Liaoning's high-quality development revives once-struggling region with advanced tech

Once a rustbelt province, Liaoning in the northeast is regaining its brilliance with the production of aircraft carriers, fighter planes, industrial robots, and chips in its drive to revitalization, Governor Li Lecheng said at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

This is one of a series of press conferences sponsored by the State Council Information Office on China's high-quality development.

"In 2023, Liaoning's GDP grew by 5.3 percent, surpassing the national growth rate for the first time in a decade, with its GDP topping the benchmark of 3 trillion yuan (around 0.41 trillion U.S. dollars). In the first quarter of this year, Liaoning's economic and social development sustained the good momentum since last year with the provincial GDP growing by 5.4 percent, and its high-quality development showed stronger resilience, vitality and creativity," said Li.

The value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in the province grew by 5 percent, investment in fixed assets by 4 percent, and total retail sales of consumer goods by 8.8 percent last year, said the governor.

In 2023, 479,000 more people in cities and towns got employed, and the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents increased by 4.3 percent and 7.9 percent respectively in the province, he said.

The province's foreign trade structure was optimized and upgraded last year, and the export of electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar cells increased by 48.8 percent year on year, said Li.

Consumption rebounded rapidly, tourism continued to boom, and total tourism revenue last year reached 502.26 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 170 percent, he said.

Liaoning has accelerated the establishment of regional science and technology innovation centers, built and reorganized 11 key laboratories on a national level.

"We strive to build Liaoning into a support base for major national strategies, a source of major technological innovations, a new highland of internationally competitive advanced manufacturing, a pioneer in modern large-scale farming, a demonstration area for integrated development of high-quality culture, sports and tourism, and a hub for opening and cooperation in Northeast Asia. Basing ourselves on the new historical starting point, we'll persevere in achieving these six targets as a practical route to promote high-quality development, and revive our glory of 'the eldest son of the People's Republic of China,' and regain the brilliance of the old industrial base," Li said.

Looking ahead, Liaoning will accelerate formation of new quality productive forces, improve business environment, strengthen green development, and reduce cost of education, medical care and elderly care, Li said.

Liaoning's high-quality development revives once-struggling region with advanced tech

Liaoning's high-quality development revives once-struggling region with advanced tech and revitalization.

Liaoning's high-quality development revives once-struggling region with advanced tech and revitalization.

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth