西部“奇迹”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant achievements and ongoing developments in China's western region over the past 25 years, emphasizing the economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and ecological protection resulting from the Western Development Strategy initiated by the government. Economic Growth - In 2024, the GDP of the twelve western provinces reached 28.73 trillion yuan, accounting for 21.3% of the national total, showing a substantial increase from 1.54 trillion yuan in 1999, which was only 16.6% of the national GDP [7][8] - The economic output of the western region has grown 17.66 times over 25 years, surpassing the national growth rate of 13.89 times during the same period [7][8] - By 2024, five of the ten fastest-growing provinces in terms of GDP are located in the west, indicating a shift in economic dynamics [7] Industrial Development - The western region has established significant industrial clusters, including the world's leading supply chains for tin and indium in Yunnan, and the largest nickel-cobalt-copper new materials base in Gansu [9] - The automotive industry in Chongqing ranks third nationally, with the Wuling Hongguang Mini EV leading in sales [9] - Agricultural production has also seen remarkable growth, with Xinjiang's grain output increasing by 192% and Inner Mongolia's by 187% over 25 years [9] Infrastructure and Super Projects - Major infrastructure projects, such as the West-East Gas Pipeline and extensive hydropower stations, have been pivotal in enhancing connectivity and energy supply [10][11] - The western region boasts over 220,000 kilometers of highways and more than 60,000 kilometers of railways, with significant achievements in bridge and tunnel construction [11][12] Ecological Protection - The article discusses the ecological initiatives undertaken in the western region, including reforestation and natural forest protection, which have led to improved water quality in major rivers [12] - The successful conservation efforts have resulted in the recovery of endangered species and the establishment of national parks [12] Open Economy and International Cooperation - The 20th Western International Expo has facilitated international cooperation, with over 2,200 investment projects worth more than 3.7 trillion yuan announced during the event [15][17] - The western region's import and export volume has increased from 4.52% of the national total in 1999 to 9.24% in 2024, reflecting its growing role in international trade [17] Future Outlook - The article concludes with a call for continued collaboration and development in the western region, emphasizing the importance of integrating into both domestic and international markets [18]