Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 5 — Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized on the afternoon of March 5 while participating in the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation at the second session of the 14th National People's Congress that we must firmly grasp high-quality development as our primary task and develop new forms of productive forces suited to local conditions. Faced with a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, we must seize opportunities, intensify our efforts in innovation, foster and expand emerging industries, proactively plan for the development of future industries, and improve our modern industrial system. Developing new forms of productive forces does not mean neglecting or abandoning traditional industries; rather, we must avoid blind rushes and speculative bubbles, and we should refrain from adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. All regions must adhere to a practical, pragmatic approach—establishing new frameworks before dismantling old ones, tailoring strategies to local conditions, and providing differentiated guidance. Based on their respective resource endowments, industrial foundations, and scientific research capabilities, they should selectively promote the development of new industries, new models, and new growth drivers, use new technologies to transform and upgrade traditional industries, and actively advance the upgrading of industries toward higher-end, smarter, and greener operations.

The Jiangsu delegation engaged in a lively and enthusiastic review session, with an atmosphere that was both energetic and interactive. Six delegates—Cui Tiejun, Gao Jifan, Song Yan, Wu Huifang, Wu Xinming, and Sun Jingnan—each delivered remarks on topics including achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and strength, promoting high-quality development of China’s photovoltaic industry, strengthening the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, building prosperous and happy villages characterized by common prosperity, serving the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region, and carrying forward the spirit of craftsmanship. Xi Jinping occasionally interjected, engaging in exchanges with everyone.

After carefully listening to everyone’s remarks, Xi Jinping delivered a speech. He first expressed his agreement with the Government Work Report and fully affirmed the new progress and achievements made by Jiangsu in its economic and social development. He urged Jiangsu to remain confident, muster greater enthusiasm, and take on greater responsibilities, making even greater contributions to the overall national cause.

Xi Jinping emphasized that Jiangsu possesses favorable conditions and capabilities for developing new-quality productivity. It is crucial to focus on building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as its backbone, guided by scientific and technological innovation. We must coordinate and promote the upgrading of traditional industries, the growth of emerging industries, and the cultivation of future industries. We should deepen the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, consolidate the leading position of traditional industries, accelerate the development of strategic emerging industry clusters with international competitiveness, and make Jiangsu an important hub for fostering new-quality productivity.

Xi Jinping pointed out that we must plan and implement further major initiatives for comprehensively deepening reform, continuously injecting strong impetus into promoting high-quality development and advancing Chinese-style modernization. Focusing on building a high-level socialist market economic system, we should accelerate the improvement of fundamental market economic institutions such as property rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit. We should refine and implement the institutional mechanisms for upholding the "two unwavering commitments," support the growth and strengthening of the private economy and private enterprises, and unleash the endogenous dynamism and innovative vitality of all types of market entities. We should deepen reforms in areas such as the science and technology system, the education system, and the talent system, removing bottlenecks and obstacles that constrain the development of new-quality productive forces. We must continue to build a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, rule-of-law-based, and internationally aligned, thereby forging new advantages for a higher-level open economy.

Xi Jinping emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have implemented a series of regional coordinated development strategies, major regional strategies, and functional zone strategies, which have played a crucial supporting role in establishing a new development paradigm and promoting high-quality development. Jiangsu should fully integrate into and serve the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Yangtze River Delta integrated development strategy, strengthen alignment with other regional development strategies and major regional initiatives, and foster greater synergy across a wider scope to build innovation chains, industrial chains, and supply chains. In doing so, Jiangsu can better leverage its status as a major economic province to drive and radiate development not only within the region but also nationwide.

Xi Jinping pointed out that we must continue to consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery and improvement, boosting confidence in social development across the board. Party members and cadres must first firm up their confidence and get down to practical work with genuine commitment. We should consolidate and expand the achievements of thematic education, establish long-term mechanisms, and resolutely address formalism and bureaucratic practices. We must effectively reduce burdens on the grassroots level, unleash the creative vitality of the entire Party and society, and invigorate the spirit and energy of Party members and cadres in their efforts to accomplish tasks and start businesses. We must adhere to a people-centered development philosophy, steadily improve the level of people’s livelihood security during development, and guide and inspire the broad masses to create a happy life through their own hard work.

Xi Jinping concluded by emphasizing the need to strengthen safety production, further enhance the identification of potential safety hazards, bolster early warning and monitoring systems, implement emergency response measures, and ensure the safety of people’s lives and property.

Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, attended.