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E-mail China.org.cn, July 4, 2024
CCTV:
Mr. Yan has just given a brief introduction to Xizang's economic and social development. Could you please provide more details on the specific explorations and practices in stabilizing growth, expanding consumption, and increasing momentum? Thank you.
Yan Jinhai:
First, thank you for your question. There was a popular song in Xizang in the past, and the lyrics go like this: "The Himalayas, though tall, have peaks; the Yarlung Tsangpo, though long, has its source." Every new step and achievement in the economic and social development of Xizang is rooted in the leadership of the CPC, the special care of the CPC Central Committee, and the tremendous superiority of the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. As I just introduced, last year, the entire region's total GDP was nearly 240 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 9.5%, ranking first in the country. Last year, the total fiscal resources of the entire region reached 380 billion yuan, and the per capita fiscal resources also ranked first nationwide. However, last year, the revenue in the local general public budget was only 24 billion yuan, meaning that for every yuan spent in Xizang, more than 90% came from the central government. Under the caring guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee, and with selfless assistance from people of all ethnic groups across the country, we always remember their entrustment and forge ahead with gratitude. We are fully committed to stabilizing growth, expanding consumption, and increasing momentum, steadily promoting the high-quality development of the plateau economy to new heights.
First, investment remains the main driving force for high-quality development in Xizang. We have established and vigorously promoted mechanisms such as provincial-level leadership responsibility for major projects, specialized service teams, list-based scheduling, joint review and approval for key projects, and the "green guarantee channel." Prioritizing successful investment execution, we have adopted an approach targeting on key projects. This approach features enterprises submitting checklist, government on-site office support and strict adherence to defied timeframes. Last year, nearly 80 billion yuan of central government investment was utilized, resulting in a 35% increase in fixed asset investment, the highest growth rate in the nation. From January to April this year, fixed asset investment in the entire region increased by 27.9%. Particularly encouraging is that private investment increased by 18.6%, also ranking first nationwide in terms of growth.
Second, consumption has become the "ballast" for high-quality development in Xizang. We have implemented the "Happy Xizang, Enjoyable Consumption" special action, directly driving consumption by nearly 3.2 billion yuan. We are developing new business forms such as the holiday economy and nighttime economy. Last year, Lhasa was selected as one of China's top 100 cities for nighttime economic prosperity. The total retail sales of consumer goods in the region increased by 21% year on year, outpacing all other regions in the country. During this year's May Day holiday, within five days, 591 cars were sold in Lhasa, generating nearly 80 million yuan in sales revenue.
Third, the business environment is a critical foundation for the high-quality development of Xizang. We have always followed the market law of "releasing more water to nourish more fish in the pond" and have made consistent efforts to optimize the business environment. We have carried out programs to achieve the four standards of administrative approval with the least number of items, the shortest timeframe, optimized processing and best services. The number of items for administrative approval has been reduced from 347 to 182, and all of the items can be processed online. People no longer need to access these services in person, but can turn to online channels. We have also tapped every means possible to reduce the burdens placed on enterprises as well, implemented the central government's various preferential policies such as tax and fee reductions, reducing or exempting a total of 24.4 billion yuan over the past three years. Xizang's local fiscal revenue was only 24 billion yuan last year. We have made great efforts to help market entities to sustain themselves and assure success for the future. For example, there is a company that produces highland barley liquor in the Lhasa Economic Development Zone in Xizang and it has benefited from government tax cuts, subsidies, and rebates totaling 106 million yuan between 2012 and 2023.
Fourth, opening-up is the only path for high-quality development of Xizang. We have adhered to expanding a circle of friends for opening up and cooperation. Last year, we successfully held the 5th China Xizang International Tourism and Culture Expo, the 3rd China Xizang Trans-Himalaya Forum for International Cooperation, the 1st Xizang Forum on Strengthening the Sense of Community of the Chinese Nation and the 1st Namcha Barwa Forum, where over 450 foreign guests from more than 80 countries gathered on the snowy plateau to seek a common vision of cooperation. Last year, Xizang carried out import and export trade with 175 countries and regions, with the total value of imported and exported goods increased by 138.3%. From January to April this year, the total foreign trade volume of the region reached 2.8 billion yuan, with an increase of 201.7%.
Today, Xizang can be said to have stable politics, harmonious society, thriving economy, healthy ecosystems, ethnic unity and religious harmony. People enjoy peace and contentment toward work and life; everything is thriving and flourishing. Thank you.
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