Jiangsu Governor Wu Zhenglong chaired a meeting of the management committee for the Jiangsu Grand Canal Culture and Tourism Development Fund on March 5.

The meeting discussed plans to launch sub-funds and reviewed the 2020 investment plan amid efforts to ensure the development of the Jiangsu Grand Canal Cultural Belt and National Cultural Park can take the national lead.  

Wu said the development initiative needs to highlight the unique characteristics and proceed under the government leadership, in the form of market operation and with diversified investment. 

Wu also noted it’s necessary to further innovate and improve the fund’s operation, stick to the fund’s principle of long-term strategic investment of the government, integrate policy resources and expand the fund-raising channels.  

Meanwhile, efforts will be made to focus on priorities of the development initiative, roll out competitive projects with promising prospects and industrial clustering, create an influential cultural brand with Jiangsu characteristics, showcase the rich history and culture, and stimulate the Grand Canal’s growth and vitality through flagship projects. 

In last year, China issued a plan to promote the protection and inheritance of the heritage of the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway. A cultural belt will be built along the canal's existing main river course and those used in recent history.

The eight provinces and municipalities along the canal, almost 3,200 km long in total, are the main actors for advancing the initiative. Jiangsu is expected to play a critical role as it is home to most cities along the waterway.

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