Yunnan’s strides in 2023, goals for 2024

Southwest China's Yunnan province started its annual Two Sessions on Jan 23.

At the national level, Two Sessions refer to the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) of the People's Republic of China. This year, Yunnan's Two Sessions include the second session of the 14th Yunnan Provincial People's Congress and the second session of the 13th CPPCC Yunnan Provincial Committee.

This year is crucial to China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, as the country endeavors to recover its economy and upgrade key industrial sectors. Now Two Sessions at the provincial level are going on across China, reviewing what they’ve done in 2023 and setting targets for 2024.

Yunnan’s achievements in 2023

Yunnan's key targets for 2024

On digital economy

Chen Zhiqiang, member of the CPPCC Yunnan Provincial Committee and general manager of the China Telecom Yunnan branch, said Yunnan will step up construction of 5G, data centers, and AI facilities. Chen added that the province will build up more smart cities, industrial parks and dry ports. By upgrading the traditional industries, they will provide communities and villages with more digital products and services.

On green development

Dao Lei, deputy to Yunnan Provincial People’s Congress, said that bamboo, being a fast-growing and degradable material, serves as a crucial alternative to plastic. She suggested that businesses should promote bamboo products as a substitute for plastic, enhancing consumer acceptance of such eco-friendly products.

On high-level openness

Tai Xiantao, Qiu Yong and Dong Fawu, members of CPPCC Yunnan Provincial Committee, suggested medical institutions to establish the “learning in Yunnan” project, cultivating a group of international students proficient in both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Chinese culture. By encouraging them to return to their countries and engage in work related to TCM, the project will facilitate international TCM trade and promote mutual understanding.

Editing by Li Ling; translating by Wang Yunya; poster providing by Zhu Dongran; proofreading by Wang Huan and Wang Shixue; photos by Yunnan Daily and websites