A symposium to pool efforts to protect the ecological environment and green development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt was held in Nanjing City on September 22 and 23.

The CPPCC committees in nine provinces and two municipalities along the river as well as Northwest China’s Qinghai joined the meeting.

Lou Qinjian, secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Committee, said the province has strengthened efforts in the river’s ecological protection and restoration, optimized intensive use of the riverside, and accelerated industrial restructuring and transformation. The meeting will help Jiangsu learn from successful practices and improve strategic coordination with ministries, commissions and other regions.

Huang Lixin, chairwoman of the CPPCC Jiangsu Committee, said the river’s water quality continues to improve and environment along the river is also getting better and better. With the opening of the symposium, Jiangsu will continue to strengthen ecological protection and restoration and expediate efforts to optimize industrial layout and transform economic development.

Wetland scene along the Yangtze River in Taicang. Photo/CFP

During the meeting, delegates listened to themed lectures and made a field visit to the Nanjing section of the Yangtze River to review the comprehensive improvement.

The Yangtze River Economic Belt consists of nine provinces and two municipalities that cover roughly one-fifth of China. It has a population of 600 million and generates more than 40 percent of the country's GDP.

Contact us at english@jschina.com.cn