Heilongjiang vows to boost economy
Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province will further intensify its efforts to develop modern agriculture, adjust industrial structure and upgrade its scientific and economic cooperation with foreign countries, according to the province annual government work report.
As one of the country's important old industrial bases and the most important commodity grain center, Heilongjiang Province will further build on its advantages to push the economy to a new high.
Accelerating the construction of the country's largest organic food base is the priority for the government this year.
The province will also concentrate on adjusting and optimizing the industrial structure, especially the high-tech and advanced equipment manufacturing industries.
Modern service industries like the food and catering business, and tourism will also enjoy a boost this year.
According to the government work report, four favorable factors will aid the development of Heilongjiang Province this year.
First, the macro-economic policy of China will benefit Heilongjiang.
A series of preferential policies like the revitalization of old industrial bases in Northeast China and the strategy of building a new socialist countryside, have attracted many enterprises to Heilongjiang Province.
Furthermore, the State Council has waived the taxes that northeastern enterprises owed for a long time, relieving a huge burden for many local enterprises.
Second, sound international economic environment. Heilongjiang's biggest trading partner Russia witnessed 6.5 percent growth in its economy last year, indicating huge potential and opportunity to develop trade.
Third, the province is actively promoting the Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar industrial corridor, which is widely considered to be the site of new economic growth in the future.
So far, the corridor areas have attracted an investment volume of 22.4 billion yuan, including 20 large-scale projects with investments over 300 million yuan each.
The fertile land, human resources, preferential policies and convenient transportation along the corridor will compose a strong power engine for the province's economy.
Finally, Heilongjiang Province has embarked on a period of rapid growth.
It is still in the process of a fast urbanization and industrial modernization, and there is still a strong inertia for fast economic growth.
(China Daily 03/14/2007 page17)
