XIAMEN: China’s western provinces and regions will be the stars of the nation’s economic development in the next 30 years, a top Chinese official said yesterday in this coastal city of east China’s Fujian province.
“It is true that southeast China’s coastal cities led the nation’s economic development in the past 30 years since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy in 1978. But I believe that the western regions will speak louder in the 30 years to come,” said Jing Junhai, vice-governor of China’s northwest Shaanxi province, during an interview with International Investment Express magazine a day before the 13th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT).
A delegation of more than 400 business executives from Shaanxi province will come to look for business and cooperation opportunities at CIFIT, the largest international investment event ever to be hosted in China.
“We regard the fair as a window to showcase the specific features of Shaanxi, seeking partners to explore the enormous potential there,” said Jing. “The delegation brings with them thousands of projects, including tourism, clean energy and information.” The province has held two meetings promoting its tourist attractions to both Taiwan and the American Chamber of Commerce China before the CIFIT.
Statistics show that Shaanxi achieved 15.6 percent GDP growth in 2008, ranking the fourth in the nation’s provincial GDP increase And its GDP expansion in the first half of 2009 stands at 11.6 percent earning sixth place in the country’ provinces and regions.
“Aviation and energy contributed more to the GDP’s boost,” said Jing. “This is different from coastal provinces, which developed their economies mainly through manufacturing.”
Jing believes that Shaanxi has a bright future ahead, with its enormous well-preserved natural sources, long history dating to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and improved education system. “I believe those with sharp eyes will invest and tap into western provinces and regions, as they have the greatest potential.”
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