Northeast China Development: Heilongjiang top official: Province will see economic revival

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Once China's most important industrial base, the northeastern province of Heilongjiang has seen its growth eclipsed by other regions in recent years. But experts say that will soon change, as the province is taking every measures needed for revival. CGTN's Sun Ye has more.

Home to China's first heavy machinery plant, first electric power plant and biggest oil field, Heilongjiang is known as the industrial cradle of China. But it has struggled to maintain that reputation in recent years.

The province's GDP growth was slower than the national average in the first half of 2019, coming in at around 5 percent. The province's top officials say a revival is paramount.

ZHANG QINGWEI SECRETARY, HEILONGJIANG PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE OF CPC "When we talk about a revival, it's a revival of the province's industries, as well as a restructuring of our economy. We have plans to recalibrate, make our industrial structure 'lighter' and more high-tech oriented. We are also actively seeking outside investment."

Zhang is confident that the province will re-emerge as China's top-notch industrial base.

ZHANG QINGWEI SECRETARY, HEILONGJIANG PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE OF CPC "Our goal is to help nurture at least 50 more companies each worth tens of billions of yuan, cultivate strong industries at the level of hundreds of billions of yuan, and form industrial clusters that will be worth trillions of yuan."

HEILONGJIANG is also China's biggest producer of grain and crops, accounting for one-fifth of the nation's farmland. But its governors say the total value of its agricultural output still has room for growth.

SUN YE BEIJING "Its top officials say that the province will develop a comprehensive agricultural industrial system, better answer the market's needs and ramp up branding campaigns for its produce, so that the sector will also contribute to its revival. SY, CGTN, BJ."