Guo Weimin, spokesman for the second session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attends a news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 2, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Challenges remain as fight against pollution carries on

By ZOU SHUO

China will continue its fight against pollution with no slack as it still faces many challenges in the sector, a spokesman for the CPPCC National Committee said Saturday.

Curbing pollution is not contradictory to achieving economic development, and in fact a better environment is conducive for industrial upgrading and achieving high-quality growth, Guo Weimin, spokesman for the second session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said at a press conference.

China has made great achievements in recent years in fighting pollution and the public is seeing more days with blues skies, yet smoggy days sometimes return.

In 2018, the average concentration of PM2.5 - particulate matter 2.5 microns or less in diameter that can be dangerous to humans - in 338 cities across the country was reduced by 9.3 percent from 2017 levels, down to 39 micrograms per cubic meter, he said, adding that achievements also have been made in improving water and soil quality.

The government will carry out more inspections and avoid a "one-size-fits-all" method in curtailing the output of polluting industries, he added.

The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference holds a news conference on March 2, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]

Private economy focus of CPPCC

By Ren Xiaojin and Jing Shuiyu

China's private economy will embrace a bright future, as long as the country continues to push forward favorable policies and entrepreneurs seek careful management, Guo Weimin, spokesman for the second session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, said on Saturday.

Boosting the private economy has been a focus of the CPPCC, Guo said at the news conference of the Second Session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee. He urged local governments to ensure the implementation of pro polices for the private sector.

The private economy is a vital part of a socialist market economy, and is irreplaceable in improving people's quality of life and increasing employment. China couldn't have created such an economic miracle without the private economy, he stressed.

Guo added that a number of CPPCC members come from private companies. As favorable measures are gradually implemented, they have felt the central government's determination to support the development of private enterprises, he said.