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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.