Five years after the CPC Central Committee set a guideline for the western region's development, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has reiterated the importance of accelerating high-quality growth in this vast area during his recent visit to Chongqing Municipality.
Speaking on both days of his inspection, Xi emphasized that the western region, covering over 70% of China's land and home to 27% of its population, is crucial for the nation's modernization. This region is rich in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as well as essential mineral reserves including rare earth elements, bauxite, coal, and natural gas, which make up more than 70% of China's total reserves.
Xi's visit follows his previous inspection of Hunan Province, where he focused on energizing the central region and developing the Yangtze River Economic Belt to promote balanced regional growth. Despite significant progress, Xi acknowledged that the western region still faces numerous development challenges. He urged local authorities to leverage their unique industries and accelerate openness to drive further growth.
At a symposium in Chongqing, Xi outlined strategies for the 12 provincial-level regions in the west to develop modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries such as new energy and bio-medicine, tailored to their local conditions. He also highlighted the potential of tourism and other service sectors to become pillar industries, contributing to the region's economic stability.
Xi underscored the shift in China's economy from high-speed to high-quality development, stressing that each region should capitalize on its comparative advantages to foster sustainable growth. During his tour, he visited key sites including an international logistics hub, a community in Jiulongpo District, and a digital urban operation and governance center, where local officials showcased projects like the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and urban renewal initiatives.
This renewed emphasis on the western region aligns with China's broader goals of achieving more balanced and sustainable economic development across all its regions, ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared.
Reference(s):
5 years on, Xi reasserts China's western region development strategy
cgtn.com
