitment to purchase a certain amount of innovative products, stimulating corporate innovation vitality through sharing R&D risks and jointly exploring initial markets. This approach is conducive to promoting the integrated management of innovative products from discovering demand and R&D to application and promotion, better supporting the innovation of applied technologies and the transformation of sci-tech achievements. Previously, the MOF did research and drafted the interim regulatory measures for cooperative innovation government procurement, and publicly solicited opinions from all parties. The measures are now ready for issuance and will be released in the near future.

Second, we will continue to improve the policies which support government procurement of green products. In recent years, as part of efforts to promote green transformation and upgrade of the building industry, the MOF has worked with relevant departments to adopt policies which support government procurement of green building materials in order to construct higher-quality buildings. Trials have been launched in various places. This year, based on knowledge gained from these trials, the ministry will expand the scope of policy implementation, with the number of trial cities rising from 48 to 100 and the number of green building material products covered by government procurement standards increasing from 75 to 100. By doing so, we will further intensify our support for promoting green buildings and using green building materials. Meanwhile, the ministry will further deepen and expand policies that support government procurement of other green products, strengthening policies and measures involving compulsory or preferential government procurement of eligible green products. All these will ensure that the government continues to leverage its role as a model and leader in procurement of green products.

Third, we will continue to implement policies involving equal treatment of domestic and foreign enterprises in terms of government procurement. Products made and services provided by both domestic and foreign enterprises in China must be treated on an equal footing during government procurement. This has been our consistent policy. In 2021, the MOF issued a notice on implementing policies involving equal treatment of domestic and foreign enterprises in terms of government procurement , reiterating and stressing this principle. Next, we will enhance regular supervision over procurement staff and agencies, and conduct special rectification focusing on their unequal treatment of domestic and foreign enterprises. We will intensify law enforcement and punish by law those who violate laws and regulations. In addition, we will learn from standard international practices and, after research, set up standards for government procurement of products made in China, aiming to better ensure the implementation of policies involving equal treatment of domestic and foreign enterprises in terms of government procurement.

That's all from me. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

It was proposed in this year's government work report that starting this year ultra-long special treasury bonds will be issued for the next several years. These bonds will be used to implement major national strategies and build up security capacity in key areas. One trillion yuan of such bonds will be issued in 2024. My questions are: What has the MOF done in regard to ultra-long special treasury bonds? And what is being planned for the next step? 

Wang Jianfan:

Thank you for your questions. The issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, which is of great importance when it comes to building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation. With examination and approval by the National People's Congress, the MOF has included in the budget for 2024 the revenue and expenditure generated from ultra-long special treasury bonds in 2024. Meanwhile, the preparatory work for ultra-long special treasury bond issuance has made steady progress. The ministry has actively participated in making an action plan to support the implementation of major national strategies and enhance the country's capacities to ensure security in key areas.

For the next step, with a focus on implementation, the MOF will closely coordinate and cooperate with relevant authorities in all work involving ultra-long special treasury bonds.

First, we will promptly issue ultra-long special treasury bonds according to their project allocations. Based on the bond market demand and the implementation timetable of projects supported by ultra-long special treasury bonds, we will scientifically design bond variety and maturity, so that the bond issuance will match the projects' timespan. Meanwhile, we will coordinate the issuance of general treasury bonds and special treasury bonds, ensuring that they are issued at the right pace and satisfying funding needs for projects supported by special treasury bonds. 

Second, we will strengthen coordination between central and local government funds, and between existing funds and the increase of funds. With funds raised from the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds, they will form a synergy so that their overall effectiveness is enhanced.

Third, we will study and establish supervision mechanisms based on funds raised from the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds. We will strengthen supervision over the whole process of fund allocation, distribution and utilization, ensuring the funds are well regulated and used in a safe and efficient way.

Xie Yingjun:

The last question, please.

Jimu News:

Macroeconomic data shows that the economy has continued to recover and improve in the first quarter of this year. Could you please elaborate on the specific areas where proactive fiscal policies will focus in the next phase to reinforce this positive economic momentum? Thank you.

Wang Dongwei:

Thank you for your question. Let me answer it. This year's government report explicitly states that we should appropriately enhance the intensity of our proactive fiscal policy and improve its quality and effectiveness. By observing the fiscal revenue and expenditure in the first quarter, it is evident that fiscal policy has been proactively deployed efficiently and quickly in order to provide robust support for the continued improvement and recovery of the economy. Moving forward, the MOF will focus on six key areas:

First, we will fully support sci-tech advancements to lead industrial innovation. In line with national strategic requirements, we will increase investments in basic research, applied basic research and cutting-edge research. We aim to accelerate the implementation of major national sci-tech projects, support research on disruptive and frontier technologies and advance the development of critical technologies. We will implement structural tax cuts and fee reductions, focusing on supporting sci-tech and manufacturing innovation. Moreover, we will coordinate the use of special fiscal funds and government investment funds to foster the growth of strategic emerging industries and accelerate the transformation and progression of traditional industries.

Second, we will focus on boosting domestic demand. We will coordinate the effective use of policy instruments such as government bonds, special local government bonds and central budget investments to drive the expansion of effective social investment. Meanwhile, we will implement and refine fiscal and tax support policies, actively promote replacing old durable goods, like cars and home appliances, so as to encourage expanding domestic consumption.

Third, we are committed to actively supporting the improvement and enhancement of the public's welfare and livelihood. In education, our focus is on increasing funding for high school education to meet the financial needs of students. We will promote the high-quality and balanced development of compulsory education, advocate for widespread and enhanced public-interest preschool education and ensure that vocational schools meet fixed standards. We will also push forward the development of world-class universities with Chinese characteristics and superior disciplines. In terms of social security, we will enhance subsidies for basic pension insurance funds, elevate public health service standards, vigorously implement first-rate employment policies and assist people in need. Regarding environmental protection, we will continue to effectively combat pollution. There are two significant points to highlight. First, we have established subsidy funds for the shelterbelt program in northwest, north and northeast China to support key projects in ecosystem restoration and management; second, we have created special funds dedicated to the disposal of electrical waste and electronic products to promote the comprehensive use of resources.

Fourth, we are committed to enhancing food and energy security at a higher level. We will increase incentives for major grain-producing counties, achieving a "19th consecutive increase" in funding to effectively motivate key production areas to prioritize agriculture and grain production. Additionally, we will enhance support for agricultural insurance premium subsidies and expand insurance coverage for major agricultural products. We will actively support efforts to ensure a stable energy supply and price stabilization, promote the sustainable development of renewable energy, encourage an increase in the production of unconventional natural gas and take multiple measures to improve energy security.

Fifth, we will promote coordinated urban and rural regional development. We will implement and improve fiscal and tax policies, vigorously promote new urbanization, support local governments in moving faster to grant permanent urban residency to eligible people who have moved to cities from rural areas, facilitate the implementation of major regional strategies and increase support for special regions such as old revolutionary base areas, ethnic minority regions and border areas.

Sixth, we will strengthen budget execution management and financial operation monitoring. We will direct local authorities and relevant departments to promptly refine allocated budgets into specific projects, enabling rapid release of policy effectiveness and maximizing the benefits of fund utilization. Simultaneously, we will enhance fiscal revenue and expenditure analysis to ensure that at the primary level basic living needs are met, salaries are paid and governments function smoothly. In addition, we will resolutely implement austerity measures for party and government organs, reinforce budget execution constraints and promote the safe and standardized use of fiscal funds.

While focusing on the six aspects outlined above, we will also adhere to the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council to better coordinate development and security, to continuously advance the prevention and resolution of local government debt risks, to accelerate the implementation of plans to defuse risks and to promote the reform and transformation of local government financing platforms in a classified manner.

That's all for my response to this question. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you to all of the speakers of your briefings. Thank you to all the journalists for your participation. Today's press conference is now concluded. 

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Zhou Jing, Guo Yiming, Ma Yujia, Wang Yanfang, Wang Ziteng, Yuan Fang, Yang Xi, Zhang Junmian, Xiang Bin, Liu Sitong, Li Xiao, Wang Wei, Wang Yiming, Li Huiru, David Ball, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Ms. Guo Tingting, vice minister of commerce

Mr. Yang Tao, director general of the Comprehensive Department of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM)

Mr. Xu Xingfeng, director general of the Department of Market Operation and Consumption Promotion of MOFCOM

Mr. Li Xingqian, director general of the Department of Foreign Trade of MOFCOM

Ms. Ji Xiaofeng, a person in charge of the Department of Foreign Investment Administration of MOFCOM

Chairperson:

Mr. Xie Yingjun, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

April 19, 2024

Xie Yingjun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this briefing held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we have invited Ms. Guo Tingting, vice minister of commerce, to brief you on China's commerce work and performance in the first quarter of 2024, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Yang Tao, director general of the Comprehensive Department of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM); Mr. Xu Xingfeng, director general of the Department of Market Operation and Consumption Promotion of MOFCOM; Mr. Li Xingqian, director general of the Department of Foreign Trade of MOFCOM; and Ms. Ji Xiaofeng, a person in charge of the Department of Foreign Investment Administration of MOFCOM.

Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Guo for her introduction. 

Guo Tingting:

Friends from the media, good afternoon. Thank you for your long-term interest in and support for the commerce work. Now, I'll brief you on China's commerce performance in the first quarter of 2024. It has been widely noted that the national economy got off to a good start in the first quarter, and the performance of commerce was also generally stable with an optimized structure, contributing to sustained economic recovery and growth.  

Consumption remained the primary driving force behind economic growth. In the first quarter, China's gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 5.3% year on year, with final consumption expenditure contributing 73.7% and driving GDP growth by 3.9 percentage points. Sales of upgraded goods saw rapid growth. In the first quarter, total retail sales of consumer goods grew by 4.7%, with retail sales of sports and entertainment products and communication equipment by enterprises above designated size growing by 14.2% and 13.2%, respectively. Service consumption continued to unleash its potential. Consumers' demand for quality and diverse "experiential" consumption constantly rose. In the first quarter, retail sales of services increased by 10%. Catering consumption remained buoyant, growing by 10.8%.

Foreign trade got off to a stable start. In the first quarter, trade in goods reached 10.2 trillion yuan, surpassing the 10-trillion-yuan mark for the first time in a single quarter, and the growth rate stood at 5%, marking a new high for the past six quarters. The contribution rate of net exports to economic growth rose to 14.5%. In terms of goods, exports of mechanical and electrical products grew quickly, exports of labor-intensive products also performed well, and exports of textiles and garments as well as furniture and its components increased by 5.4% and 23.5%, respectively. Driven by domestic demand, imports of energy and integrated circuits grew by 8% and 14.3%, respectively. In terms of markets, emerging markets remained vibrant, with imports from and exports to Belt and Road partner countries growing by 5.5% in the first quarter. Developed markets showed signs of recovery, with growth in imports and exports related to the U.S. increasing by around 5.5 percentage points compared to the same period last year. As for market entities, the number of foreign trade enterprises with import and export records increased by 8.8% in the first quarter, with the number of private enterprises growing by 10.4%, accounting for 85.3% of the total. A recent survey on key foreign trade enterprises conducted by MOFCOM showed that in March, the proportion of enterprises reporting employment increases reached 88.8%, growing by 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous two months. This indicates further strengthened confidence and expectations of enterprises.

In terms of attracting foreign investment, the "Investment in China" series of activities has been enthusiastically received. The inaugural flagship event alone attracted more than 140 representatives from foreign enterprises and business associations across 17 countries and regions. In the first quarter, 12,000 foreign-funded enterprises were newly established, an increase of 20.7%. As for the investment structure, investment in high-tech manufacturing in the first quarter accounted for 12.5%, an increase of 2.2 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Investment in the service industries closely related to people's lives also achieved rapid growth. In terms of the investment scale, utilized foreign investment reached 301.67 billion yuan in the first quarter, remaining at a historically high level.

Outbound investment maintained stable development. In the first quarter, non-financial outbound direct investment reached 242.92 billion yuan, an increase of 12.5%. Investment in the ASEAN and the EU grew rapidly by 36.7% and 34.5%, respectively. Investment in leasing and business services, manufacturing, and the wholesale and retail industry increased by 45.5%, 36.4% and 14.9%, respectively. The value of newly contracted projects stood at 330.64 billion yuan, an increase of 11.9%, with completed turnover reaching 230.13 billion yuan, an increase of 6.1%.

Next, MOFCOM will continue to thoroughly implement the decisions and deployments of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council. Focusing on the three important positions of the commerce work (namely commerce work being an important component of the domestic economy, serving as a vital link between the domestic and international economic flows, and playing a crucial role in creating a new development pattern), we will strive to continue to expand consumption, ensure the overall stable performance of foreign trade and foreign investment, and promote high-level opening-up. We will also take multiple measures to advance high-quality development of commerce, thus providing strong support for achieving higher-quality economic growth and appropriately increasing economic output.

That's all for my introduction. Now, my colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions. Thank you. 

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you, Ms. Guo. Now the floor is open to questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before asking your question.  

China Financial and Economic News:

The 135th China Import and Export Fair is currently being held. Could you please describe the current situation at the Canton Fair? Thank you.

Guo Tingting:

Thank you for your attention to the Canton Fair. The 135th Canton Fair is currently being held. Recently, Chinese Premier Li Qiang inspected the fair and presided over two consecutive symposiums, engaging in in-depth exchanges with overseas buyers and representatives from firms participating in the fair. This fully reflects the significant importance the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attach to the Canton Fair and foreign trade.

We will fully implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to ensure the success of the Canton Fair. This aims to provide more high-quality products for consumers worldwide, offer more cooperation opportunities for enterprises globally, and inject new momentum into the recovery of the global economy and trade.

Today is also the last day of the first phase of the 135th Canton Fair, which has been characterized by four main features in terms of exhibitor and participant attendance as well as negotiations.

First, there has been a high attendance of overseas buyers. As of yesterday, approximately 120,000 overseas buyers attended the fair, marking a 22.7% increase over the previous session. Second, the composition of exhibitors has been further optimized. The number of national-level high-tech enterprises and specialized single-product manufacturers attending the first phase increased by 33% compared to the previous session. The number of high-tech enterprises involved in smart living, the "new three" (namely electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells), and industrial automation rose by 24.4%. Third, the exhibits have better reflected the development of new quality productive forces. Over 90,000 AI products were displayed during the first phase of the fair, and transactions involving industrial automation equipment and new energy vehicles significantly increased, with some even doubling from the previous session. Fourth, the functionality of online platforms has been further improved. The online platforms of the fair continue to operate regularly. Up to yesterday, about 294,000 buyers from 229 countries and regions participated in the fair online.

I would also like to extend another invitation to our media friends here. The Canton Fair will continue with its second and third phases, which will be held in Guangzhou from April 23 to 27 and May 1 to 5, respectively. These phases will showcase consumer goods, gifts, decorations, textiles, and other products. We welcome everyone to continue following and providing in-depth coverage of the fair. Thank you.

Jimu News:

Economic and trade cooperation is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). What achievements has China made in deepening economic and trade cooperation with its BRI partners in the first quarter? What are the highlights?

Yang Tao:

Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Commerce has thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches on BRI cooperation and earnestly implemented the eight major steps to support high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. It has continued to deepen economic and trade cooperation with BRI partners. Some new progress and achievements have been made in this regard, which are mainly reflected in the following four aspects:

First, economic and trade cooperation got off to a good start. In the first quarter, China's trade in goods with BRI partners exceeded 4.8 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.5%, 0.5 percentage point higher than the overall growth rate of foreign trade, accounting for 47.4% of total imports and exports. In terms of exported goods, there are not only high-tech products related to enterprise production, such as electronic information, instruments, apparatus, and equipment manufacturing, but also consumer products that meet everyday needs, like household appliances and clothing. Regarding imports, we actively share the opportunities of China's enormous market with our BRI partners. China's imports of industrial products from its BRI partners, including energy and mineral products, integrated circuits, and auto parts, continued to increase in the first quarter.

Second, outbound investment saw steady growth. In the first quarter, China's non-financial direct investment in BRI partners reached 54.32 billion yuan, an increase of 12%, accounting for 22.4% of total outbound investment in the same period. China's investment in RCEP countries increased by 33.5%, and its investment in Central and Eastern European countries increased by 41.3%, both significantly higher than the overall growth rate of outbound investment.

Third, for project construction, we have ensured stability while improving quality. In the first quarter, the turnover of China's contracted projects in BRI countries reached 184.6 billion yuan, an increase of 7.9%. Cooperation projects have also become more environmentally friendly. In the first quarter, the turnover from energy conservation and environmental protection projects increased by 18.4%, 12 percentage points higher than the segment's overall revenue growth. For example, we have completed a number of photovoltaic power station projects in the Middle East, West Asia, Central Asia, and other regions, which will provide green and clean energy to the local areas.

Fourth, the development of cooperation mechanisms has accelerated. In terms of free trade agreement negotiations, we successfully held the fifth round of negotiations on Version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) and signed an early harvest arrangement for the China-Honduras Free Trade Agreement (FTA). In terms of cooperation in emerging areas, we signed six memorandums of investment cooperation in green, blue, and other fields with the United Arab Emirates, Angola, and the Maldives. In terms of exhibition platforms, the recently concluded fourth China International Consumer Products Expo and the 135th Canton Fair have attracted many exhibitors from BRI partners. Exhibitors from BRI partners participating in the Canton Fair increased by 46%, and companies from partner countries accounted for 64% of the participants in the import exhibition of the fair.

Next, we will implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and strive to ensure that the economic and trade cooperation established at the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation delivers results. Efforts will also be made to enhance cooperation in trade and investment, project construction, and emerging areas, to provide robust support to deepen and solidify BRI cooperation. Thank you.

Cover News:

This year, China launched a year-long program to stimulate consumption. The first quarter has ended. What trends have been observed in the consumer market? What measures will the Ministry of Commerce take to promote consumption? Thank you.

Xu Xingfeng:

Thank you for your interest in our efforts to promote consumer spending. Ms. Guo has already briefed us about the consumer market's contribution to economic growth in the first quarter, so I will not repeat it here. Regarding your question about the new characteristics of the consumer market, they can be summarized as follows:  

First, growth has been stable. This is primarily reflected in bulk consumption such as automobiles, home appliances, and home furnishing. In the first quarter, new car sales grew 10.6% year on year to 6.72 million, including new energy vehicles, which increased by 31.8% year on year. Retail sales of home appliances by businesses above designated size grew 5.8% year on year, 1.1 percentage points higher than total retail sales. The building materials sector also saw a positive turnaround, with the growth rate of retail sales increasing from -7.8% at the end of last year to 2.4% in the first quarter.

Second, demand has been strong, particularly evident in service consumption. In the first quarter, retail sales of services grew by 10.0% year on year, six percentage points higher than goods. Per capita consumption expenditure on services grew by 12.7% year on year, accounting for 43.3% of per capita consumption expenditure. Catering revenue grew by 10.8% year on year to 1.34 trillion yuan.

Third, there have been multiple highlights, mainly reflected in new types of consumer spending. In the first quarter, China's online retail sales totaled 3.3 trillion yuan, up 12.4% year on year. Online retail sales of physical goods rose 11.6% to 2.8 trillion yuan, contributing 23.3% to China's total retail sales. The concept of green consumption has also gained popularity among consumers, with sales of green and organic food by key retail enterprises monitored by the ministry growing by about 14% year on year.

These are the three major characteristics of the consumer market in the first quarter: stable growth in bulk consumption, strong demand for services, and multiple highlights in new types of consumer spending.

China has launched a year-long program to stimulate consumption this year, as outlined in the government work report. Following the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we actively promote relevant work. The overall approach involves adopting relevant policies and organizing activities to promote consumption. Regarding policies, we will adopt a problem-oriented approach, focusing on addressing bottlenecks and difficulties in the circulation sector. We will introduce a series of policies to boost consumer confidence. We have already introduced policies concerning trade-in of consumer goods, digital consumption, catering consumption, rural e-commerce, and recycling of renewable resources. Moving forward, we will continue to focus on the development of international consumption center cities, the innovative development of service consumption, and the construction of a modern commercial circulation system, and we will continue to introduce relevant policy measures.

In terms of activities, as previously introduced to the press, we are organizing a series of pro-consumption activities throughout the year to benefit all. We will arrange weekly scenarios, monthly events, and seasonal themes. When organizing these activities, we focus on four aspects. First, we organize activities during festivals and holidays. For example, we have already held pro-consumption events during the Spring Festival and Qingming Festival, and plan to organize such events during the upcoming May Day holiday as well, with enriched festive atmosphere. Second, we are emphasizing the integrated development of industries. Everyone knows that various sectors, including commerce, tourism, culture, sports and health, are moving toward integrated development. Following the Spring Festival, the 110th China Food and Drinks Fair was held in Chengdu, mixing exhibitions with tourism, music, and gourmet food to promote consumption in different scenarios. Third, we are highlighting key product categories. For key products related to trade-ins for old consumer goods, such as automobiles, home appliances and home furnishing, we will continue to carry out promotional activities. Fourth, we are emphasizing local characteristics. For example, Beijing's consumption season highlights local culture and cuisine, while Guangxi's "33 Consumption Festival" has fully integrated local ethnic cultures. Meanwhile, Fujian's pro-consumption campaign has showcased local cultural heritage. Thank you. 

CCTV:

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has published full-year data on merchandise trade for 2023. China stabilized its market share in imports and exports, maintaining its position as the world's largest nation in goods trade for the seventh consecutive year. How does the Ministry of Commerce view the current foreign trade situation and its future outlook? Thank you.

Guo Tingting:

Thank you for your question. In 2023, despite facing multiple difficulties and challenges, China withstood pressure and maintained its size and market share in foreign trade, showing strong growth resilience. China has remained the top trading country in goods for the seventh straight year. In 2023, its share of world exports stood at 14.2%, the same as in 2022. The country's share of world imports reached 10.6%, slightly higher than in 2022. In the first quarter of this year, China's imports and exports of goods rose by 5%, maintaining steady recovery and growth. Achieving such results amid slower global trade growth was no easy feat.

Looking ahead to the next phase of foreign trade, we generally feel that there are both opportunities and challenges. The opportunities can be summarized into the following three positives aspects:

First, the domestic economy's recovery and growth have been boosted, establishing a solid foundation. Foreign trade performance is closely related to the domestic economy. In the first quarter, the national economy grew by 5.3%, and the value added of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 6.1%. This provides a solid foundation for consolidating the fundamentals of foreign trade.

Second, business expectations continue to improve, with increasing confidence. In March, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector reached 50.8%, re-entering the expansion zone. A recent survey of over 20,000 exhibitors at the Canton Fair showed that 81.5% of the respondents reported an increase or stability in their order books, a 16.8 percentage point increase compared to the previous session. Enterprises are relatively optimistic about their order situations and are more actively exploring international markets.

Third, key industries are stabilizing and showing positive momentum, with increasing strength. After a downward cycle lasting two years, the electronic information industry is gradually recovering in terms of trade in its main products. In the first quarter, China's integrated circuit industry grew by 24.2%, imports increased by 14.3%, and exports of computers and components grew by 8.6%. This also demonstrates our capabilities in industrial support and integration.

From the perspective of challenges, they are notably reflected in three areas:

First, there is a slowdown in the expected growth of external demand. Recently, the World Trade Organization released its "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" report, lowering the projected growth rate of world merchandise trade volume for 2024 to 2.6%, 0.7 percentage point lower than the forecast in October last year.

Second, the risks from geopolitical conflicts are increasing. The Ukraine crisis has experienced prolonged fluctuations, the impact of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues to spill over, and the blockade of the Red Sea route has already altered global shipping patterns, thereby increasing risks to oil supply. Additionally, this year is a "super election year" globally, bringing various uncertainties.

Third, there is a rising trend of trade protectionism. In our surveys and discussions with foreign trade enterprises, many of them have expressed that certain countries are politicizing trade issues, establishing trade barriers, and disrupting global industrial and supply chain stability. As a result, enterprises face increased interference and greater difficulties in market development.

Currently, in accordance with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the Ministry of Commerce is actively collaborating with local governments and departments to develop and implement a series of targeted, practical and effective measures to support stable foreign trade. These measures are designed to enhance the capabilities of foreign trade enterprises and expand their market presence. We are confident in our ability to achieve this year's goals of improving quality, increasing quantity, and ensuring the stability of foreign trade. We are committed to contributing to the promotion of sustained economic recovery and long-term development. Thank you.

China Daily:

In recent years, we have observed changes in the structure of China's export products. How does the Ministry of Commerce view the issue of trade structure, and what is the outlook for trade growth this year? Thank you.

Li Xingqian:

Thank you for your questions. In recent years, the structure of China's exports has been undergoing optimization and upgrading. In terms of product structure, there has been positive momentum in exporting high-tech, high value-added, and environmentally friendly products that are driving green and low-carbon transformation. Taking the "new trio" of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic products as examples, their combined exports grew by 88.4% in 2022 and increased by 27.6% in 2023, surpassing 1 trillion yuan in export scale. At the same time, we see many Chinese foreign trade enterprises focusing on enhancing their independent research and development capabilities and advancing digitalization, smart transformation, and green transformation. This has led to the formation of an innovation advantage in China's manufacturing industry.

From the perspective of trade modes, the proportion of China's general trade exports has continued to increase, reaching 64.6% in 2023. This reflects the ongoing enhancement of China's independent development capabilities in foreign trade. The processing trade is transitioning from traditional manufacturing processes to higher value-added activities like design and maintenance. In 2023, high-tech products accounted for 53% of China's total exports in the processing trade.

From the perspective of market distribution, our trading partners have become more diverse. In 2023, the proportion of China's exports to emerging markets rose to 55.3%. We have also strengthened trade ties with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In the first quarter of this year, the proportion of exports to these countries further increased to 46.7%.

Considering the export performance of the first quarter, we see three sectors with innovative vitality and potential for sustained growth.

First, the foundation for exports of complete sets of equipment is robust. Chinese industries, such as automotive and equipment manufacturing, have consolidated innovative achievements along both long and complete industrial chains. If some components or functional systems are considered individually, they are full of creativity and technological sophistication. I'll briefly mention two examples: in-car voice systems in automobiles are rapidly advancing toward the domain of AI. Meanwhile, forklifts commonly used in factories and warehouse logistics are progressively becoming electrified and unmanned, undergoing iterative upgrades.

Second, the demand for smart products is growing. Chinese export products increasingly employ special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products, delving deeper into segmented fields. Smart products, such as robots, are favored by consumers. In the household appliance sector, there has been an emergence of floor-cleaning robots, pool-cleaning robots, lawn-mowing robots, and high-rise building window-cleaning robots in response to demand, each featuring its own advanced technology. In the field of industrial robots, China is also an important exporter and application market. According to statistics from the International Federation of Robotics, the annual average growth rate of robot installations in China from 2017 to 2022 was 13%. Customs data indicate that China's industrial robot exports increased by 86.4% in 2023.

Third, low-carbon, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly products are highly popular. Currently, environmentally friendly food trays and straws made from biodegradable materials have replaced disposable plastic products and become the market's mainstream choice. Biodegradable tableware made from bagasse is well-received in exports, resulting in bagasse becoming more expensive than sugarcane. In some areas, such as air-source heat pump equipment, which is more energy-efficient, it can save energy by 75% compared to traditional electric heating or coal-fired boilers. These products are selling well in the European market. New textile fabrics that can be dyed without water save water and energy in the dyeing process and do not emit wastewater, which customers deeply appreciate.

At the same time, we need to recognize that traditional labor-intensive products still hold competitive advantages. In the first quarter, China's export of labor-intensive products increased by 9.1% year on year; among them, exports of textiles and garments, plastic products, and furniture and parts grew by 5.4%, 14%, and 23.5%, respectively. "Made in China" is currently evolving into "Created in China." New export growth poles will continue to emerge, and we are confident in achieving this year's goals of steadily increasing the volume and enhancing the quality of foreign trade. Thank you.

CMG Voice of China: 

Since last year, data on China's foreign investment attraction have shown certain fluctuations. How does the Ministry of Commerce view the current situation of investment attraction? What further steps will be taken? Thank you.

Ji Xiaofeng: 

Thank you for your questions. From the perspective of overall global, transnational investment and the economic situation in various countries, fluctuations in FDI are a normal phenomenon. To comprehensively assess the situation of foreign investment attraction in China, we need to consider not just changes in scale but, more importantly, the optimization of the structure and its prospects.

First, let's consider changes in the scale of investment attraction. In the first quarter of this year, China attracted over 300 billion yuan in foreign investment. During the same period last year, China reached its highest quarterly volume of foreign investment attraction. There has been a slight decrease this year due to the impact of a high base. Additionally, in the first quarter of this year, China saw the establishment of 12,000 new foreign-funded businesses, an increase of 20.7% year on year, maintaining the trend of rapid growth in new enterprises since last year. Foreign investment typically involves a process from project signing and company registration to construction completion and operation commencement. As foreign capital arrives progressively with the pace of project construction, fluctuations in data during this process are commonly observed. The increase in the number of new enterprises is an indicator and will support future investment inflows.

Second, let's consider the optimization of the investment structure. In the first quarter of this year, the utilized foreign investment in China's manufacturing industry reached 81.06 billion yuan, with 37.76 billion yuan being attracted to the high-tech manufacturing sector. Both figures accounted for a higher proportion of total investment attraction than in the same period last year, increasing by 2.3 and 2.2 percentage points, respectively. Investment attraction growth in some advanced manufacturing sectors has also been relatively fast. For example, attracted investment in the medical equipment manufacturing industry remarkably increased by 169.7% year on year, fully demonstrating the continuous optimization of China's investment attraction structure.

The basic trend of China's economic recovery and long-term improvement generally remains unchanged. With the continuous advancement of China's new quality productive forces and the gradual effects of a series of policies aimed at stabilizing the economy, promoting openness, and attracting foreign investment, the conditions and environment for foreign investment in China are expected to continue improving. Recently, the American management consulting firm Kearney's Global Business Policy Council released its 2024 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (FDICI). In this index, China rose from seventh to third place last year, reflecting multinational corporations' continued willingness to expand their investments in China.

Next, MOFCOM will thoroughly implement the arrangements of the Central Economic Work Conference and the government work report, mainly advancing our work in five areas. First, we will relax foreign investment access. We will downsize the negative list for foreign investment access in a reasonable way, comprehensively abolishing access restrictions in the manufacturing sector and easing market access in the medical, telecommunications and other service sectors. We will also revise the catalogue of industries for encouraging foreign investment, add and supplement encouraging items, and provide broader space for foreign investment in China by "reducing restrictions and increasing incentives." Second, we will enhance investment promotion. We will ensure the success of major events with the theme of "Invest in China," strengthen our promotional efforts at abroad to attract foreign investment, boost targeted investment in areas such as advanced manufacturing, strategic emerging industries, digital and intelligent technologies, and green technologies, and continuously optimize the industrial structure of foreign investment. Third, we will strengthen services and support. We will leverage the role of special task forces for crucial foreign-funded projects, make good use of roundtable discussions for foreign-funded enterprises as well as the system for collecting and handling their issues and demands, communicate with these enterprises in a candid and practical manner, and promptly address their difficulties and problems. Fourth, we will build open platforms. We will align with international high-standard economic and trade rules, implement the plan to deepen the construction of the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening up the Services Sector, and introduce a new round of open and innovative policy measures in other pilot provinces and municipalities in due course. As a series of activities will be held this year to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the first batch of national economic and technological development zones, we will promote the innovation and upgrading of these zones and strengthen their role as platforms for attracting investment. Fifth, we will optimize the investment environment. Recently, the "24 Measures for Foreign Investment" have been continuously implemented, including policies to promote cross-border data flow and to optimize payment services, which have been widely praised by foreign-funded enterprises. Next, we will continue to promote the implementation of these measures, conduct another evaluation on it in due course, and truly transform policy measures into tangible benefits for foreign-funded enterprises. Thank you.

Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:

Recently, MOFCOM and other departments released the Action Plan to Facilitate and Encourage Trade-ins of Consumer Goods. Could you please elaborate on how this action plan will be implemented? And what tangible benefits can ordinary consumers expect from this plan?

Xu Xingfeng:

Thank you for your interest in trade-ins of consumer goods. With the approval of the State Council, MOFCOM and 13 other departments issued the action plan and held a work promotion meeting jointly with relevant departments. We are working together with other departments and local governments to promptly implement the plan. Currently, Guangdong, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hunan, Shanxi and other regions have already issued detailed measures. Automobile, home appliances and furnishing companies involved in trade-ins have responded positively and launched preferential packages. We are also organizing local events, as part of the "National Campaign on Consumer Goods Trade-ins," across the country to make the policy widely known. The first event was launched in Haikou during the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo. We will work with relevant departments to specify policy measures and improve operational procedures as soon as possible, in a bid to make the process simpler and more precise.

You are concerned about the benefits consumers can expect from trade-ins. The action plan is a major decision made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and we are actively promoting its implementation. As trade-ins involve millions of households and the vital interest of the people, we respect consumers' wishes and respond to their demands in policy design, aiming to give them a sense of gain. The benefits are reflected in the following aspects.

When it comes to automobiles, selling or scrapping an old car and buying a new one is an action by the people. We will expand and extend this point throughout the entire chain of automobile circulation and consumption, aiming to make our citizens more satisfied. Specifically, the first thing is that buying cars will be more cost-effective. Currently, companies are responding actively and offering promotional discounts. Policy packages and a combination of measures will be introduced, offering benefits from various aspects such as finance, taxation, credit and insurance to reduce the cost of buying cars, making them more affordable. Second, more convenient services will be provided for the people to use cars. We will improve infrastructure such as charging stations, parking facilities and intelligent transportation. We will carry out pilot reforms on automobile circulation and consumption, supporting the development of industries focused on car modification, leasing, RV camping, sports events and classic cars. Third, selling cars will be more worry free. We will advance nationwide efforts to rescind all local policies that restrict sales of non-local second-hand vehicles, in order to stimulate demand for second-hand cars and enable car owners to sell their cars at more satisfactory prices. A second-hand car information inquiry platform will be established to make car information more transparent and car prices more reasonable, allowing people to buy second-hand cars with the same confidence as buying a new one. Consumers will be happier if they can buy used cars with better conditions and more guaranteed after-sales services at the same price. Fourth, it will be more convenient to scrap cars. The final step in automobile circulation is scrapping. We encourage dismantling companies to collect cars door-to-door so that it's more convenient for car owners to surrender their to-be-scrapped vehicles for disposal. Overall, it will be more cost-effective for consumers to buy cars, and more convenient services will be provided for them to use, sell and scrap cars.

In terms of home appliances, home furnishing and decoration: First, we will prioritize the convenience of consumption. People have no place to put old furniture they want to keep, there is no one to collect household appliances that people want to throw away, and people do not have anywhere to stay temporarily when renovating their homes: these are all difficulties facing ordinary people in their daily lives. We will encourage the creation of "storage rooms," "recycling stations" and "relocation houses," as well as "internet + recycling" and "one-stop collection of old items, delivery of new ones, disassembly and assembly" to take the worry out of renovation. Second, we will prioritize information transparency. Nowadays, people are living healthier lives and want green building materials, while elderly people require senior-friendly renovations. However, some consumers do not know which building materials are green and which elderly-friendly products are up to the mark. We will work with relevant departments to initiate activities to introduce green building materials into rural areas, dynamically improve the catalog of elderly-friendly home furnishings, and promote "demonstration home decoration rooms" within shopping malls, communities and platforms so that consumers can obtain information through multiple channels. Third, we will prioritize smart technologies and convenience, with a focus on smart homes. Nowadays, smart homes are rapidly developing and have entered thousands of households. However, there is still insufficient compatibility between smart products of different brands, and sometimes people have too many remote controls. Next, we will work with relevant departments to speed up the improvement of compatibility standards and promote the application of smart products in more living scenarios. Fourth, we will prioritize living environment optimizations. We will organize and carry out actions to promote safe home improvements in communities and improve after-sales service for home appliances, so as to boost satisfaction and confidence in consumption.

Next, we will continue to listen widely to opinions and suggestions of various parties, and do our best so that consumers can get genuine benefits. We also welcome friends from the media and consumers to supervise the implementation and effects of the policies. Thank you. 

The Poster News APP:

MOFCOM has established a roundtable mechanism for foreign-funded enterprises, and organized and convened a number of roundtable meetings for foreign enterprises this year. Could you please introduce the results of the roundtable meetings for foreign enterprises in providing them with service guarantees? What are the plans going forward?

Ji Xiaofeng:

Thank you for your questions and interest in the roundtable events. In accordance with the plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, in July 2023, MOFCOM relied on the foreign trade and investment coordination service mechanism to upgrade and establish a roundtable meeting system for foreign-funded enterprises to further strengthen regular communication and exchanges with foreign-funded enterprises and foreign business associations. The roundtable meetings do not set restrictions and foreign companies are encouraged to speak freely. After the meetings, the problems and demands reported by the companies are compiled and managed with follow-ups on the results, which has been highly praised by foreign-funded companies. Overall, the roundtable meetings have played three kinds of roles:

First, the roundtable meetings built unimpeded channels of expression and fully listened to the opinions and suggestions of enterprises. So far, MOFCOM has held 24 roundtable meetings for foreign-funded enterprises, with more than 600 foreign-funded enterprises and foreign business associations participating. To date, nine meetings have been held this year, including roundtable meetings held overseas to communicate with foreign companies in Germany, France and Denmark, and roundtable meetings held domestically and themed around such fields as medicine and consumer goods. At the roundtable meetings, MOFCOM, together with relevant departments, acquired detailed understandings of the issues, demands, opinions and suggestions of foreign-invested enterprises from various countries and industries, through face-to-face, point-to-point consultation, providing an important reference for formulating policies and optimizing services.

Second, the roundtable meetings have strengthened policy interpretation and fully publicized China's business environment. Since last year, we have relied on activities such as roundtable meetings to explain comprehensive policies, such as the 24 specific pro-foreign investment measures and the new action plan issued by the General Office of the State Council to attract foreign investment, special policies targeting cross-border flows of data and environmental protection, and regional opening-up policies including the ones for promoting integrated economic development of Chengdu and Chongqing. These efforts allow foreign-funded enterprises to have a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China's major policies and measures and fully seize new investment opportunities in China.

Third, the roundtable meetings have adhered to a problem-oriented approach and coordinated efforts to resolve pressing difficulties and problems. Based on the pains and difficulties reported by foreign-funded enterprises at the roundtable meetings, MOFCOM established a list of issues and worked with relevant departments to tackle the problems. The establishment of the roundtable mechanism has promoted multiple departments to introduce measures to benefit enterprises, including facilitating foreigners to come to China, outlining clear requirements for cross-border flows of data, and extending preferential policies on tax-deductible allowances and subsidies for foreign nationals in accordance with relevant national regulations.

Moving forward, MOFCOM will give further play to the role of the foreign investment enterprise roundtable meeting system, and build the roundtable meetings into an important platform for candid communication, pragmatic exchanges and problem-solving between the government and enterprises. Thank you.

Xie Yingjun:

The final question, please.

China News Service:

Green and digital transitions represent new driving forces and emerging trends in foreign trade development. Could you please elaborate on the specific manifestations of these eco-friendly and digital practices in the current foreign trade landscape? What measures will the Ministry of Commerce take to further enhance green and digital transitions? Thank you.

Li Xingqian:

Thank you for your questions. Green and digital transitions are shaping the direction and future of international trade development, serving as pivotal drivers for innovation and structural upgrading in foreign trade.

In terms of promoting green trade development, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are at the forefront of global carbon reduction practices and actively promote the development of green and low-carbon products and services. In the design, research and development phase, Chinese foreign trade enterprises carry out green product evaluation and certification based on green design product standards, emphasizing emissions reduction, low carbon, and recyclability of the products. During raw material procurement, recyclable resources and degradable materials are increasingly used in foreign trade products. In the manufacturing process, Chinese enterprises actively participate in trading of green electricity and green certificates, strengthen energy conservation and carbon reduction management, and conduct technological process improvements, so as to reduce the carbon footprint of foreign trade products. Taking Zhejiang province as an example. In the first quarter of this year, Zhejiang's green certificate trading volume was equivalent to 5.94 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. In the logistics and warehousing sector, an increasing number of enterprises have begun to use new energy heavy-duty trucks and ships for transportation, which helps reduce carbon emissions in foreign trade transportation and delivery.

In the field of green development, we need to accomplish tasks in four aspects. First, we need to focus on popularization. We should provide training for enterprises, explain regulations, and interpret policies to enhance the green and low-carbon awareness and development abilities of foreign trade enterprises. Second, we need to build a platform. We need to provide a regular public service platform for society. Third, we should promote typical examples. We need to select typical cases nationwide and promote experiences and practices. Fourth, we need to foster cooperation. We should strengthen communication and consultations through bilateral and multilateral channels to expand the market space for green products.

In terms of enhancing the level of digitalization in trade, digital technologies are currently penetrating the entire process and various phases of trade, injecting new impetus into the development of international trade. In the production phase, traditional production lines have been upgraded and transformed with intelligent technology, significantly improving customized, low-volume production capabilities. In the marketing stage, digital technology helps our foreign trade enterprises accurately target customers, lower transaction costs, and enhance their ability to expand markets and cultivate brands. In the logistics phase, after digitalization, by using electronic trade documents, the document processing speed has been significantly improved by 80%, and the operating cost has been reduced by 30%. For customer services, Chinese foreign trade enterprises have been using remote supporting tools and conducting smart diagnosis, which greatly improved the efficiency of after-sales services such as preparing spare parts and distribution. In addition, we collaborate with relevant departments to promote digital upgrades in various aspects of trade, including improving customs clearance efficiency and providing more convenient financing support for foreign trade enterprises.

In the field of trade digitalization, we need to focus on four key areas. First, we should encourage more trade entities to use electronic trade documents and promote interconnectivity between enterprises on the document platform. Second, we need to accelerate the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as a pilot zone for global trade digitalization and explore connectivity of digital infrastructure, rules and standards to speed up the digital integration of the entire trade chain. Third, we need to nurture leading enterprises in digital transformation, and provide digital solutions for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Fourth, we will leverage bilateral and multilateral platforms to strengthen digital trade cooperation with our trading partners, and jointly explore more application scenarios of digitalization in the trade sector. Thanks.

Xie Yingjun:

Thank you to all the speakers and journalists. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Huang Shan, Yan Xi, Zhang Junmian, Cui Can, Liu Sitong, Liu Caiyi, Li Huiru, Mi Xingang, Zhang Rui, Wang Ziteng, Wang Wei, Yan Bin, Yan Xiaoqing, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers: 

Mr. Zhu Hexin, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China (PBC) and administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE)

Ms. Wang Chunying, deputy administrator and spokesperson for SAFE

Mr. Zou Lan, director general of the Monetary Policy Department of PBC

Ms. Zhang Wenhong, a person in charge of the Statistics and Analysis Department of PBC

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson for SCIO

Date:

April 18, 2024

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today, we have invited Mr. Zhu Hexin, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China (PBC) and administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), and Ms. Wang Chunying, deputy administrator and spokesperson for SAFE, to brief us on China's financial performance and foreign exchange receipts and payments data in the first quarter of 2024, and to also take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Zou Lan, director general of the Monetary Policy Department of PBC, and Ms. Zhang Wenhong, a person in charge of the Statistics and Analysis Department of PBC. 

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhu for his introduction. 

Zhu Hexin:

Friends from the media, good afternoon. Since the beginning of this year, PBC and SAFE have adhered to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and firmly implemented the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference and the Central Financial Work Conference as well as the deployment of the "two sessions" (the annual gatherings of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference). We have comprehensively applied various policy tools to support the economic recovery. First, we lowered the required reserve ratio by 0.5 percentage points, and released more than 1 trillion yuan of medium- to long-term liquidity, maintaining a reasonably ample liquidity in the banking system. Second, we appropriately cut interest rates, reducing re-lending and re-discount interest rates for the rural sector and small businesses by 0.25 percentage points . We guided the cut of over-five-year loan prime rate (LPR) by 25 basis points , with the decrease exceeding market expectations. Third, 500 billion yuan of Pledged Supplementary Lending (PSL) was issued, supporting three major projects, namely the construction of government-subsidized housing, the building of dual-use public infrastructure that can accommodate emergency needs and the redevelopment of urban villages. Fourth, we launched a 500-billion-yuan re-lending program for scientific and technological innovation and technological transformation, and fully implemented the decisions and deployments made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to advance a new round of large-scale equipment upgrading and consumer goods trade-in programs . Fifth, we promoted stable performance of the foreign exchange market. We adopted comprehensive measures to keep the RMB exchange rate basically stable, and enhanced policy support for foreign exchange facilitation in cross-border trade and investment. In addition, we steadily promoted high-level foreign exchange opening up and facilitated the development and reform of foreign exchange business in banks in an orderly manner. 

As of now, the policies have yielded notable results, mainly reflected in the following aspects. First, the total finance volume has increased steadily. By the end of March, aggregate financing grew by 8.7%, with an addition of 12.9 trillion yuan in the first quarter. The M2, or broad money, increased by 8.3%, with an addition of 12.5 trillion yuan in the first quarter. The balance of RMB loans grew by 9.6%, with an increase of 9.5 trillion yuan in the first quarter. These figures indicate that the financial sector maintains stable support for the real economy. Second, financing costs experienced a steady decline. In the first quarter, the interest rates on new enterprise loans stood at 3.75%, down by 0.22 percentage points year on year. Particularly, the interest rates on new individual housing loans registered 3.71%, down by 0.46 percentage points year on year. Third, the credit structure continued to improve. By the end of March, loans provided by financial institutions to high-tech manufacturing industries, inclusive loans to micro and small businesses, loans to the rural sector and loans to the private sector grew by 27.3%, 20.3%, 13.5%, and 10.7% year on year, respectively. These rates were all significantly higher than the overall loan growth rate of 9.6%. Fourth, credit maintained a steady pace. In the first quarter of 2023, financial institutions exhibited rapid loan issuance. However, efforts have been made since the second half of last year to guide a balanced distribution of credit, easing the phenomenon of financial institutions rushing to meet deadlines. In the first quarter of this year, the proportion of loan issuance was returning to the historical average level, ensuring ample room for credit growth in the next three quarters. Fifth, the foreign exchange market demonstrated strong resilience. There is considerable focus on the steady increase of RMB against a basket of currencies, with the RMB exchange being stable relative to other global currencies. Additionally, cross-border capital flows were generally balanced, and foreign exchange reserves were generally stable. 

Overall, a series of monetary policies introduced earlier are gradually taking effect, leading to a sustained recovery and a good start for the national economy. There is still room for monetary policy adjustment in the future. We will closely monitor the effects of these policies as well as the progress of economic recovery and goal attainment, thereby judiciously utilizing reserve tools as opportunities arise. 

Ms. Wang will brief you on specific data regarding foreign exchange receipts and payments in the first quarter of this year.

Wang Chunying:

Good afternoon, everyone. Now, I'll brief you on detailed data regarding foreign exchange receipts and payments in the first quarter of 2024. Since the beginning of this year, the external environment has remained complex and fluid, while the Chinese economy maintained recovery momentum. As Mr. Zhu just said, the foreign exchange market demonstrated strong resilience, cross-border capital flows were generally stable and market expectations and transactions remained rational and orderly. 

As for specific data, in the first quarter of this year, the cross-border receipts and payments by non-banking sectors stood at $1.6586 trillion and $1.6555 trillion, respectively, resulting in a surplus of $3.1 billion. Foreign exchange settlement and sales by banks registered $542.2 billion and $567.0 billion, respectively, creating a deficit of $24.8 billion . Here are five specific characteristics:

First, cross-border capital posted small amounts of net inflow. In the first quarter, banks registered a surplus in the balance of foreign-related receipts and payments on behalf of clients. Cross-border capital saw net inflow in January and February, however net outflow occurred in March. This result can be attributed to seasonal factors. In particular, after the Spring Festival, foreign trade enterprises resumed production and procured raw materials in large amounts. Driven by increasing demand for payments for imports, cross-border payments rose. Although, cross-border receipts are expected to grow after products are exported. 

Second, banks saw a small deficit in foreign exchange settlement and sale business. In the first quarter, the monthly average deficit reached $8.3 billion. The bank foreign exchange settlement on behalf of clients decreased by 3% year on year; and foreign exchange sales were almost the same as for the same period in 2023. Currently, enterprises enjoy greater convenience in accessing RMB funds and there are more diverse channels. For example, through a type of foreign exchange swap, enterprises can convert part of foreign capital into RMB for use and agree to convert it back in the future, to replace and reduce a portion of foreign exchange settlement for the current period. 

Third, the foreign exchange settlement ratio and the foreign exchange sales rate both fell but were generally stable. Enterprises showed reasonable willingness in foreign exchange settlement and sales. In the first quarter, the foreign exchange settlement ratio, a measure of customers' willingness to settle foreign exchange, stood at 62.2%, a slight fall of 1.6 percentage points year on year, showing somewhat weakened demand; and the foreign exchange sales rate, a measure of customers' willingness to buy foreign exchange, stood at 66.5%, down 1.8 percentage points, showing that the willingness to buy foreign exchange did not continue to rise. In recent years, domestic entities gradually got used to the two-way fluctuations of RMB exchange rates, with expectations for forex rates being more stable. Enterprises' foreign exchange settlement and sales mainly depend on actual demand. Foreign exchange transactions have become substantially more reasonable. 

Fourth, the scale of forex derivative transactions continued to expand. Business entities' awareness of exchange rate risk neutrality continued to improve. In the first quarter, enterprises managed exchange rate risks through forex derivatives, including forwards, swaps and options, to the amount of $395.8 billion, up 23% year on year; and the proportion of enterprises conducting hedging operations was 28.1%, up 3.2 percentage points from the same period in 2023. In January and February, more than 5,000 enterprises received forex rate risk hedging services for the first time. 

Fifth, the volume of China's foreign exchange reserves remained basically stable. As of the end of March, China's forex reserves reached $3.2457 trillion, a $7.7 billion increase from the end of 2023. The increase is mainly influenced by changes in forex rates and asset prices along with other factors impacting the valuation. 

That is all from me on forex receipts and payments in the first quarter of 2024. 

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you both for your introductions. Now the floor is open for questions. Please identify the news outlet you work for before asking your question. 

CCTV:

My questions are concerning the vitality of business entities. In order to invigorate business entities, this year's government work report came up with an array of arrangements. What concrete measures have been taken to provide convenient financing services for business entities? And what specific results have been achieved so far? Thank you. 

Zhu Hexin:

Thank you for your questions. They are good ones. Financial institutions and financial policies all aim to serve the real economy and the healthy development of business entities. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the financial sector should insist on its fundamental purpose of supporting the real economy. To examine the effectiveness of financial support for the real economy, we should understand how convenient it is to access financial services and how satisfied business entities are with the services. Operating in China's super large economy, business entities should better leverage the domestic and international markets and resources. Since the beginning of this year, the PBC and SAFE have earnestly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, insisted on serving the real economy as the fundamental purpose, and focused on improving convenience of services for business entities, making efforts and achieving remarkable results in the following aspects: 

First, streamlining government administration, delegating power and continuing to improve the business environment. We made headway in optimizing approval procedures, reformed 10 items related to enterprise business licenses, amended regulations and normative documents, and implemented the notification and commitment system for certain administrative approval items. We improved services regarding changes to basic accounts and cancellation of bank accounts, and promoted one-stop government services. Also, we further improved government transparency and emphasized the need to fully listen to the ideas of business entities while collecting suggestions for policy making. 

Second, focusing on private and micro, small and medium enterprises and clearing the way for channeling funds into the real economy. In terms of loans, we fully exerted the roles of refinancing, rediscounts and instruments that support inclusive loans to micro and small businesses. We guided financial institutions to increase loans to private and micro, small and medium enterprises to reduce their financing costs. Related data was introduced in the opening remarks. In general, the growth of loans to private businesses and micro and small businesses were both noticeably higher than the average growth of all kinds of loans. In terms of debts, we removed obstacles so enterprises can issue bonds for financing smoothly, and more corporate bonds were issued. In the first quarter of this year, more than 3.65 trillion yuan of debenture bonds were issued, up 3.5% year on year. As of the end of March, instruments supporting private enterprises in bond financing had supported 143 private businesses in issuing more than 251.5 billion yuan of bonds. There are large numbers of micro and small businesses and private enterprises, and they use a lot of bills. In this regard, we optimized the bill business and related functions to help enterprises accelerate capital turnover and ease the pressure caused by invested funds. In the first quarter, more than 144,000 micro, small and medium enterprises issued bills, accounting for 93.2% of all enterprises that issued bills; and 169,000 micro, small and medium enterprises went through bills discounted transactions, accounting for 96.5% of all enterprises conducting such transactions. 

Zhu Hexin:

Third, integrating efforts in both domestic and foreign currencies, and facilitating cross-border trade and investment. Cross-border RMB transactions continue to become more convenient. We have introduced a range of supportive policies for cross-border RMB transactions, including initiatives to stabilize foreign trade and investment, foster innovative offshore trade practices, facilitate new forms of foreign trade, and digitize capital account transactions. At the same time, we are advancing pilot projects for integrated domestic and foreign currency fund pools in an orderly manner. In the first quarter, nearly 30% of China's cross-border settlements for goods trade were conducted in RMB. For four consecutive months, the RMB has held its position as the fourth global payment currency. Notably, data from the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) indicates a further increase in the share of RMB, reaching nearly 4.7%.

Measures aimed at easing foreign exchange transactions have yielded significant results. Specifically, they involve optimizing the processing of foreign exchange receipts and payments in trade. We guide prudent and compliant banks to provide more convenience for high-quality enterprises regarding their forex receipts and payments in trade. In the first quarter, transactions totaling over $300 billion were facilitated through streamlined procedures. Recently, we have introduced six policy measures to enhance the registration and management of foreign trade enterprise directories and simplify trade-related receipts and payments procedures for companies operating within special customs supervision zones. Notably, the registration and management of directories of enterprises involved in trade-related forex receipts and payments, previously requiring the approval from SAFE, are now handled by banks directly, further optimizing foreign exchange procedures for foreign trade enterprises. According to our tally, more than 100,000 business entities are set to be benefited.

We have enhanced the pilot programs for advancing high-quality openness in cross-border trade and investment. Based on the insights gained from previous pilot projects in four regions, we have broadened the scope to include Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong (including Shenzhen), Beijing, Zhejiang (including Ningbo) and the entirety of Hainan province. This expansion is aimed at further streamlining foreign exchange receipts and payments, reducing administrative burdens, cutting paperwork, lowering costs and boosting efficiency for businesses. In the first quarter, transactions totaling nearly $80 billion were processed under the pilot initiative.

We have supported the development of new formats and models in trade. Banks and payment institutions are encouraged to process trade settlements based on electronic transaction information from new business models like cross-border e-commerce. In the first quarter, a total of 230 million related transactions were processed, involving over 1.2 million small and micro businesses.

We have conducted reforms in bank forex business in an orderly manner. This involved redesigning forex business procedures in banks, resulting in a 50%-75% average time reduction in facilitated forex transactions.

Furthermore, we have strengthened promotion of the concept of exchange rate risk neutrality and updated the guidelines for enterprise exchange rate risk management. We have supported enterprises, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, in managing exchange rate risks more effectively. In the first quarter, the proportion of forex derivative transactions in bank-client transactions reached nearly 30%, representing an increase of 3.9 percentage points from the previous year.

Next, the PBC and SAFE will continue raising the quality and standards of financial services. We will intensify policy evaluation and follow-up efforts to ensure that our policies are effective. Our aim is to assess the impact of various policies during implementation, ensuring that they truly empower businesses, enhance their competitiveness, and ultimately guarantee that the policies are translated into action to benefit enterprises and individuals and fully unleash the innate drive and vitality of diverse business entities, supporting high-quality economic development. Thank you.

21st Century Business Herald:

How does the PBC view the M2 balance surpassing 300 trillion yuan at the end of March? What are the PBC's plans for addressing the issue of funds sitting idle or simply circulating within the financial sector? Regarding inflated balance sheets, what measures will the PBC take to curb this trend?

Zou Lan:

I will answer your questions. The broad money supply (M2) balance has now surpassed 300 trillion yuan, reflecting sustained financial support for the growth of the real economy in recent years. China has experienced prolonged periods of rapid economic growth, resulting in continuously expanding economic size and quickly accumulating enterprises capital and residents assets. These changes have fueled increased demand for money. Corresponding to the stage of economic development, China has sustained a prolonged period of rapid, double-digit growth of monetary and credit supply, fostering an environment conducive to economic development. During the three years of the pandemic in particular, in order to stabilize the overall economy, the financial sector intensified its efforts in counter-cyclical adjustments. Overall, the current stock of money is indeed substantial.

China is currently accelerating its economic restructuring, transformation, and upgrading. There have been significant changes in the supply-demand relationship in the real estate sector, and efforts have been strengthened to prevent and control local government debt risks. The economy continues to go light, with credit demand showing signs of weakening compared to previous years, and the credit structure undergoing optimization and upgrading. However, relevant parties are still going through a process of understanding and adaptation to these changes. Some banks remain fixated on pursuing a scale-driven operating model and internal assessments, exceeding the genuine financing needs of the real economy. Additionally, some enterprises, capitalizing on their advantageous positions, utilize low-cost loans for investment in wealth management products and fixed-term deposits or relend to other enterprises. Consequently, their primary business operations fail to generate profits, and financial activities become their main source of income, resulting in funds sitting idle or simply circulating within the financial sector, thereby reducing fund utilization efficiency. In response, this year's government work report timely proposed measures to "prevent funds from sitting idle or simply circulating within the financial sector."

Relevant departments will strengthen efforts to monitor the phenomenon of funds simply circulating within the financial sector and improve management assessment mechanisms. In the future, as the economy undergoes transformation and upgrading, effective demand recovers and social expectations improve, the phenomenon of funds sitting idle or simply circulating within the financial sector will also be alleviated. The current rapid growth in the total money supply may slow down, leading to some disturbances in the data, making it inappropriate for simple year-on-year comparisons. However, this does not imply a reduction in the intensity of financial support for the real economy. Instead, efficient enterprises in genuine need of funds will receive more financing, reflecting an enhancement in the quality and effectiveness of financial support. Thank you for your questions.

CNBC: 

The decline in social financing at the beginning of the year has raised concern among analysts about weak demand. What is the PBC's view of this? Thank you.

Zhang Wenhong:

I will answer this question. Thank you for your question. As Mr. Zhu mentioned earlier, aggregate financing stood at 390.32 trillion yuan by the end of March, representing an 8.7% increase year on year. This growth rate was 0.3 percentage points lower than the end of previous month. Social financing in the first quarter increased by 12.93 trillion yuan, 1.61 trillion yuan lower than the same period in 2023, primarily due to a high base last year. However, looking at data from the same period in previous years, the increase in social financing in the first quarter of this year was still at a relatively high level. From a structural perspective, there are four main features:

First, credit supply remained steady, with financial institutions maintaining a reasonable growth in RMB loans issuance to the real economy. In the first quarter, RMB loans issued by financial institutions to the real economy increased by 9.11 trillion yuan, which was 1.59 trillion yuan less than in 2023, but 773 billion yuan more than in 2022.

Second, financing through issuance of government bonds remained at a reasonable scale. In the first quarter, net financing through issuance of government bonds reached 1.36 trillion yuan. Although the increase narrowed slightly compared with the previous year, it was roughly in line with the average for the same period from 2020 to 2023.

Third, debt financing by enterprises experienced growth. In the first quarter, net debt financing by enterprises was 1.12 trillion yuan, up by 255.1 billion yuan year on year.

Fourth, off-balance-sheet financing, such as trust loans and undiscounted bankers' acceptance bills, also increased year on year. In the first quarter, trust loans and undiscounted bankers' acceptance bills increased by 198.3 billion yuan and 550 billion yuan, respectively, with respective year-on-year growth of 202.4 billion yuan and 81.4 billion yuan.

Overall, the social financing scale growth in the first quarter basically aligned with this year's projected economic growth and CPI increase. Achieving a growth rate of 8.7% on a high base from last year was actually quite robust. Moreover, this year, the PBC has emphasized guiding financial institutions to ensure balanced credit growth. Although there was a slight year-on-year decline in the first quarter in the increase of aggregate financing, it was still at a relatively high historical level, which has bolstered the real economy while enhancing the sustainability of credit growth by avoiding a lack of momentum at excessively high levels. Thank you.

Securities Times:

Since the fourth quarter of last year, foreign institutions have started to significantly increase their holdings of Chinese domestic bonds. Can you introduce the specific situation? And what is the outlook for foreign investors in the Chinese bond market? Thank you.

Wang Chunying: 

Thank you for your questions. Regarding the increase of recent foreign capital inflows into Chinese domestic bonds, I would like to share the following points: 

First, the scale of investment has increased significantly. Last year, the net increase in foreign bond holdings was $23 billion, while in the first quarter of this year, it already reached $41.6 billion. As of the end of March, over 1,129 foreign institutions from over 70 countries and regions had entered the Chinese bond market, with their bond holdings surpassing $570 billion, accounting for approximately 2.6% of the total domestic bond custody, up 0.2 percentage points from late last year. Second, the investment structure remains reasonable. The holding entities, including foreign central banks and financial institutions like banks, increased their holdings of China's domestic bonds in an orderly manner, especially medium- to long-term bonds such as government bonds and policy financial bonds. Our statistics show that between October last year and March this year, foreign investment in bonds with a term of over one year accounted for 56% of the total. Third, the investment yields remain stable. 

Looking ahead, the trend of foreign institutions' investment in China's domestic bonds is likely to maintain steady growth. I would like to elaborate on a few aspects. 

From an economic perspective, first, the macro environment provides support. The underlying trend of long-term economic growth remains unchanged, with various macro policies providing momentum for continued domestic economic recovery, offering foreign investors a sound macroeconomic environment. Second, the investment value is assured. The RMB exchange rate remains stable, and RMB assets have shown unique returns compared to global assets, helping investors diversify risk. Additionally, China's bond market is the second largest in the world, is growing in terms of breadth and depth, and has strong liquidity, which enhances the investment value of RMB bonds. Third, there is demand for global allocation. The use of RMB in global cross-border transactions has been steadily increasing. Mr. Zhu already shared the latest figures. The increasing international influence of RMB makes RMB assets an important choice for foreign investors' global portfolios.

From a policy perspective, the PBC and SAFE will continue to pursue market-oriented, law-based and internationalized development, steadily expanding the opening-up of China's bond market, and facilitating the participation of foreign investors. We are currently working on the following areas. First, we are opening repurchase operations to more foreign institutions, enriching liquidity management tools for foreign investors. Second, we continue to promote the domestic RMB bonds in offshore markets as widely accepted and qualified collateral. Earlier this year, bonds under the Bond Connect program were allowed as the eligible collateral for the RMB liquidity facility. We are also exploring additional scenarios, such as using bonds under Bond Connect as margin for Swap Connect. Third, we are optimizing the mechanisms for overseas institution's direct market entry, Bond Connect and Swap Connect, while continuing to enhance communication and exchange with foreign institutions, creating a better investment environment. Overall, China has continued to improve the institutional opening-up of the financial market, optimized the investment environment and refined services. Foreign capital investing in China's bond market has stable and sustainable room for improvement. Thank you.

Cover News:

The current account has always played an active role in stabilizing China's balance of payments and the foreign exchange market. What is your judgment on the future development trends of China's current account? Thank you.

Wang Chunying:

Thank you for your question. Your question is also our concern. Current account transactions are closely linked to the real economy. The balance of trade in goods and services under the current account is directly involved in national accounts and plays an important role in maintaining the balance of payments.

Based on the situation in the first quarter of this year, the current account surplus remains within a reasonable and balanced range. According to preliminary statistics, the trade surplus in goods and services exceeded US$60 billion in the first quarter, which for the same period in history is at a relatively high level. With this support, the current account had a remaining surplus in this year's first quarter.

Looking ahead, China's current account has the foundation and conditions to sustain a certain scale of reasonable surplus. We would like to analyze it in the following areas:

First, the trade surplus in goods will remain at a relatively high level. We believe there are two supporting factors. On the one hand, there is structural support, and on the other hand, there is support from cyclical factors. First, there are new growth drivers in exports. With the transformation and upgrading of China's industries, the performance of export with high-end manufacturing products, new energy vehicles, etc. has been very impressive this year. Another feature is our trade methods. New trade models such as cross-border e-commerce, market procurement and other new trade formats continue to expand. In addition, the performance of traditional export markets is relatively stable. At the same time, emerging markets along the Belt and Road are rapidly expanding, and our trading partners are more diversified. From the perspective of cyclical factors, the current demand for increasing inventories in developed economies such as the United States has begun to arise, and the global electronic product consumption cycle has bottomed out. These will further boost exports of various Chinese products.

Second, the structure of trade in services has been optimized, and the role of trade in producer services has become more prominent. Travel is an important component in trade- in services. As residents' cross-border activities resume, cross-border travel expenditure is recovering on a regular basis. On the other hand, China has already adopted a visa-free policy for many countries. At the same time, the PBC, the SAFE, among other departments, are promoting more convenient payment services for overseas visitors, a move that is expected to incentivize increased inbound tourism. In the first quarter of this year, China's travel revenue increased by about 30% year-on-year, and it is expected to continue to maintain an upward momentum. More importantly, in recent years, trade in services has developed with high quality, and exports of producer services have increased steadily. Last year, China's trade surplus in telecommunications, computer, information services and commercial services totaled US$57.2 billion, which was a historic high. It has continued to grow in the first quarter of this year. This will also help the balance of trade in services.

In the medium to long term, the trajectory of a country's current account is shaped by its economic structure and the caliber of its manufacturing sector. First, the current account reflects the relationship between savings and investment. At present, China's savings rate is at a relatively high level. It is anticipated that the positive disparity between savings and investment rates will persist, fostering a reasonable surplus in the current account. Second, as China's manufacturing industry is undergoing transformation, upgrading and high-quality development, it will gradually enhance the competitiveness of our products. This shift is expected to reduce reliance on some imported products, underpinning a stable medium- to long-term outlook for the current account, which encompasses trade in goods. We believe that China's current account is well-positioned to maintain a reasonable surplus moving forward. Thank you.

Bloomberg:

The yuan has experienced sustained pressure against the U.S. dollar this year. Despite recent data indicating a pick-up in China's economic momentum, the currency continues to grapple with a range of unfavorable external influences. How do you foresee the yuan exchange rate performance in the second quarter and what steps might the central bank take to maintain a stable exchange rate for the yuan? Thank you.

Zhu Hexin:

Thank you for your questions. As Ms. Wang Chunying said during her introduction, the RMB exchange rate has remained generally stable recently. Since the beginning of this year, as we all know, the market's expectations for a shift in the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy have been recurring. The dollar index recently reached its highest point of over 106, which is a high in the past six months. The turmoil in the international financial market has intensified. Everyone has also noticed that major currencies such as the Japanese yen, euro, and British pound as well as some other emerging market currencies have experienced growing fluctuations. Affected by external shocks, the exchange rate of the RMB against the U.S. dollar has fluctuated. In fact, the RMB against a basket of currencies has remained stable, and there is still a certain appreciation on the basis of stability. As of the end of March, the CFETS (China Foreign Exchange Trade System) RMB Index was at 99.78, an increase of 2.4% compared with the end of the previous year.

The PBC and SAFE are committed to maintaining the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate, and their objective and determination will not change. The RMB exchange rate has a solid foundation and conditions to remain basically stable. The stability of the exchange rate is closely related to the economic situation. In the first quarter, the economy showed signs of recovery and improvement, reflecting the quality of our economic development and international competitiveness. In the short term, the economy had a good start in the first quarter, improving in multiple areas and accumulating positive factors. This effectively offsets external disturbances and provides support for the RMB exchange rate. Meanwhile, the maturity of our foreign exchange market continues to improve, and its resilience is increasing, which means that the trend of the RMB exchange rate will fluctuate in both directions and maintain relative balance. Looking at the medium and long term, there are even more supporting factors. China's economy has entered a stage of high-quality development, achieving balance in international payments. The depth and breadth of the foreign exchange market will further expand, and risk-neutral awareness among market participants will significantly increase. Our research shows that the risk aversion awareness of market participants is constantly strengthening, their ability to manage exchange rate risks using forex derivatives is improving, and cross-border use of the RMB is steadily growing. The basic stability of the RMB exchange rate has solid macro and micro foundations. We have the confidence, conditions and capabilities to maintain the stable operation of the foreign exchange market.

The PBC and SAFE will adopt a China-centric approach, considering both internal and external balance. We will adhere to a managed floating exchange rate system based on market supply and demand, with reference to a basket of currencies for adjustment. We will emphasize the decisive role of the market in determining the exchange rate while continuing to implement comprehensive policies and stabilize expectations. We will closely monitor changes in the foreign exchange market, firmly correct pro-cyclical behaviors, prevent the formation of one-sided expectations and self-reinforcement in the market, and guard against the risk of exchange rate overshooting. We will maintain the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level. Thank you for your questions.

Economic Daily:

The Central Financial Work Conference proposed focusing on accomplishing the "Five Major Tasks" and clarifying the future development direction of the financial sector. Could you please clarify what specific new deployments are you referring to? And what are your considerations in the next stage?

Zhu Hexin:

Thank you for your questions. I will answer them. The "Five Major Tasks" have garnered significant attention and high expectations. They are also important measures to implement the directives of the Central Financial Work Conference, and the PBC and SAFE are making every effort to promote them.

The Central Financial Work Conference emphasizes the importance of excelling in technology finance, green finance, pension finance, inclusive finance and digital finance. We refer to these as the "Five Major Tasks," which provide high-quality financial services for socio-economic development. Since the beginning of this year, the PBC has fully implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. We have pursued a prudent and moderately flexible monetary policy, effectively and precisely leveraging monetary policy tools to address both overall and structural concerns. We have diligently carried out the "Five Major Tasks" and guided financial institutions to increase support for these tasks, as well as key areas and weak links of the national economy, such as the private sector. I would like now to share a set of data with everyone. The credit structure continues to be optimized, with credit growth maintaining a relatively high level. The availability of financing has significantly improved, and financing costs have remained stable with a downward trend. As of the end of March, the year-on-year growth rates for loans in high-tech manufacturing, loans for technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises, loans for inclusive small and micro businesses, loans for agriculture-related activities and loans for the private economy were 27.3%, 20.4%, 20.3%, 13.5% and 10.7%, respectively. By the end of 2023, the growth rate of green loans was even higher at 36.5%, significantly surpassing the overall loan growth rate. As mentioned earlier, the overall loan growth rate was 9.6%. The loan approval rate for technology-oriented small and medium-sized enterprises reached 47.9%, more than double the rate in 2017. The number of credit beneficiaries in the inclusive small and micro business sector has exceeded 60 million. In March, the weighted average interest rate for new inclusive small and micro business loans was 4.36%, reaching a historic low. 

With the approval of the central government, the PBC established a credit market department to take the lead in promoting the work of the "Five Major Tasks." Next, we will increase support from various aspects, including policy frameworks, incentives, constraints and the development of financial service capabilities.

First, we will strengthen top-level design and systematic planning to promote the formation of a "1+5" policy framework. The "1" refers to the overall institutional design, while the "5" represents the respective measures of the "Five Major Tasks." We will work together with relevant departments to clarify the work goals, key tasks and implementation pathways. On one hand, we will ensure the effective implementation of policies that have already been introduced. Previously, we, along with relevant departments, issued policies such as the Action Plan to Increase Support for Financing of Technology-oriented Enterprises and the 25 measures to boost financial support for private firms. Recently, the PBC, in collaboration with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and six other departments, issued the Guiding Opinions on Further Strengthening Financial Support for Green and Low-Carbon Development . On the other hand, while three of the "Five Major Tasks" already have a certain foundation, efforts are being intensified to promote the remaining two tasks, namely, pension finance and digital finance. This will contribute to making the institutional design of the "Five Major Tasks" more robust and the policy framework more solid.

Second, policies alone are not enough. We should guide financial resources to focus on key areas through incentive. We need to give full play to structural monetary policy tools, properly use the newly established 500 billion yuan ($69 billion) relending loans for technological innovation and improvements and support small and medium-sized technology enterprises and key sectors in upgrading to digital, intelligent and high-end technologies. Credit lines for inclusive loans to micro and small businesses will be raised to no more than 20 million yuan per borrower , so as to direct more financial resources to accurately invest in inclusive fields. We need to promote and improve financial, statistical indicators in relevant fields, and study and develop the financial service evaluation in key areas such as technology finance and digital finance.

Third, the implementation should rely on financial institutions. We encourage financial institutions to leverage their strengths in organization, management and technology, to use information methods such as the internet and big data, to enhance the capacities in services associated with technology, sustainability and SMEs, to improve the adaptability and inclusiveness of financial services, to actively promote pilot reforms in regional financial innovation in areas such as technology and green finance and to create a typical service model that can be replicated and promoted. 

With top-level design policies in place, incentive and constraint tools are gradually improved, with financial institutions playing a crucial role in providing vitality and resources to the operating entities. Therefore, all departments should work together, link every step and generate synergy, enabling the operating entities to be more dynamic and healthy.

Focusing on the "five priorities" is an important aspect of promoting high-quality development of financial services for the real economy and crucial part of deepening the structural reform of financial supply. The PBC will strengthen cooperation with relevant industrial regulatory departments, fully rally the enthusiasm of financial institutions and continuously enhance the effectiveness of financial support for the "five priorities."

When giving my introduction, some policy tools, especially structural policy tools, are of great concern to everyone. The structural policy tools have played a significant role in supporting major strategies, key areas and vulnerable aspects of national economy. Since Mr. Zou Lan is here today, we invite him to explain more.

Zou Lan:

Mr. Zhu mentioned that the financial sector should take the application of the "five priorities" as a key focus, so as to serve the high-quality development of the real economy and continue to optimize credit structure. This not only reflects the specific implementation of the central government's deployment, but also meets operation and development needs for the financial industry. However, the financial business is usually hard to change. There is still a process of capacity building in optimizing internal assessment objectives and mechanisms as well as improving the quality and efficiency of products and services. In order to encourage financial institutions to optimize their credit structure more quickly, the PBC has been continuously innovating its operations for a period of time. On the basis of the original relending loans, the PBC has set up targeted structural monetary policy tools in the form of preferential interest rates. These tools provide incentives for financial institutions to optimize their products and services and to compensate for certain operational costs that financial institutions may experience in the short term. 

From the operational perspective, commercial banks make their own choices and bear the risks of issuing loans to enterprises in accordance with market-oriented principles; then, the PBC issues relending loans based on the commercial banks' applications and actual loan conditions. Structural monetary policy tools do not change the nature of business when commercial banks provide loans and central banks provide relending loans to commercial banks. This does not mean that the central bank directly or indirectly issues loans to enterprises. We are aware that there have been some misunderstandings in discussions regarding this matter. In terms of implementation principles, structural monetary policy adheres to the principles of "focusing on key areas, being reasonable and appropriate, and advancing and retreating in a timely manner." As of the end of March 2024, the total amount of these tools is 7.5 trillion yuan, accounting for approximately 17% of the central bank's total assets. There are a total of 10 existing tools, which have been continuously integrated and optimized; tool-supported areas have achieved basic coverage of the "five priorities."

That's all from me. Thanks. 

Red Star News:

We have noticed that at the beginning of this year, management approach for bank foreign exchange businesses was implemented. How is the effect so far? What are the follow-up measures to further improve the bank's capabilities for expanding foreign exchange businesses? Thanks.  

Wang Chunying:

Thank you for your questions. The SAFE issued the trial management approach for bank foreign exchange businesses at the end of 2023. The management approach adheres to the principle of "the more trustworthy, the more convenient" and "know your customer." The aim is to explore and promote a process of reengineering for commercial banks' foreign exchange business. It involves setting up a comprehensive business framework that includes customer identification and classification before the business process and differentiating in-process reviews and post-monitoring reports, so as to improve the mechanism of "those who have fulfilled their duties are not held accountable ," and to "reduce the burden" on enterprises and "relief pressure" on banks. Since being implemented over three months ago, the management approach has received positive comments from all sectors of society, with the effects and responses being quite good. 

On the one hand, the reform of foreign exchange business in banks has created a more favorable policy environment which will offer more convenience to trustworthy clients. Mr. Zhu talked about policy support for foreign exchange facilitation in his briefing as well. By the end of this year's first quarter, four banks had participated in the reform's pilot program. These four banks have reduced the average time they spent in handling foreign exchange businesses for their top-tier Category I clients by 50-75%. For example, a lithium-ion battery company used to handle an average of 50 or 60 foreign exchange transactions every month. After being included in the Category I client policy, the business process was streamlined to less than an hour. The policy has made foreign exchange businesses much easier for companies. As such, companies have been benefiting from the reform. Local governments have also expressed their recognition of the reform and welcome it. Overall, the reform of foreign exchange business in banks represents an important measure to facilitate cross-border trade, investment and financing.

On the other hand, the reform of foreign exchange business in banks has been helpful in improving banks' services for cross-border financial businesses. First, it motives banks to integrate their internal information and to know about their clients in a comprehensive manner, so as to identify their target clients and make proper arrangements. Given the large amount of client information in different banks, the reform of foreign exchange business in banks enables commercial banks to integrate the internal information of their clients and to match high-quality services with low-risk clients. Therefore, this provides banks with greater space for product innovation. Second, risk identification has become more efficient. After the reform, banks are able to fully leverage knowledge about their clients from the beginning, allowing them to better fulfill their responsibilities for customer due diligence. Therefore, this will help banks identify risks early on and issue early warnings. Third, the principle that "those who have fulfilled their duties are not held accountable " has been clarified in legislation for the first time. This will thus enable banks to be competent, motivated and capable of engaging in such business, ensuring that facilitation policies can be effectively put into practice. We have released the first batch of 10 explanatory cases to help banks understand the criteria of principles accurately and to avoid unnecessary review. Overall, the logic behind the reform of foreign bank exchange businesses aligns with the direction of banks' business development and meets the requirements of banks' risk control. As such, the reform has been recognized by banks. 

Currently, more banks are preparing for the reform of bank foreign exchange businesses, and reworking the process of foreign exchange businesses. More market entities are expected to benefit from the reform. Going forward, the SAFE will advance the reform in a sound and cautious manner, ensuring that the reform will be implemented only when the necessary conditions are in place. We will intensify endeavors to prevent and control risks in a bid to ensure that the foreign exchange management system and mechanism become more open and safer. 

First, we will enhance policy promotion and guidance, providing tailored guidance for banks which would like to conduct reforms in a bid to reduce their trial-and-error cost. Second, we will introduce guidelines for relevant businesses by establishing a supportive regulatory system focusing on key parts, such as customer due diligence and customer classification, so as to offer specific operation standards for banks. Third, we will keep the case library updated to ensure the mechanism that "those who have fulfilled their duties are not held accountable" can be applied in more situations. We will provide the banks with appeal channels and third-party review mechanism in a bid to ensure inspections and law enforcement on foreign exchange businesses are more transparent and open.

The aforementioned is an overview of the situation regarding foreign bank exchange businesses. We'd love to get the state of affairs in front of a wider audience through media exposure. While "good wine needs no bush," we also afraid of not enough publicity. However, we are unafraid because we have all of you. Thank you.

Yicai:

What was the total amount of credit extended and its allocation in the first quarter of this year? What are the expected changes in credit allocation and distribution in the coming months? Thank you. 

Zhang Wenhong:

Thank you for your questions. The total credit amount and credit allocation are closely watched by all. Mr. Zhu provided an update on data regarding total loan volume in his opening remarks. The total loan volume data across different sectors in the first quarter reveals that the total loan volume has maintained steady and rapid growth. At the end of March, the outstanding balance of yuan-denominated loans held by financial institutions was 247.05 trillion yuan, an increase of 9.6% year on year. In the first quarter, yuan-dominated loans rose by 9.5 trillion yuan, with the new loan additions lower than the same period last year. This is attributed to the high base from the previous year. From a longer-term perspective, the new loan additions in the first quarter of this year outpaced the same period in 2022 by a significant margin of 1.13 trillion yuan. Data shows that financial system's credit support for the real economy has maintained a high level.

In terms of borrowers, loans issued to enterprises and public institutions constitutes the primary source of credit growth. In the first quarter, loans extended to enterprises and public institutions increased by 7.77 trillion yuan, with medium- and long-term loans growing by 6.2 trillion yuan. This trend underscores the financial system's sustained and stable funding support for the real economy. In the same period, household loans grew by 1.33 trillion yuan, which was primarily driven by a 1.29-trillion-yuan increase in business loans.

Speaking of sectoral distribution, new loans were primarily issued to key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure and the service industry. The growth rate of loans issued to the real estate sector showed an upward trend. The structure of sectoral distribution of loans is undergoing continuous optimization. The specific details are as follows: 

First, medium- and long-term loans issued to the manufacturing sector continued to grow at a relatively high rate. At the end of March, the volume of medium- and long-term loans issued to the manufacturing industry grew by 26.5%, surpassing the overall growth rate of such loans across all industries by 12.2 percentage points. Notably, medium- and long-term loans to high-tech manufacturing companies increased by 27.3%, marking a 0.8 percentage point rise from the previous month.

Second, medium- and long-term loans issued to the infrastructure industry witnessed a steady growth. At the end of March, the volume of medium- and long-term loans issued to the infrastructure industry increased by 13.4%, with its total amount surging by 1.97 trillion yuan in the first quarter.

Third, a comparatively higher increase was recorded in medium- and long-term lending to the service industry, excluding the real estate sector. This type of lending grew by 13.1% at the end of March, and increased by 2.87 trillion yuan cumulatively in the first quarter, accounting for half of the increase in medium- and long-term lending to all industries. 

Fourth, the growth rate of medium- and long-term loans to the property industry increased. At the end of March, medium- and long-term loans to the real estate sector rose by 4.9%, 0.6 percentage point higher than that at the end of last year. In the first quarter, this type of loans increased by 672.7 billion yuan, with the amount of newly added loans higher than that of the same period last year. 

Going forward, the PBC will follow the arrangements made at the central financial work conference. We will maintain the reasonable and steady growth of credit, continue optimizing the credit structure, focus on improving efficiency, and advance high-quality financial services for key fields and weak links. Thank you. 

Shou Xiaoli:

The final question.

Phoenix TV:

We noticed that the real interest rate has become a hot topic recently. Some people think the rate is relatively high. What is the opinion of the PBC? Thank you. 

Zou Lan:

I'm glad to answer this question. The real interest rate has indeed attracted much attention in the market, which we have also noticed. In earlier years, when talking about the real interest rate, we referred to the interest rate paid by enterprises or residents. However, in addition to the interest rates stated in loan contracts, there were still various fees such as guarantee fees and mortgage registration fees. Therefore, when we mentioned the real interest rate in the past, we meant to lower it by reducing comprehensive financing costs. But this time, people are probably treating it as a theoretical economic concept. Simply put, by deducting the inflation rate from the nominal interest rate, we get the real interest rate which is being discussed this time. Therefore, it is both related to the nominal interest rate and influenced by the inflation trend. In the past several years, the nominal interest rate has continued to decrease, playing a positive role in promoting the overall economic recovery and growth. However, domestic demand is comparatively weak, while at the same time, prices are at a lower level. For example, this January, the year-on-year CPI growth rate dropped for a period to minus 0.8%, which I think is also a major reason why discussion of the real interest rate became heated. The PBC will focus on ensuring stable prices and promoting a mild rebound in prices while implementing monetary policies. It will also put more emphasis on the characteristics and development of inflation indicators. Given that prices are currently at a lower level mainly due to structural and phased reasons, we still need to carry out more in-depth observation and analysis.

From the structural perspective of prices, price indices such as CPI and PPI, as well as the average interest rates on loans, refer to the notion of average figures. However, as the economic structure is transforming and upgrading, old driving forces are being replaced by new ones, and steady progress is being made in pursuing high-quality development, economic and financial indicators in various areas will become even more divided. Against such a backdrop, we need to pay attention to both the average figures and the structural elements. Loan interest rates vary among different sectors and enterprises, and meanwhile, the amount of increases and decreases in their product prices are not the same. Therefore, they have different senses of the real interest rate. For instance, in areas of the service sector such as culture and entertainment, and fields related with new growth drivers, prices have continued an upward trend, and financial institutions are proactively providing financing support. The nominal interest rates in these sectors are comparatively lower. Therefore, after deducting the price increase rate from the financing interest rate, people in these sectors feel that the real interest rate is lower. In contrast, for industries closely related to the real estate sector, such as the ferrous metal industry, their product prices saw comparatively bigger drops. Consequently, financial institutions are more cautious and nominal interest rates are higher, which leads to a relatively higher real interest rate. For areas that currently require tight allocation of financial resources, slightly higher real interest rates can help enterprises control production capacity and reduce inventory to a certain extent. This also demonstrates the requirements made at the central financial work conference on maintaining reasonable and sufficient monetary aggregate and allowing structural adjustments.

From the viewpoint of phased changes in prices, on the one hand, China has sustained its sound economic growth and overall demand is expanding, thereby having the right foundations and conditions for a price recovery. On the other hand, prices for some agricultural products have reached a turning point of adjustment, and tourism and travel have become more frequent, both of which will help promote an increase in prices. Therefore, we are expecting an overall moderate recovery of prices from low levels, and at the same time, real interest rates will also change accordingly. Of course, we still need to pay attention to the range, speed and fluctuations of the recovery.

In general, we still need to comprehensively study and analyze the situation of prices and the real interest rate. A series of measures taken in the previous phase have already taken effect. In the future, we will continue to examine the situation by considering multiple elements, including economic recovery momentum, inflation trends and the advancement in transformation and upgrading. Based on price changes and development, we will maintain the nominal interest rate within a reasonable range and consolidate the momentum for economic recovery and growth. Meanwhile, we also need to fully consider the needs of high-quality development, avoid reducing the motivation of structural adjustments, prevent low interest rates, and avoid involuntary competition intensifying or funds circulating within the financial sector without entering the real economy, which may result in further price decreases or a negative cycle. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to all the speakers and journalists for your participation. Today's press conference is hereby concluded. Goodbye.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Yuan Fang, Liu Sitong, Huang Shan, Qin Qi, Liu Jianing, Wang Yanfang, Yan Bin, Liu Qiang, Liu Caiyi, Zhang Rui, Yan Xiaoqing, Wang Qian, Gong Yingchun, Li Huiru, Zhou Jing, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.

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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Shan Zhongde, vice minister of industry and information technology

Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

Ms. Tao Qing, spokesperson for MIIT and director general of the Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau of MIIT

Chairperson:

Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general for the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson for SCIO

Date:

April 18, 2024

Xing Huina:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). We have invited Mr. Shan Zhongde, vice minister of industry and information technology, to brief you on China's industry and information technology sector's development in the first quarter of 2024, and to take your questions. Also present today are Mr. Zhao Zhiguo, spokesperson and chief engineer of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Ms. Tao Qing, spokesperson for MIIT and director general of the Operation Monitoring and Coordination Bureau of MIIT.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Shan for his briefing. 

Shan Zhongde:

Ladies and gentlemen, greetings to you all. I'd like to express my gratitude to you for your long-term interest in and support for the development of China's industry and information technology. First, I'll give you an overall introduction in this sector. 

Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the MIIT has thoroughly implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and adhered to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability. We have actively cooperated with local governments and various departments to front-load efforts to ensure effective implementation, vigorously promoting new industrialization. In the first quarter of 2024, a notable overall pattern emerged: the industrial economy maintained a rapid growth, yielding positive results in high-quality development and achieving a good start overall. This was specifically evidenced in four areas: stable and favorable performance in the industrial economy, accelerated progress in new industrialization, stable growth in information and communication, and ongoing improvement of the business environment. 

First, stable and favorable performance in industrial economy was primarily demonstrated as follows. Industrial production secured rapid growth. In the first quarter, the value added of China's industrial enterprises above designated size grew by 6.1% year on year, an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to 2023. Key industries such as electronics, chemicals and automobiles made notable contributions to this growth, with prominent industrial provinces and cities playing a major role. The industrial enterprises' profits continue to increase. In the first two months of this year, the profits of the industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 10.2% year on year, marking continuous growth since August of last year. Market expectations are positive. In the first quarter, industrial investment increased by 13.4%, with the number of industrial enterprises above designated size continuing to rise. In March, the manufacturing purchasing manager's index (PMI) bounced back to the expansion zone, reaching 50.8%. In the first quarter, the value added of small and medium-sized industrial enterprises above designated size grew by 7.4% year on year. It can be said that multiple factors drove a continuous improvement in the industrial economy. 

Second, accelerated progress in new industrialization. Consistently taking high-quality development as a top priority, we strive to fulfill the crucial task of achieving new industrialization and vigorously promoting the initiative. We lead industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovation, actively fostering and developing new quality productive forces, constructing a modern industrial system underpinned by advanced manufacturing and fortifying efforts to make the manufacturing sector higher-end, smarter and more eco-friendly. It can be said that new breakthroughs were secured in high-end development. We have coordinated the implementation of projects launched to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, industrial foundation reengineering projects as well as research projects focused on major technologies and equipment. Our efforts have brought about new streams of innovation. Notably, an initial prototype for a 300-megawatt F-class heavy-duty gas turbine has been assembled. We have made solid strides in delivering in the initiative of pursuing high-quality development of key manufacturing chains and to build up advanced manufacturing clusters. In the first quarter, the value added of high-tech manufacturing increased by 7.5% year on year. The intelligence level has achieved new improvements. Expedited efforts have been made to advance the four deep integrations between digital technology and manufacturing, digital economy and real economy, information technology and industrialization as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and manufacturing. Currently, 421 national demonstration factories for intelligent manufacturing have been established. The central and local governments jointly introduced a series of polices to support upgrading enterprises with digital and smart technologies. Nearly 10,000 digital workshops and smart factories have been built nationwide. Green development has also made progress. Consistent efforts have been made to drive the green and low-carbon transformation in the industrial structure, with application scenarios for hydrogen energy and new energy storage ways among others, seeing constant expansion. In the first quarter, the market share of new energy vehicles exceeded 31% and energy consumption per unit of industrial added value created by enterprises above designated size in traditional sectors, such as steel and non-ferrous metals, continued to decline.

Third, stable growth in information and communication. In the first quarter, telecommunication businesses' revenue grew by 4.5% year on year. The infrastructure played an ever-growing supporting role. Steady progress was made in the construction of the "dual-gigabit" internet, which features a 5G network and a gigabit optical network. Now, a cumulative total of 3.647 million 5G base stations have been established, 5G penetration rate has exceeded 60% and 207 cities have achieved the standards of gigabit cities, guiding the construction of a hierarchical computing power infrastructure. The empowerment effects of information technologies have continued to grow. 5G applications have been widely adopted in areas such as manufacturing quality inspection and mining production. Applications of the industrial internet have been integrated into 49 major economic categories, forming more than 200 industrial internet demonstration and application programs. Information and communication have played a big role in improving people's well-being. Continued efforts have been made in the governance of apps, strongly and effectively protecting the rights and interests of users. The promotion of demonstration cases for elderly-friendly internet applications have also been further accelerated. 

Fourth, our business environment is constantly improving. We are striving to foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized, with a focus on four key areas: enhancing services to enterprises, reinforcing the principal role of enterprises in innovation, facilitating closer collaboration between industry and finance, and promoting open development. In terms of enhancing services to enterprises, we have launched the "Together for the Benefit of Enterprises" initiative aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and micro-businesses. We have also launched special campaign to settle overdue payments owed to enterprises and established a robust mechanism to address this problem in the long term. Furthermore, we have implemented various policies to support enterprises and listed tasks for reducing their burden this year, focusing on solving the pressing difficulties and problems that concern them most. In terms of reinforcing the principal role of enterprises in innovation, we have been nurturing and expanding high-tech companies and innovative SMEs that use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products. We have also been supporting enterprises of all sizes in pursuing development through collaboration with each other in order to spark innovation and boost growth momentum. In terms of facilitating collaboration between industry and finance, we have leveraged the role of the national industry-finance cooperation platform that has helped companies to secure an accumulative finance of over 780 billion yuan. In terms of strengthening open development, we have thoroughly implemented policy measures to remove market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, further opened up value-added telecom services, and deepened mutually beneficial cooperation with companies worldwide.

Going forward, we will continue to be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, and fortify our confidence for development, innovation, and opening up. We are committed to opening up the manufacturing sector and promoting open cooperation for a shared future. We will strengthen the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation and accelerate the integration of digital technologies with the real economy. We will do our best to stabilize industrial growth, accelerate the development of new quality productive forces, and promote the development of generic technology platforms and pilot-scale testing platforms. We will leverage information technology, digital technologies, smart technologies, and green technologies to advance new industrialization, move the manufacturing sector toward higher-end, smarter, and greener production, continuously consolidate the momentum for recovery and growth of the industrial sector, foster new driving forces for development, and provide solid support for high-quality and sustainable development of the industrial sector.

That concludes my overview of the first quarter. Now, my colleagues and I are ready to answer your questions.

Xing Huina:

Thank you, Mr. Shan. We now move to the Q&A session. Please identify the media organization you represent before raising your questions.

China National Radio:

Since the first quarter of this year, the industrial sector has been speeding up its recovery. How do you look at the current development of the industrial sector?

Shan Zhongde:

Thanks for your question. As I just mentioned, in the first quarter, the value added of China's industrial enterprises above designated size grew 6.1% year on year, marking the highest growth in the past eight quarters and signaling a solid start with rapid industrial development. To answer your question, I would like to further elaborate on three aspects.

First, major industrial provinces and cities, as well as key industrial sectors, have maintained stable growth. Among 31 provincial-level regions in China, 28 recorded year-on-year value-added industrial growth, with nine major industrial provinces such as Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Hubei outpacing the national average. Among 50 major industrial cities, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Hefei, Nantong, Taizhou, and Dongguan registered double-digit growth. Major industrial provinces and cities played a crucial role in supporting industrial growth. Key industries are operating steadily and showing signs of improvement. Out of the 41 major industrial categories, 37 sectors, including electronics and automobiles, have seen year-on-year value-added growth, with the proportion of growing sectors expanding by 22 percentage points compared to last year. The equipment manufacturing sector has sustained rapid growth, with its value added growing by 7.6% year on year in the first quarter, contributing 2.4 percentage points to the growth of industrial enterprises above designated size and playing a crucial role in providing support and driving growth. The production of consumer goods has notably improved, with its value added growing by 4.2% year on year in the first quarter, reversing the downturn seen since April 2022. The raw materials manufacturing sector has maintained stable growth, with its value added growing by 7.5% year on year in the first quarter, and with industries such as non-ferrous metals and chemicals outpacing the overall industrial level.

Second, the high-tech manufacturing and emerging industries have maintained rapid growth. Specifically, high-tech manufacturing has shown a noticeable rebound, with its value growing by 7.5% year on year in the first quarter, 2.6 percentage points higher than the fourth quarter last year. Emerging industries have also demonstrated strong growth in key products. For instance, solar batteries grew by 20.1%, while polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon, which are relevant to the photovoltaic industry, saw their growth rates soaring above 50%. Additionally, the production and sales of new energy vehicles grew by 28.2% and 31.8%, respectively, in the first quarter. Furthermore, the MIIT and six other departments jointly issued Guidelines for Promoting the Innovative Development of Future Industries and Guidance for the Innovative Development of Humanoid Robotics, which are aimed at supporting enterprises in exploring new areas and accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. 

Third, there is a continuous accumulation of positive factors contributing to the recovery and growth of the industrial economy. The industrial economy has significant development potential, strong confidence, and robust momentum. The main manifestations include sustained market demand, with manufacturing investment increasing by 9.9% year on year in the first quarter, the export delivery value of industrial enterprises above designated size growing by 0.8% year on year, automobile sales increasing by 10.6% year on year, and consumers' spending on home appliances up 5.8% year on year. Particularly noteworthy is that policies promoting large-scale equipment upgrades in the industrial sector and consumer goods trade-in have accelerated release of market space. Business entities have confidence, as profits of industrial enterprises above designated size have been consistently growing, and private investment in the manufacturing sector has increased by 11.9% year on year. According to a survey conducted by our ministry in the first quarter among 36,000 key enterprises, 76% of them expect their output value to increase or remain stable in the second quarter. The driving force for development is abundant, with the number of industrial enterprises above designated size increasing by 19,000 to reach 501,000 by the end of February compared to the previous year. The efforts made by 178 national high-tech zones in leading and demonstrating high-quality development have achieved remarkable results, and 45 advanced manufacturing clusters have become important forces driving innovation and development in key industries and fields.

Next, we will focus on implementing the requirements of high-quality development throughout the entire process of new industrialization. We will strengthen the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, develop high-tech industries, achieve industrialization, cultivate and develop new quality productive forces, and accelerate the construction of a modern industrial system supported by advanced manufacturing. We will adhere to the principle of prioritizing quality and efficiency and solidly promote stable growth, transformation of growth model, increased momentum, and risk mitigation in order to consolidate and enhance the positive trend of the industrial economy's recovery.

I'll just add these details to the question. Thank you.

National Business Daily:

In recent years, the rapid development of the information and communication technology has significantly improved the quality of life of the general public. May I ask about the progress made by the MIIT in promoting the development of the information and communication industry in the first quarter? What are the key areas of focus for the next steps? Thank you.

Zhao Zhiguo:

Thank you for your questions. The MIIT has fully implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. Adhering to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, the MIIT has been promoting the high-quality development of the information and communication industry and has achieved positive results. In the first quarter, the revenue from the telecommunications sector reached 443.7 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 4.5%, maintaining steady growth overall and laying a solid foundation for the year's work. There are several aspects to highlight:

We have persisted in developing appropriately future-oriented infrastructure. As of the end of March, the cumulative number of 5G base stations built nationwide reached 3.647 million. 5G penetration rate has exceeded 60%, and the number of ports with gigabit network service capability reached 24.56 million. The world's first 400G all-optical interprovincial backbone network officially became commercially available. As we all know, 400G currently represents the fastest and highest transmission speed globally. We have now established and commercially utilized a 400G network, thereby better supporting efficient interconnectivity of computing power and data across different entities, types, and regions.

We have accelerated efforts to make innovative breakthroughs and acted as leaders in the technological industry. Breakthroughs were made at a faster pace in key technologies. The commercial verification of 5G lightweight (RedCap) technology on high, medium, and low-frequency bands was completed. The performance indicators of quantum computing prototypes continued to improve, and breakthroughs were achieved in quantum error correction testing. The industrial strength has been steadily enhanced. In the first quarter, the shipment of 5G mobile phones in our country, reached 56.43 million units, accounting for 83.7% of the total mobile phone shipments during the same period. It can be said that this reflects a significant demand for high-end or smart 5G phones, reaching a share of 83.7%.

We have deepened application empowerment and promoted integrating digital technology into the real economy. In terms of industrial application, 5G technologies have been integrated into 74 out of 97 major categories of the national economy. They have been extensively applied in key sectors such as industry, mining, power, and healthcare. The "5G+ industrial internet" projects exceeded 10,000, and application empowerment has accelerated its expansion into core and control links. Previously, these technologies were primarily applied in peripheral links, but now they are gradually accelerating their expansion into control or core links. In terms of personal application, generative AI has also been widely promoted and adopted in applications such as chatbots, intelligent search, and text generation. In the first quarter, mobile internet traffic increased by 14.3% compared to the same period last year.

We have stepped up efforts to ensure inclusive development that deliver benefits to all and guarantee public services. Telecommunication services have steadily advanced, and by the end of last year, the internet penetration rate in rural areas of our country reached 66%, narrowing the urban-rural gap. Age-friendly products and services have become more accessible, with new application scenarios such as 5G video customer support and payment verification by drawing a pattern continuously emerging and gradually being implemented. Efforts to safeguard people's wellbeing have been continuously intensified. Centering on improving work conduct and rectifying misconduct, we have made every effort to protect users' legitimate rights and interests. In the first quarter, we intercepted a total of one billion scam phone calls and text messages.

Going forward, the MIIT will prioritize high-quality development to consolidate and enhance its competitive advantages and leading position in the information and communication sector. First, we will lay a solid foundation by accelerating the implementation of policies related to large-scale equipment updates and promoting the optimization and upgrading of information infrastructure. We will also promote the coordinated development of computing infrastructure and accelerate the formation of a national unified computing system. Second, we will focus on innovation, which we believe is fundamental. We will integrate 5G with big data, cloud computing, AI, and other technologies to accelerate the evolution of 5G. As we all know, 5G is now evolving to 5G-Advanced (5GA) or 5.5G, and we will accelerate R&D in 6G and 10G optical networks. Third, we will strengthen application efforts by accelerating the promotion of R&D and applications in areas such as big data and AI. We will implement the AI Plus initiative and continue accelerating the industrial internet's large-scale application. Fourth, we will improve supervision by speeding up the issuance of policies and opinions on innovative information and communication industry management, optimizing the business environment, and continuing to create a first-class business environment to better serve market entities. Fifth, we will safeguard security by strengthening technical support, improving industry network and data security management, and promoting the innovative development of the network and data security industry. Thank you.

Red Star News:

The high-end and intelligent development of the manufacturing industry is attracting significant societal attention. Could you please share the work that has been done to promote the development of intelligent manufacturing? What are the considerations for the next steps? Thank you.

Shan Zhongde:

I will answer these questions. Thank you for asking. Intelligent manufacturing is the key technology and primary task for transforming China's manufacturing industry from being large in size to being strong in capability. It focuses on building China's strength in manufacturing and is an important task for promoting new industrialization. We are vigorously advancing intelligent manufacturing to achieve high-quality, efficient, green, and safe manufacturing products. Meanwhile, in terms of developing intelligent manufacturing, the manufacturing technology system, production model, industrial form, and value chain will be further refined. In recent years, we have focused on four key areas to promote the development of intelligent manufacturing:

First, we have increased our efforts to achieve technological breakthroughs. We are focusing on developing intelligent manufacturing processes, equipment, products, and software systems. We are working to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies such as industrial robots, intelligent testing equipment, and additive manufacturing equipment. Additionally, we are strengthening innovative advancements in integrating processes, equipment, and software, particularly in areas like process digitization, equipment intelligence, quality inspection, and supply chain collaboration. The total output value of China's intelligent manufacturing equipment sector has now exceeded 3.2 trillion yuan.

Second, we have enhanced the supply of solutions. A robust network of service providers is essential to develop intelligent manufacturing and promote enterprises' digital and intelligent transformation. We are focusing on cultivating over 150 system solution providers with main business revenues exceeding 1 billion yuan. System integration capabilities in sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, and lithium batteries have reached an internationally advanced level. Solutions, including mixed-line flexible production, integrated processing and testing, and high-precision, high-reliability assembly, have also achieved significant breakthroughs, empowering more than 3,400 companies.

Third, we have enhanced leadership and demonstration efforts. For three consecutive years, we have collaborated with the National Development and Reform Commission and four other departments to implement smart manufacturing pilot demonstration actions. As a result, we have cultivated 421 national demonstration factories and more than 10,000 provincial-level digital workshops and smart factories. Technologies such as AI and digital twins are now applied in over 90% of these demonstration plants.

Fourth, we have strengthened the formulation of standards. The MIIT, in conjunction with the Standardization Administration of China (SAC), has released guidelines for the construction of a national smart manufacturing standards system. We have issued 408 national standards and led the formulation of 48 international standards to promote the standardized, institutional, and systematic development of intelligent manufacturing.

Next, based on our current work, we will focus on several key areas:

First, we will strengthen the leveraging role of applications. We will deeply promote the construction of smart factories and smart supply chains, carry out the AI Plus initiative, build smart industrial parks, and cultivate exemplary cases of digital transformation and intelligent development. We will support traditional industries and small- and medium-sized enterprises in technological transformation using mature and advanced applicable technologies. The goal is that by 2025, more than 70% of manufacturing enterprises above designated size will have transitioned to digital and network-based operations, and several smart manufacturing demonstration factories will be built to lead industrial development.

Second, we will improve supply support. We will plan and deploy major scientific and technological innovation projects in the intelligent manufacturing sector and strengthen breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields such as intelligent manufacturing processes, equipment, products, and software systems. At the same time, we will cultivate intelligent manufacturing system solution providers, fostering a group of providers with advanced technologies and strong service capacities. We aim to better promote the digital transformation and intelligent enhancement of more enterprises by 2025.

Third, the infrastructure will be improved. We will adopt an appropriately forward-thinking approach for information infrastructure like 5G networks, computing power, and Internet of Things, work faster to create industrial internet platforms, accelerate the innovative growth of industrial internet, and build a better system of standards for intelligent manufacturing. In particular, we will enhance evaluations with an aim to build a batch of industrial internet platforms that have influence in industries and across regions by 2025.

We have guided large-scale equipment renewals this year. Meanwhile we have systematically promoted intelligent manufacturing application research, advanced scientific and technological research, and  strengthened infrastructure by using this opportunity in a bid to vigorously make the manufacturing sector more digitalized, internet-powered, and smarter, providing strong support to boost China's strength in manufacturing.

That's all from me. Thank you.

China Daily：

We noticed that the ministry recently rolled out a series of policies and measures to pursue the green development of the manufacturing industry. What have been the results in this regard? And what are the plans for the next steps? Thank you.

Tao Qing:

Thank you for your questions. Pursuing green and low-carbon growth is in line with the trend of technological revolution and industrial transformation. The ministry has fully implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, worked faster to build a modernized industrial system, and made achievements in moving the manufacturing sector toward greener production.

In terms of utilization of resources and energy, we have significantly improved the energy efficiency of products. China's steel, primary aluminum, cement clinker, and other industries have achieved significant improvements in unit product energy efficiency. The energy consumption structure has continued to be optimized. We have promoted a batch of typical application scenarios and cases for industrial green microgrids in key industries and sectors such as steel, petrochemicals, and chemicals.

In terms of product structure, we have continuously enhanced the capacities of green products. The proportion of advanced manufacturing and the supply capacity of green technical equipment and products have increased markedly. For example, in the first quarter, the production and sales of new energy vehicles were 2.115 million and 2.09 million, respectively, a year-on-year increase of 28.2% and 31.8%, with the market share reaching 31.1%.

In terms of green manufacturing, we have given full play to the leading and guiding role of relevant enterprises. At present, at the national level, a total of 5,095 green factories, 371 green industrial parks, 605 green supply chain management companies, and more than 500 green manufacturing professional service institutions have been built.

In terms of cultivating new driving forces, we have moved faster to set up a layout for the development of the future-oriented industries. In industrial sectors, application scenarios have been enriched in the hydrogen energy industry and the new type of power storage technologies. China's first 10,000-tonne demonstration project in green hydrogen industry was built and put into operation. The first million-tonne hydrogen-based shaft furnace in the steel industry successfully ignited and started production.

Next, we will further implement the arrangements on fully pursuing green growth of the industrial sector made at the national meeting on promoting new industrialization, as well as focus on forging new advantages in green development of the industry and creating a number of green manufacturing industry benchmarks. We will focus on three aspects.

First, we will speed up green and low-carbon transformation and upgrading in traditional industries. Efforts will be made to encourage large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods and guide enterprises, industrial parks, and key industries to promote a new round of green and low-carbon technological transformation. We will accelerate the adjustments and optimization of product mix, energy consumption structure and raw materials mix of traditional industries, and speed up their process reengineering, with a view to enhancing the competitiveness of industries. 

Second, we will promote green, low-carbon, and forward-looking growth of emerging industries. Efforts will be made to guide information and technological infrastructure like data centers and base stations to expand the use of green energy. For example, we will accelerate the comprehensive utilization of new-type solid waste, such as decommissioned batteries, photovoltaic modules, and wind turbine rotor blades. Focusing on the realization of peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, we will lay out the development of future-oriented industries like hydrogen energy, energy storage, biomanufacturing, and carbon capture, utilization and storage, in keeping with the trend of energy revolution and industrial transformation.

Third, we will cultivate new business forms in green manufacturing. Vigorous efforts will be stepped up to promote the deep integration of eco-friendly and digital practices, modern services and green manufacturing, and consumer' needs for green consumption and the supply of sustainable products. We will work hard to cultivate new business forms and foster new growth drivers. Thank you.

Cover News：

According to the government work report this year, we will develop appropriately future-oriented digital infrastructure, work faster to create a nationally unified computing system, and foster industrial ecosystems for computing. What does the ministry specifically plan to do in this regard? Could you provide more details about the development of China's computing power sector and discuss the next steps for its growth? Thank you.

Shan Zhongde:

Thank you for your questions. Acting in line with the arrangements and requirements on working faster to create a nationally unified computing system pushed forward in this year's government work report, the MIIT has strengthened policy guidance, developed computing infrastructure, enhanced the innovation capacity of industries, and promoted the implementation of computing power applications, all of which have delivered positive outcomes.

First, we have actively guided the development of computing infrastructure. We have accelerated the implementation of the action plan for the high-quality development of computing power infrastructure, advanced the coordinated development of computing, networks, storage, and application, and guided the building of the tiered system of computing infrastructure encompassing national hubs, regional centers, and local peripheries. As of the end of 2023, more than 8.1 million standard racks were in use at data centers across China, with the total computing power reaching 230 EFLOPS, which is 230 quintillion floating-point operations per second.

Second, we have focused on strengthening the foundation of computing power development. We have optimized the computing power structure, promoted a diversified supply of computing resources, and gradually expanded the proportion of intelligent computing power, satisfying the development of AI applications. As of the end of 2023, China’s intelligent computing power has reached 70 EFLOPS, which is 70 quintillion floating-point operations per second, a growth rate of over 70%. We have pushed basic telecommunication enterprises to plan and construct more than 180 optical trunk cables under the "East Data, West Computing" project, expanded the interconnection bandwidth of backbone networks to 40T, and covered major cities nationwide with 20-millisecond latency circles of computing power hubs.

Third, we have accelerated the scheduling of computing power resources. We have strengthened research on key technologies regarding the interconnection between computing resources, developed cloud scheduling systems for computing networks, established a computing resource identification system, and improved standards and norms for the interconnectivity of computing power. We have enhanced the efficiency of data transmission between networks, upgraded the functions of new-type internet exchange centers and backbone direct connection points, and improved the ability of computing power to access networks.

Fourth, we have effectively built a computing industry ecosystem. We organized the selection of successful cases among new-type national computing centers to enhance the guiding role of excellent practices. We collected over 5,000 projects of innovative application of computing power, covering various fields such as finance, transportation, and urban governance. We guided the establishment of a matrix for computing industry development and created a community for the development of the industry to better promote integrated and coordinated development, enabling computing power centers to achieve better development.

Next, we will continue to build a nationwide integrated computing power system from three aspects. First, we will coordinate computing resources and improve utilization efficiency. We will optimize the composition of computing infrastructure, deepen the coordination and monitoring of computing infrastructure, and guide the coordinated development of computing power in the eastern and western regions. We will encourage basic telecommunication enterprises to continuously improve the direct interconnection networks linking from computing power clusters to major cities, enhance computing networks’ access capacity, and promote standardized interconnection of public computing power to improve utilization efficiency. Second, we will strengthen the leading role of intelligent computing and optimize the computing power structure. We will actively promote the development of AI computing architecture and software ecosystem, accelerate the breakthrough of a number of landmark technological products and solutions, and encourage various entities to explore new modes of intelligent computing center construction and operation, including multi-party collaboration mechanisms, to better utilize intelligent computing power. Third, we will stimulate computing power demand and improve computing services. We will research and establish a public computing power service supervision and management system, organize computing service scheduling and operation safety monitoring and evaluation, cultivate a number of competitive computing service providers, create a nationwide unified computing service market, continuously optimize computing power network products and services, reduce the cost of computing services for small and medium enterprises, and enhance the inclusiveness and accessibility of computing power.

Arguably, computing power has become an important engine to promote high-quality economic and social development, as well as a vital foundation for technological innovation and high-quality industrial development. We will continue to make efforts in the areas of computing power structure, intelligent computing supply, efficiency improvement, and service guarantees, providing stronger support for accelerating new-type industrialization and serving the construction of a new pattern of development.

That's all I have to say, thank you.

China News Service:

This year, the development of the low-altitude economy has attracted widespread attention. We understand that the MIIT along with three other departments have just issued an implementation plan for the innovative application of general aviation equipment. What are your considerations and plans for developing the low-altitude economy? Thank you.

Shan Zhongde:

I'll answer this question. As you said, the low-altitude economy is currently quite popular, and provinces and cities such as Jiangsu, Shandong, and Shenzhen have issued relevant policies for its development. The low-altitude economy is a typical emerging industry, a typical representative of new quality productive forces, and an important direction for cultivating new growth drivers. It is innovation-driven, green and low-carbon, and integrates digital and real economy. Not long ago, the MIIT, together with the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China, jointly issued an implementation plan on innovative application of general aviation equipment (2024-2030), aiming to accelerate the commercial application of new-type general aviation equipment featuring unmanned, electric, and intelligent technologies, and promote the large-scale development of "low-altitude logistics distribution," "low-altitude urban air traffic," and "low-altitude emergency rescue," etc.

As we all know, the development of the low-altitude economy relies on advanced aircraft and requires digital-driven and internet-based support as well as communications. The general aviation manufacturing industry provides essential equipment for the growth of the low-altitude economy, while information and communication networks offer solid foundational support. In recent years, the general aviation equipment manufacturing industry, represented by drones, has achieved rapid progress. According to incomplete statistics, by the end of 2023, there were over 2,300 civilian drone manufacturing enterprises in China, producing more than 1,000 mass-produced drone types. In 2023, China delivered over 3.17 million civilian drones, with the general aviation manufacturing industry's output value exceeding 51 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of nearly 60%. Moving forward, to develop the low-altitude economy while balancing high-quality growth with high-level security, it is essential to enhance coordination among various departments and foster cooperation between central and local authorities. This will accelerate the creation of new growth engines for the low-altitude economy. The focus will be on following four key areas:

First, accelerating equipment innovation. Developing the low-altitude economy requires advanced low-altitude equipment, focusing on trends such as unmanned, electric, and intelligent technologies. This involves expediting breakthroughs in core technologies for new types of general aviation equipment, including key innovations in batteries and motors used in the aviation industry. The goal is to build a product system for low-altitude equipment that meets the needs of various application scenarios, characterized by low cost, high reliability, high performance, and high safety.

Second, strengthening application-driven development. By focusing on various application scenarios, such as logistics, rescue, and transportation, we will establish a demonstration system for multi-scenario applications in low-altitude settings, guided by the development of an industrial ecosystem. We will proactively cultivate high-tech enterprises and specialized, innovative "little giant" enterprises in the low-altitude economy. Additionally, we will accelerate the development of the industrial chain centered around the innovation chain, encouraging genuine integration between industry, academia, and research to better advance the low-altitude economy.

Third, enhancing technological integration. We will fully utilizing and leveraging next-generation information and communication technologies, digital technologies, intelligent technologies, and AI. We will accelerate the development and innovation of intelligent low-altitude connectivity technologies and models, providing robust support for building a future system characterized by safe and efficient low-altitude operations. By leveraging advanced equipment, network technologies, and application-driven scenarios, we can achieve significant progress in the low-altitude economy.

Fourth, strengthening standards support. We will accelerate the establishment of an industrial standards system that spans the entire lifecycle of low-altitude equipment, covering research and development, design, production, testing, verification, and operational support. We will collaborate with relevant departments to promote the construction of a third-party testing and certification system. We believe that the low-altitude economy is a major direction for the future development of emerging industries. It is destined to evolve into an industry with a trillion-yuan scale, significantly benefiting the public and better fulfilling people's aspirations for a better life.

That's all from me. Thank you.

China Financial and Economic News:

AI has emerged as a powerful catalyst for industrial transformation, drawing considerable attention to its integration with various industries. What factors should be considered when promoting the role of AI in facilitating new industrialization? Thank you.

Tao Qing:

Thank you for your question. I will answer it as follows. AI is a strategic technology leading the new wave of technological revolution and industrial transformation, serving as a crucial driver of new industrialization. In recent years, with joint efforts across various sectors, China has made significant progress in the development of AI. The number of AI enterprises has exceeded 4,500, and innovative achievements such as intelligent chips and general large models have rapidly emerged. Intelligent infrastructure continues to be strengthened, and the construction of digital workshops and smart factories has accelerated, laying a solid foundation for AI-enabled new industrialization.

Going forward, we will thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, carry out the tasks outlined in the National Meeting on Promoting New Industrialization and the government work report, and fully leverage the strengths of China's complete industrial system, large industrial scale, and diverse application scenarios. We will focus on the deep integration of AI and manufacturing, with intelligent manufacturing as the main direction and application scenarios as the driving force, to promote the intelligent transformation of the manufacturing industry and empower the industrial manufacturing system at a high level, providing new momentum for high-quality development.

First, we will accelerate breakthroughs in fundamental AI technologies to strengthen the foundation for application empowerment. By focusing on key underlying technologies such as algorithms and computational power for large models, we will expedite advancements in critical core technologies and products, including intelligent chips, large model algorithms, and frameworks. Additionally, we will accelerate the deployment of intelligent IoT terminals and industrial clouds, enhancing the operational management capabilities of computational power for manufacturing. Additionally, we will guide ecosystem enterprises to rapidly develop globally competitive general large models, cultivate industry-specific large models for manufacturing scenarios, and build high-level industrial databases to unlock the value of industrial data elements.

Second, we will accelerate the smart upgrading of key links, critical industries, and major products in the manufacturing sector. We will deepen the integration and application of AI technology throughout the entire manufacturing process to significantly enhance the smart-tech levels of R&D, pilot-scale testing, production, services, and management. Targeting key industries that have a significant impact on the national economy, a strong driving force, and a solid foundation for digitalization, we will launch special actions for AI-empowered new industrialization. This includes strengthening the connection between supply and demand, publicizing and implementing standards, and fostering application to expedite the smart upgrading of key industries and also improve the smart-tech levels of high-end equipment, critical software, and intelligent terminals among major products and equipment.

Third, we will improve the support system, and cultivate and expand the industrial ecosystem. We will provide stronger guidance on standards and establish and enhance the standard system for AI-empowered new industrialization. We will optimize the layout of AI manufacturing innovation centers, industrial technology public service platforms, and key laboratories, enhance collaborative innovation across the industrial chain, and reinforce the construction of an open-source AI ecosystem. We will also improve mechanisms for AI talent cultivation, security assurance, and international cooperation. Thank you!

People's Posts and Telecommunications News:

This year marks the 30th anniversary of China's connection to the internet. Could you please provide an overview of the key achievements in China's internet development over the past 30 years? What measures will be taken in the future to further promote its development?

Zhao Zhiguo:

I'll answer this question. Thank you for asking. On April 20, 1994, China opened its first 64K international dedicated line, achieving full functional connection with the internet and becoming the 77th member of the internet community. Thirty years have flown by, and the day after tomorrow, April 20, will be the 30th anniversary of this historic moment. Over the past 30 years, China's internet development has achieved significant accomplishments, providing a solid foundation and strong support for accelerating new industrialization and boosting its strength in manufacturing and cyberspace. These achievements can be summarized in five aspects: large scale, strong foundation, wide application, favorable environment, and extensive cooperation. Specifically:

First, in the aspect of scale, the comprehensive strength of the industry has continuously improved. By the end of 2023, the number of registered websites exceeded 3.8 million, the number of internet users reached 1.09 billion, and the internet penetration rate was 77.5%. From January to February this year, China's internet business revenue reached 246.3 billion yuan, up by 7.6% year on year, with total profits reaching 16.97 billion yuan, up by 6.5% year on year. According to estimates from relevant institutions, the market value of Chinese internet businesses is nearly 10 trillion yuan, with nine companies ranked among the top 30 global internet companies by market value. Their international competitiveness has been significantly enhanced.

Second, in the aspect of strong foundation, China's network facility has reached a global leading position. China has built the world's largest network infrastructure with advanced technology, fully completed IPv6 transformation, with the number of country code top-level domain registrations being the highest in the world. A comprehensive, multi-layered, and multi-dimensional network interconnection architecture is rapidly taking shape, and the quality of network services is advancing towards world-class levels.

Third, in the aspect of wide application, the role of integration and empowerment is evident. In the field of daily life, applications such as instant messaging, mobile payments, and ride-hailing have flourished, exploring new spaces for digital life. In the field of production, 5G applications have been integrated into 74 of the 97 major categories of the national economy, and the industrial internet has covered all 41 major industrial categories.

Fourth, in the aspect of favorable environment, the industrial ecosystem and order are continuously improving. The new regulatory system is continuously strengthened, significantly enhancing the compliance of business operations, the openness of the industrial ecosystem, and the robustness of security measures. The comprehensive service system that benefits the public and enterprises has gradually improved, and the protection of user rights is effectively strengthened.

Fifth, in the aspect of extensive cooperation, mutually beneficial cooperation continues to deepen and become more practical. China is deeply involved in global digital governance and international rule-making, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practically carrying out all-around cooperation in digital transformation to share the dividends of digital economic development with other countries.

Next, regarding internet development, we will focus on the following three aspects of work:

First, we will stick to innovation-driven development and foster new quality productive forces. We will step up the construction of a new type of information infrastructure, systematically make plans to realize breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and promote the R&D and application of frontier technologies such as 6G, the next-generation internet, and quantum communication.

Second, we will adhere to the integration of the digital economy and the real economy and accelerate the new type of industrialization. We will promote the deep integration of AI and manufacturing, further advance the large-scale application for "5G+industrial internet," and speed up building a modern industrial system supported by advanced manufacturing.

Third, we will adhere to reform and opening-up and continue to optimize the business environment. We will improve policies and systems, promote the modernization of the industrial supervision system and our capabilities, advance work-style rectification, and continue to improve the quality of our services. In addition, we will further open up the telecommunication market and stimulate the vitality of various market entities. Thanks.

China Electronics News:

Currently, we all attach great importance to the industrial application of scientific and technological achievements. The application of laboratory findings cannot be achieved without the support of pilot-scale testing platforms. What plans will the MIIT make to promote the industrial application of scientific and technological achievements?

Shan Zhongde:

Thank you for your question. I'll answer it. We often say that it is difficult to transform scientific and technological achievements. Whether the achievements are mature and advanced determines their transformation level. Through pilot-scale testing, we can improve the maturity of the achievements, effectively accelerate the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, and speed up scientific and technological innovation. Pilot-scale testing is a transitional test that transforms the new products in the trial production stage into a real production process. This is the key to the transformation of scientific and technological achievements and also an organic component of the manufacturing innovation system. It provides important support for a modern industrial system. Through pilot-scale testing, we can improve product performance and quality, achieve stable mass production, and accelerate the commercialization of innovative products.

In order to better promote high-quality and high-performance development of products, at the beginning of this year, the MIIT worked with relevant departments to formulate the Implementation Opinions on Innovative Development of Pilot-Scale Testing in Manufacturing Industry," with a focus on enhancing our capabilities to support pilot-scale testing and improve the transformation and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. Relevant work will be carried out in three aspects.

First, we will improve the pilot-scale testing and validation capabilities. Only when our capabilities advance can the transformation level of innovation achievements be well improved. We will conduct projects to improve our pilot-scale testing capabilities and scientifically plan our capacity building for advanced pilot-scale testing in key industries. We will support the layout and construction of a number of major pilot projects with strong driving forces in process-type manufacturing industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, and metallurgy, as well as in discrete manufacturing industries such as equipment, automobiles, and electronics. At the same time, we will support leading enterprises in the industrial chain to make overall plans on integrating pilot-scale testing with R&D and production, in a bid to establish complete capabilities in pilot-scale testing and promote the full coverage of pilot-scale testing in key industrial chains.

Second, we will build pilot-scale testing platforms. We will enhance technological upgrading, promote the digital, networked, intelligent, high-end, and green development of pilot-scale testing, and build a system for pilot-scale testing service platforms. In particular, we will support the construction of comprehensive and professional public service institutions for pilot-scale testing, build application scenarios and test environments, promote product R&D, design and validation test, and speed up our efforts to meet industry development needs. In addition, we will strengthen the pilot-scale testing function of existing innovation and service platforms, enhance technology development and transformation, and open up experimental capabilities, test sites, and research results.

Third, we will improve the ecosystem for pilot-scale testing development. We will develop pilot-scale testing industries in an innovative way and foster excellent enterprises. We will expand the supply of products, such as precision measuring instruments, high-end test equipment, and design simulation software, and promote pilot-scale testing platforms to provide more accurate and effective services. In addition, we will strengthen the role of standards in providing support and guidance, establish a sound system of standards for pilot-scale testing, release a set of key standards, and cultivate inter-disciplinary talent and outstanding engineers who are good at solving complex engineering problems. We will support local governments to formulate policies and measures for pilot-scale testing development and provide funding, talent, and financial support for pilot-scale platforms.

Our goal is that by 2025, the country's manufacturing industry will witness positive progress in pilot-scale testing; its key industrial chains will see the full coverage of pilot-scale testing; the digital, networked, intelligent, high-end, and green development of pilot-scale testing will be significantly improved; and the pilot-scale testing service system will be continuously improved. At the same time, we will build pilot-scale testing platforms with globally advanced standards, further create a sound ecosystem for pilot-scale testing development, better enable high-quality development of the manufacturing industry, and promote the sustained growth of China's industrial economy.

That's all from me. Thanks.

Xing Huina:

Today's press conference will conclude here. Thank you to all the speakers and journalists.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Huang Shan, Guo Yiming, Liu Qiang, Liu Caiyi, Yan Bin, Wang Qian, Ma Yujia, Zhou Jing, Wang Ziteng, Liu Sitong, Qin Qi, Li Huiru, Mi Xingang, Yuan Fang, Yan Xiaoqing, Wang Wei, Jay Birbeck, Tom Arnsten and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.