The plenary meeting of the Fujian delegation attending the second session of the 13th National People's Congress is open to the media on March 6. [Photo/Fujian Daily]

Fujian's forest coverage ratio surged to 66.8 percent and continued to lead among the country's provinces and regions, according to a national report on forest resources released earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the number of days in 2018 when Fujian's air quality met national standards was 15.8 percent higher than the average across China, official data show.

In the first three quarters of last year 95.1 percent of the water in the region's 12 main rivers reached Grade III or higher, which means it was potable. China grades its water quality from Grade I to V, with V being the lowest.

On top of a great ecological environment, Fujian also abounds in business opportunities generated by its vibrant private economy, according to Tang Dengjie, governor of the province.

Tang said that the private sector is an indispensable force driving local economic development, and added that the province is home to numerous renowned private brands including CATL, Anta, Fuyao and Heng'an.

He cited that private companies in Fujian contributed about 70 percent to the province's local tax revenue last year and created more than 80 percent of job opportunities.

Headquartered in Quanzhou, Fujian, Anta Sports is the world's third-largest sportswear company by market value. The Hong Konglist firm reaped a record profit of 24.1 billion yuan in 2018, up 44.4 percent over the previous year, and marking the fifth straight year of double-digit growth.

"We don't want to be the Chinese Nike, but the world's Anta," said Ding Shizhong, chairman and CEO of Anta. The company sees design and scientific research as keys to improving the brand's value, according to Ding, also an NPC deputy.

Fujian province will take steps to alleviate financing difficulties for private enterprises and further reduce tax burdens to shore up the economy, Tang said.

He added that the province will make full use of emerging technologies like big data to strengthen the construction of an enterprise information system so as to promote support of corporate financing.

According to the Government Work Report, China will cut nearly 2 trillion yuan ($298.4 billion) in taxes and other areas to bolster the economy this year, especially for private and small enterprises. The tax cut plan comes after China slashed about 1.3 trillion yuan in taxes and fees last year.

The provincial governor noted that Fujian's development has broad prospects, expressing the hope that more people will pay a visit to the province and share its business opportunities.