Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference walk into the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo/Yu Ping)
Jiangsu’s lawmakers and political advisors have contributed their insights and suggestions to boost high-quality development during the annual “two sessions.”
It refers to the annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, known as the country's top legislature and political advisory body, respectively.
Over the past year, Jiangsu has achieved remarkable progress in high-quality development, thereby supporting the pilot of the Chinese path to modernization. The coastal province is home to more than 51,000 high-tech enterprises, pivotal in promoting innovation-driven growth. The province has also made strides in ensuring balanced regional development, narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, and laying a solid foundation for a new development pattern.
Dai Yong, head of Dafeng District in Yancheng City and also a deputy to the 14th NPC, said Dafeng has leveraged opportunities of the national strategy for the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta as well as the province’s decisions for coordinated development across its southern and northern areas.
"Focusing on integration and high-quality development, Dafeng has played an active role in supply chain collaboration with cities in the delta," said Dai. Currently, over 80% of Dafeng’s industrial projects originate from the delta region, with several major projects involving an investment of over 10 billion yuan progressing smoothly.
The province has been committed to promoting the “beautiful Jiangsu” initiative, persisting in the fight against pollution, transitioning to low-carbon development and enhancing development quality. Jiangsu aims to highlight its unique appeal, characterized by rich water resources and heritage, and to promote the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
Among the achievements, the water quality of the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River maintained Class II for six consecutive years. Taihu Lake has witnessed its best water quality level since 2007. The average concentration of PM2.5 in Jiangsu was 33 micrograms per cubic meter, with the proportion of days with good air quality reaching 79.6%.
NPC deputy Zhang Guoliang, also director of the provincial natural resources department, said Jiangsu will further co-ordinate ecological protection and restoration efforts related to land, sea and wetlands, thereby strengthening the basis for the “beautiful Jiangsu” initiative.
In 2023, the economic powerhouse recorded a foreign trade volume of 5.25 trillion yuan, maintaining its second-place ranking nationwide for 21 years. Jiangsu’s actual use of foreign investment was $25.34 billion, accounting for 15.5% of the country’s total and securing the top spot nationally.
Shao Danwei, a CPPCC National Committee member and chair of Wanbang Digital Energy Co Ltd, said the company has exported products to more than 70 countries and regions globally and launched several joint ventures with Fortune 500 companies. "In 2024, we are going to develop new forms of foreign trade including cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses," said Shao.
Liu Hong, deputy mayor of Nantong City and a CPPCC National Committee member, introduced the city’s achievements in 2023, such as advancing home-based elderly care and establishing high-quality elderly service centers at the sub-district levels.
NPC member Wu Guoping, chairman of Nianhuawan Cultural Investment and Development Co Ltd in Wuxi City, said Nianhuawan constantly upgraded its services in 2023, creating a tourist destination for relaxation and leisure. "The scenic area plans to innovate its offerings and emphasize quality in cultural and tourism experience," Wu added.
