The Secretary of Sichuan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Wang Dongming, has disclosed that science and technology account for 50 percent of the economic growth of their province.
He made this pronouncement during the official opening ceremony of the 16th Western China International fair and the 8th Western China International Cooperation Forum held at the Crystal Ballroom, Chengdu Century City International Convention Center, in Sichuan Province.
This Province commonly known as “The Land of Abundance” is located in China’s southwestern hinterland and the upper reach of the Yangtze River and Yellow River with a population of 91 million.
Sichuan province is ranked first in China in terms of exploitable hydropower resources and natural gas reserve and its reserve of 11 rare-metallic mineral resources. It also boasts 5 world natural and cultural heritage including Jiuzhai valley and Huanglong scenic area and also known as the home of giant panda.
This event attracted leaders from all over the world including President Alpha Conde of Guinea, Sigmar Gabriel Vice Chancellor and Minister for economic affairs of Germany, President Oleg Soskovets of Serbia, Second Vice President of Afghanistan Mohammed Sarwar among others
According to the Secretary of Sichuan Provincial Committee of the CPC, Wang Dongming, the platform plays a vital role in connecting Western China with the rest of the world through cooperation as part of the Belt and Road initiative of President Xi Jinping.
He maintained that the western part of China is strategic in the Silk Road development as it connects the eastern and western civilization, explaining that the location of the province is crucial in promoting the country’s economy.
With its abundant natural resources and major player in the educational and economic development Sichuan Province is vital in the national development of China by promoting scientific development to make their development innovation driven, according to him.
He disclosed that the 2015 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 2015 reached 3 trillion RMB yuan and for the first 3 quarter of 2016 they have maintained 7.5 percent economic growth, explaining that the Hi-Tech industry output reach 1. 5 trillion RMB Yuan an increase of 87.3 percent compared to 2015.
According to the Provincial Secretary, high end and service industries are improving rapidly in that part of the country as they have been enlisted as a pilot zone for the national level strategy to promote innovation as well as promotion of free trade area.
State Councillor Wang Yong disclosed that since the establishment of the Forum in 2007 they have signed over (ten thousand) 10,000 different type of cooperation agreement with a total of 5.22 trillion RMB Yuan worth of contract.
He added that in the recent past 3 international fair they have signed 3119 agreement on specific contract with a total value of 2.4 trillion RMB Yuan, stating that the Forum has become an important platform for international economic cooperation.
President Alpha Conde of Guinea expressed thanks and appreciation to the host for extending invitation to him as leader of one of the oldest sub-sahara country to sign bilateral relationship with China.
He promised to cooperate with Western China including Sichuan Province, explaining that his country is known as the place of miracle of agricultural development with abundant mineral resources.
The Guinean President maintained that China and Africa share common values and this has been the basis for their long time relations, adding that he hopes the Forum will create a platform for better understanding for greater success for all parties.
Other country Presidents and representatives promised to cooperate with West China region in trade and economy as a way of strengthening the belt and road initiative and to encourage economic growth through investment.
They maintained that they are willing and ready to share their experience and learn from their counter part to promote mutual understand as people to people exchange is very vital in bilateral cooperation.
By Alhaji M Kamara in China
Thursday November 10, 2016
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