CCIEE Holds 8th “Monthly Economic Talk”

On March 27, 2010, CCIEE held its 8th “Monthly Economic Talk” under the theme of “Ten Years of Western Development Program: Review and Prospects.” Government officials, representatives of western provinces, and scholars attended the Talk. Zeng Peiyan, Chairman of CCIEE and former Vice Premier of the State Council, addressed the Talk.

Zeng said that unlike previous western development programs, the past ten years have provided us with valuable experiences, namely, government-guided market economy, self-reliance and multi-stakeholder involvement, overall planning and priority setting, structural readjustments, as well as deepening reform and expanding opening-up. The next ten years will be critical, because the western development program will enter into the stage of sustaining past achievements and striving for further reform. He cautioned that we need to be aware of the long-term challenges ahead while celebrating past achievements. When dealing with the new situation and new tasks, he said, we need to further open up our mind, seek truth from facts, keep ourselves abreast with current development, and actively seek new ways and new ideas for western development. 

All participants agreed that the western development program has been an example of successful regional economic development in the context of socialist market economy. This development strategy reflects the resolve and foresight of the third generation of Chinese leadership in the face of opportunities; it is scientific development outlook in practice, showcasing scientific and democratic decision-making. The past ten years have witnessed the fastest economic growth, the most significant social progress, and the largest benefits for people in the western region. Valuable experiences have been gained in the decision-making process and implementation of western development. These experiences are not only useful for the west region, but also for other important economic decision-making, planning and implementation. Memoir of Western Development Program by Mr. Zeng faithfully records decision-making regarding western development and offers insightful reflections on western development in the past ten years. This book will be a valuable reference for future western development. Participants also made suggestions on how to refine the goals, polices and tasks of western development.