CPPCC member on steel overcapacity cuts

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In Beijing, political adviser Sun Zhaohui presented his proposal at a panel discussion on Tuesday of the ongoing first session of the 13th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Unlike other CPPCC members who came with complete draft, Sun waited till the last minute before submitting his proposal, with his idea on steel overcapacity cuts.

CPPCC member Sun Zhaohui prepares to present his proposal. /CGTN Photo

Each member of Sun’s panel had eight minutes to talk. He wanted to make the most of his chance. Unlike others, he hadn't finished his proposal before the Beijing meeting. He wanted to hear more advice and put on the finishing touches on his proposal. At the panel discussion, he spoke while discussing the government work report.

Sun Zhaohui (2nd L) in panel discussion /CGTN Photo

"There are always concerns when cutting overcapacity. Panzhihua, the steel city, recorded 100 percent good air quality days last year, while its GDP still grew. We have to change the old idea as protecting the environment doesn't necessarily go against GDP growth," said Sun

CPPCC members are divided into groups. Sun Zhaohui is in technology No. 29 team. /CGTN Photo

Sun is in his second term as a member of China's top political advisory body. This year, more than half of his team are new faces. To give new members enough time to speak, the panel allowed members to present their proposals but do not discuss them at the panel discussion.

"Only those from the companies have strong feelings about supply-side reform, as I knew from my talk with them", he said.

CPPCC member Sun Zhaohui in an interview with CGTN at a hotel room. /CGTN Photo

All CPPCC members were asked submit their proposals within a week of the session's opening. The proposals will be handed over to the related government departments, who would respond to each of them in a written form.

In the government work report, Premier Li Keqiang pledged that China will continue to cut overcapacity in steel and coal. Sun Zhaohui said he will closely follow up on his proposal and keep tabs on the country's supply-side reform where he has seen positive achievements.