Reform, innovation reconfigure growth pattern in China’s western region

BEIJING – In just 30 minutes, a new business can open in Lanzhou New Area, northwest China’s Gansu Province.

The speed is a testament to the power of the reform. In recent years, Lanzhou New Area has significantly simplified administrative procedures, enabling online management of more than 2,800 items of government services.

Despite all these efforts, the annual rate of growth of the number of business entities in the area has remained at over 20 percent, and in the first half of this year, the area saw the establishment of over 10,000 new business entities.

“A key characteristic of a high-level socialist market economy is that it is both vibrant and manageable,” said Wang Shuzheng, who sits on the Lanzhou New Area Party Working Committee.

Focusing on the main issue of managing the relationship between the government and the market, Wang emphasized the commitment to create a fairer and more dynamic market environment by deepening systematic and institutional reforms.

In 2012, Lanzhou New Zone was approved by the State Council as the fifth national-level special economic development zone and was also the first state-level new development zone in northwest China.

From 2011 to 2023, the regional GDP of Lanzhou New Area increased from less than 500 million yuan (about 70 million dollars) to 37.5 billion yuan.

Creating a new dynamic

The Lanzhou New Zone is a symbol of how the reform is revitalizing China’s western region, which accounts for about two-thirds of the country’s land area, transforming the once economically underdeveloped region into one brimming with growth potential.

Over the years, a number of reform measures have been implemented to further unleash the growth potential of the expansive and resource-rich western region, with a focus on region-specific approaches to develop emerging industries and accelerate the transformation and industrial modernization.

In Liangjiang New Area in southwest China’s Chongqing municipality, a vibrant ecosystem of research and development institutions flourishes, supported by prestigious academic institutions including Beijing Institute of Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology and Northwestern Polytechnic University.

Among them, the Chongqing Institute of New Energy Storage Materials and Equipment stands out for its dedication to promoting hydrogen energy research, aiming to make significant technological breakthroughs in new energy batteries.

“The potential of hydrogen energy is vast, but we face the challenge of developing safe and cost-effective methods for storing and transporting hydrogen,” noted Wang Jingfeng, executive director of the institute.

Chongqing University, in partnership with Liangjiang New Area, established the research institute to amalgamate cutting-edge research and development with industry resources, thus building a premiere platform for scientific research.

“Our current research in magnesium battery materials and hydrogen storage technologies is leading the industry, marking a significant step toward the future of energy solutions,” added Wang.

As an industrial powerhouse in southwestern China, Chongqing has built 144 smart factories and 958 digital workshops by the end of 2023, according to the Chongqing Municipal Economy and Informatization Commission.

In Gansu, the transition of Lanzhou LS Group, a long-standing equipment manufacturer, demonstrated how reform is driving innovation.

Moving towards cutting-edge transformation, the group maintains its competitive edge in traditional sectors such as oil refining and chemical equipment, as well as oil and gas drilling equipment.

At the same time, it is cultivating strategic emerging industries with a focus on cutting-edge nuclear, hydrogen and photovoltaic energy storage technologies, complemented by the development of state-of-the-art alloys and new materials based on nanotechnology.

This two-pronged approach has yielded significant results, as demonstrated by a robust 32.78 percent year-on-year increase in the output value of the group’s emerging strategic industries in the first half of 2024.

“Without reform and innovation, we would not have reached where we are today, nor would we have a bright future,” said Gao Feng, deputy general manager of LS Group.

In the border province of Yunnan in southwest China, cross-border freight shipments on the China-Laos railway, launched in December 2021, exceeded 41 million tons, giving new impetus to the high-quality cooperation of the Belt and Road and the development interregional.

Everything for a better life

Serving as a vital ecological defense, the western region persistently continues the practical exploration of promoting ecological civilization. This commitment sustains the drive towards a modernization that embodies the harmony between humanity and nature, ensuring solid support for its transformative journey.

With a better ecological environment, the western region’s tourism sector has seen a boom in recent years, capitalizing on its unique splendid landscape and culture.

Located in Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yellow River Suji, a group of top luxury guesthouses in China, has become a sensation on the country’s social media for preserving the architectural style of the original villages while at the same time implanted a modern and modern style. modern holiday lifestyle in the countryside.

“Seeing children frolicking in the sand and splashing in the water brings us immense joy. The tranquility of the desert provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle,” said Yang Sha, a 39-year-old visitor from Sichuan.

In northwest China’s Xinjiang, the region’s grasslands and snowy mountains attract flocks of adventurers, while in Yunnan, the charm of rural and eco-tours has won the hearts of travelers from near and far, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking . seeking a connection with nature and local culture.

Yuhu Village, located in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in Yunnan’s Lijiang City, is one of the oldest settlements of the ethnic Naxi people and is famous for its well-preserved traditional Naxi architecture.

A leisurely stroll through the village reveals a picturesque landscape where ancient dwellings are artfully arranged, creating a harmonious blend with the snowy mountains and tranquil lakes.

“In the past, activities such as logging, gold mining, and sand and stone excavation did not really enrich our villagers,” noted He Xinhua, a local official.

“In recent years, we have strictly adhered to ecological and agricultural conservation policies while improving our agricultural and cultural tourism industries. In just the first seven months of this year, we have received more than 350,000 visitors, generating more than 25 million yuan in tourism revenue,” he said.

“Our ultimate goal is to improve the livelihood of local residents while saving the ecological environment, preserving our ancient villages and protecting our ethnic culture. This commitment to sustainable development is the real ‘treasure’ that transforms Yuhu’s natural beauty into a source of prosperity and wealth,” he added.