(Photo by Xiao Yong)

Jiangsu’s leading group on the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt held a meeting in Changzhou City on October 20.

Lou Qinjian, secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Committee, recognized the remarkable results of ecological restoration and green development of the Yangtze River in the past five years. In adhering to the path based on "ecological priority, green development", Jiangsu has made fundamental improvements in the development concept and work methods, achieving significant progress in ecological restoration and green development in the Jiangsu section of the river.

Amid  strengthened efforts to solve outstanding environmental problems, the quality of ecological environment along the river reached the best in the past five years. Jiangsu also accelerated the pace of industrial restructuring, making progress in addressing the daunting challenge of the Yangtze River besieged by heavy chemical industries.

Thanks to the unprecedented investment in environmental protection, the province has greatly improved the capacity of environmental management. Meanwhile, Jiangsu has built the new driving force and also secured its position at the forefront in terms of high-quality development.

Lou also said it’s important to be acutely aware that, despite the end of the toughest period in managing environment along the river, there are still many difficulties and outstanding problems. It’s necessary to make unwavering efforts, further promote the transformation of heavy chemical industry, integrate and expand the industrial chain, help enterprises restructure  and enhance competitiveness, and accelerate the development of green, advanced chemical industry system.

Priority should be given to "distinctive characteristics" and  “exemplary roles" in carrying out pilot programs and gradually leading the overall improvement of the environment along the river. Jiangsu should strive to build the "most beautiful shoreline" in the Yangtze River basin. Meanwhile, the province will enforce fully the fishing ban in the river and complete the tasks on schedule and with quality. It will take a systematic approach in planning the development of areas along the river during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Jiangsu will continue to take the lead in promoting high-quality development, creating a high quality of life, and achieving high governance performance.

Wu Zhenglong, deputy secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Committee and governor of the province, said efforts are needed to follow the new development concept, give priority to ecology, and speed up ecological restoration and sewage and garbage treatment along the river.

Jiangsu will further carry out reforestation and greening,  build role models in the initiative, and become systematic in advancing the ecological protection and restoration of the Yangtze River.

The province also needs to adhere to green, safe development path, pursue the innovation-driven growth, and facilitate transformation of industries along the river. Jiangsu will also put into practice the fishing ban policy and protect the livelihood of fishermen.