CPPCC sessions that Sichuan would seize the historical opportunity of the drive to develop the western areas and strive to achieve a growth rate higher than the national average. It will make strenuous efforts to realize new breakthroughs. By 2005, the provincial per capita GDP shall be up to the national level of 2000, and catch up with the national level by 2010 when Sichuan becomes an economic power in the west.

He noted that the Yangtze River's main tributaries flow through Sichuan, and some 600 million tons of silt flows into the Yangtze every year. Sichuan is determined to reduce the silt by at least 50 percent through 10 years of comprehensive treatment, including the protection of natural forest resources and the return of farmland to forests. By that time, the province's forest coverage rate will reach 30 percent, which will enable Sichuan to become a reliable ecological defense for the Yangtze River Valley and the Three Gorges project.

Zhou Yongkang and Zhang Zhongwei clarified the following issues:

I). What are Sichuan's major objectives and measures in the implementation of the western development? Zhou Yongkang said that both Sichuan's population and GDP account for nearly one-third of those of the 10 western provinces, autonomous regions and the municipality directly under the central government. During the development of the western areas, Sichuan will focus on five aspects--infrastructure construction, environmental protection and construction, economic restructuring, revitalizing Sichuan through science and technology, and further opening.

II). What measures will Sichuan adopt to attract talented people? Zhang Zhongwei said that in recent years Sichuan has taken active measures to mobilize the initiative of existing talented people in an attempt to transform the scientific and technological advantages into economic advantages. The provincial government has given generous rewards to outstanding scientists and technicians who have made great contributions. It has improved the living conditions of over 40 Sichuan academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Besides, it has established a foundation of scientific and technological leaders as well as the Chengdu and Mianyang state-level high-tech and economic and technological development zones, which have attracted a large number of overseas talented people.

III). How can Sichuan attract domestic and overseas investors? Zhang Zhongwei said that the western development is actually the opening of the western areas. For over 10 years, Sichuan has absorbed and utilized US$13.2 billion in foreign capital. More than 50 multinationals have invested in Sichuan or have established representative offices there. Sichuan will create a more favorable environment for investors in three aspects with reference to state preferential policies granted to foreign investment: (1) It will improve the investment environment centering on the Chengdu Plain. (2) It will widen the fields of cooperation and raise the efficiency of cooperation. More than 250 projects have been proposed for investors to choose from. (3) And it will establish special service centers to provide better services for foreign investors and those from Taiwan.

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