electra-supply.comOn October 17-18, President Xi Jinping conducted an inspection in Anhui, where he received briefings from the Anhui Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government. He not only recognized the achievements made in Anhui but also laid out clear directives for the path forward. The President encouraged Anhui to “leverage its multiple advantages from overlapping national development strategies, striving to become a significant hub for technological innovation, a gathering point for emerging industries, a new frontier for reform and opening up, and a model region for comprehensive green transformation.” His remarks are expected to fuel a vigorous drive toward high-quality development across the region.
Focusing on Anhui’s unique development circumstances, stage characteristics, and potential advantages, President Xi outlined specific plans and long-term strategies aimed at creating an ambitious blueprint for the province. His heartfelt exhortations to the nearly 61 million residents of Jianghuai are sure to inspire local officials and citizens alike to actively engage in the pursuit of high-quality development.
Anhui’s geographical position, linking east to west and connecting north to south, combined with its solid industrial foundation, distinctive manufacturing capacity, and rich cultural heritage, positions it well for growth. National strategies such as the Yangtze River Delta integration, high-quality development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the rise of the central region, along with the Belt and Road Initiative, offer Anhui rare historical opportunities to expand its developmental space. The province must seize these strategic openings, focus on its “three areas and one zone” strategic positioning, and strive for greater accomplishments in serving and integrating into the new development landscape.
To advance modernization in the Chinese context, scientific and technological advancement must take precedence, as innovation is the essential route forward. In recent years, Anhui has committed itself to technological innovation, contributing to the building of a powerful nation in science and technology and facilitating significant progress in the province’s economic and social development. Today, Anhui boasts national laboratories and large scientific installations, with nearly 19,500 nationally recognized high-tech enterprises and numerous automotive manufacturers. The rapid development of industries such as new energy vehicles, advanced photovoltaic technology, new forms of energy storage, next-generation information technology, and artificial intelligence has positioned technological innovation as a key strength for Anhui.
For Anhui to achieve greater results in the modernization effort, technological innovation will be crucial. There is a pressing need to understand Anhui’s unique role in the national technology landscape and to accelerate the transformation and upgrading of technology and industry. High-level construction of national laboratories and the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center must be prioritized to make full use of high-level innovation platforms and continually enhance original innovation capabilities. Upholding a robust real economy is paramount, aiming to develop internationally competitive advanced manufacturing clusters.
China’s path to modernization, firmly rooted in ongoing reform and opening up, promises to unfold expansive prospects through further in-depth initiatives. Anhui’s storied tradition of reform and innovation remains a vital asset. More than 40 years ago, 18 farmers in Fengyang’s Xiaogang Village pioneered rural reform by implementing a contract responsibility system. As the new journey unfolds, Anhui must continue to embody the spirit of great reform and opening up, promoting deep-seated changes and high-level openness. Bold, innovative reforms tailored to local contexts should be initiated, positioning Anhui as a new highland for inland reform and opening up. Comprehensive internal and external opening must be expanded, creating a dynamic pattern of interconnected land and maritime development, bolstered by mutually beneficial East-West interactions.
Additionally, a new model for urban-rural integrated development must be constructed. Careful stewardship of farmland contracts must follow the expiration of the second round, extending support for agricultural prosperity. Efforts should also foster the integration of culture and tourism, developing tourism into a pillar industry. Cultural system reforms should enhance the cultural industry and market systems, leading to the creation of more cultural masterpieces.
The Jianghuai region is bustling with vitality, reflecting the fervor of its citizens. Anhui’s officials and residents must unwaveringly follow the path set forth by President Xi, enhancing their sense of urgency and action. By harmonizing efforts and renewing determination, they can persistently strive to write a new chapter of modernization for Anhui.
