The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convened its 27th briefing session on issues of major concern under the theme of forming a new development paradigm and achieving high-quality development in western regions on Aug 18.

The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convenes its 27th briefing session on issues of major concern on August 18, 2021. Bater, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the meeting.

Bater, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the meeting. 

At the meeting, Cong Liang, vice-chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, said western regions still face daunting challenges in development and modernization for several reasons, despite the progress that has been made so far. More efforts will be made to improve innovation capabilities, promote the building of a modern industrial system, enhance ecological protection, advance infrastructure construction, and strengthen weak links concerning people's livelihoods. 

The Ministry of Education will support western regions in building a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system, speeding up the development of the modern vocational education system, bolstering higher education and strengthening the cultivation of an education talent pool, said Zhong Denghua, vice-minister of education. 

In his speech, Zhao Yingmin, vice-minister of ecology and environment, outlined the challenges faced by the western regions, including air pollution on the Fenhe and Weihe plains, the degraded ecosystems in some rivers and lakes, and underdeveloped infrastructure. The ministry will guide western regions to deepen their fight against air pollution, specify key tasks and support measures, bolster ecological protection and pollution control, proactively respond to climate change, and improve the environmental governance system. 

In recognizing the increased per capita disposable income of rural residents in western regions, which is higher than the national average, Liu Huanxin, vice-minister of agriculture and rural affairs, also noted the weak foundation for agricultural and animal husbandry development, as well as shortcomings in rural infrastructure and a lack of basic public services. The ministry will continue to provide preferential support to the western regions, promote the vitalization of the countryside, and support the sustainable development of local specialty industries. 

CPPCC members also discussed topics that included the training of rural teachers, branding efforts for agricultural products, the development of the new western land-sea corridor, educational cooperation between eastern and western regions, and the development of the Chinese medicinal material production industry.