NPC Vice Chairman on Environmental ProtectionZou Jiahua, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), has called for combining the development and protecting resources and the environment, and adhering to the strategy of sustainable development.This is the key for further and healthy social and economic development in the eastern part of the country, Zou stressed. He made these remarks at a workshop held in Shanghai, east China, May 25-28, by the NPC Environmental and Resources Protection Committee. During his stay, he visited a number development zones, residential blocks and a high school. During his inspection, Zou pointed out that since China launched its reform and opening drive in the late 1970s, especially in the 1990s, the country has achieved remarkable progress in protecting the environment and resources. But in general, China's environmental situation has remained serious, with some eastern areas witnessing further deterioration of the environment, he noted, calling for greater attention to be given to the issue. China should promote urbanization with its own characteristics, featuring coordinated development among large, medium-sized and small cities, centering on the residential environment, Zou said. Urbanization must be carried out according to law and the strategy of sustainable development, he stressed. |
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