Central China's Revival: Hunan strives for new models to develop rich water resources

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Authorities in Central China's Hunan Province say they'll continue to create new models to develop the area's rich water resources. They made the statement Thursday in Beijing, as they briefed the press on the province's economic development and goals. CGTN's Hou Na reports.

Central China wants its economy to "soar".

That's largely the reason behind Hunan Province promoting an innovation-driven strategy to boost growth.

The strategy was delivered by Du Jiahao, the province's party chief.

DU JIAHAO, SECRETARY PROVINCIAL COMMITTEE OF CPC, HUNAN PROVINCE "We are now at a new stage of development. We will further open up our economy and promote an innovation-driven strategy to boost growth."

Hunan, which literally means "south of the lake", as it is located south of its namesake Dongting Lake, is an important part of the Yangtze River Economic Belt - a regional development strategy approved by the central government in 2014.

The Province's natural wealth is key to the economic belt.

Central China's Hunan province is exploring a new mode of development, with a focus on improving its ecology and water navigation conditions.

Xu Dazhe, governor of Hunan, answered questions from CGTN on green development.

XU DAZHE, GOVERNOR OF HUNAN "Since 2013, we have initiated three three-year programs to protect our water resourses, and we have made remarkable achievements."

In terms of poverty alleviation, in 2018, the province lifted over 1.3 million rural residents out of poverty and removed 2,491 villages from the list of the impoverished areas.

The rate of poverty in Hunan among the general population has also fallen sharply.

The province is determined to eliminate absolute poverty by 2020.

HOU NA, CGTN, BEIJING.