The 12th Guangdong Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the governmental policy advisory body, opened its fourth session in Guangzhou, the provincial capital of Guangdong on Jan 25. During the second-day meeting, all the provincial delegates were divided into three groups to discuss and exchange their views on the provincial government work report. They hotly discussed the parts of the report related to Zhanjiang. Here's a look at some of their views:

Luo Juan, deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government: Zhanjiang is the center of the Zhanjiang-Maoming-Yangjiang Economic Belt

The provincial government work report promoted the economic belt. Zhanjiang is like the south gate of Guangdong to the outside world and has the best foundation and conditions for future development in the western Guangdong. The city is supposed to boost the marine economy. Meanwhile, it is hoped that Zhanjiang will take advantage of the preferential policies from the provincial government to improve its transportation and to bring in major projects to create a better future more rapidly.

Lu Yuefei, director of Zhanjiang's State-owned assets supervision and administration commission: urgent improvement of water infrastructure in countryside areas in Zhanjiang

Now, Zhanjiang has vast lands left uncultivated in the countryside areas. Although low agricultural production and a shortage of local laborers are said to be the causes of this situation, I think out-dated water infrastructure is the main problem. Many waterways in the country have been used for half a century. So if we want to reduce the areas of uncultivated lands in the city, we must improve the water infrastructure and production conditions.

Zheng Shixuan, chairman of Guangdong-headquartered Yuehai Feed Group: a suggestion to build an institution of oceanography in Zhanjiang

Guangdong Ocean University is located in Zhanjiang and is focusing on training and scientific research to nurture marine talents. I think it's possible to build an institution of oceanography in Zhanjiang, a city famous for marine resources, through resources integration. The institution would mainly provide technological support for marine industries, and methods of treatment and prevention of some diseases of marine products.

Zhou Xiaoping, chairman of Zhanjiang-headquartered Guangdong Tongde Pharmaceutical Co Ltd: to develop a strong pharmaceutical brand in Guangdong

Guangdong is rich in the pharmaceutical resources and embeds a vast market. Under the support of the provincial government, the pharmacy industry in Guangdong will become bigger and stronger. I suggest the provincial government allocate a certain amount of money to support local pharmaceutical companies and to develop a strong brand for South China's pharmacy industry.

Li Rirong, chairman of Zhanjiang-headquartered Rong Ji Group: a hope to reduce burdens for private enterprises

Tax is one of the main tasks for private enterprises. I hope the government will accelerate the change from business tax to value-added tax to relieve the burden for private enterprises. The development of private enterprises is also challenged by difficult and high-cost financing. The government should reduce the interest rates and costs of financing and to simplify the approval procedures for private enterprises to save them money.

Xu Lisheng, head of the Leizhou water authority in Zhanjiang: more timely help for Leizhou

The island of Leizhou is prone to natural disasters and is not good at alleviating them. The area is not developed and has a weak economic base. The government is supposed to assign more funds to Leizhou to help disaster victims to rebuild their homes and to support them with other relief measure as well.

The 12th Guangdong CPPCC fourth session is scheduled to last six days from Jan 25 to 30, according to Zhang Xingjing (Left), the spokesman of the conference. [Photo/Xinhua]