Gansu Development: Livelihood boosted despite harsh natural conditions

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02:10

In the 70 years of the People's Republic of China, many regions have made tremendous improvements socially and economically. People's livelihoods have also changed significantly. One such place is the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan takes us there.

In 2018, China's Gansu province saw its GDP surpass 820 billion yuan. That's over 118 billion U.S. dollars and 600 times larger than Gansu's GDP in 1952.

LIN DUO, SECRETARY CPC GANSU PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE "This might not be a huge number compared to other Chinese provinces. But for a region that suffers harsh natural conditions and water shortages, it's a big achievement. We must make 10 times of efforts to boost development. That's what we call the Gansu Spirit."

Dry desert air and heat, along with other natural conditions have largely impeded the region's development. Years ago, almost 90 percent of Gansu's counties struggled with poverty. The province has carried out what it calls "the most epic poverty alleviation work".

LIN DUO, SECRETARY CPC GANSU PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE "5.8 million people have been lifted out of poverty. 36 out of 75 poverty stricken counties have come off the list. We are making great strides towards building a well-off society."

Annual GDP per capita in Gansu reached over 30 thousand by 2018. The number was a mere 125 yuan in 1952.

TANG RENJIAN, DEPUTY SECRETARY CPC GANSU PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE "Before the opening-up and reform, people used to struggle to feed themselves. But things have changed. We are now catching up with the rest of the country on the battle to end extreme poverty by next year."

Officials say despite its harsh conditions, Gansu still has a geographic advantage as a land transport hub. What's more is the region's richness in history and culture.

SUN TIANYUAN BEIJING "Gansu officials say tourism will be a pillar industry as part of its green development in the future. And the province has confidence to improve its eco-system and further boost people's livelihood. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Beijing."