Shou Xiaoli:

One last question, please.

Phoenix Satellite Television:

From "small and beautiful" projects including residential buildings, parks and schools to large infrastructure projects such as railways, bridges and airports, the construction capacity of China's construction industry has seen continuous improvements in recent years. While developing rapidly, the construction industry is also faced with the important task of improving quality and effectiveness. What are the considerations for improving and upgrading the construction industry at a faster pace? Thank you.

Ni Hong:

Thanks for your question. I will answer it. The construction industry is an important pillar industry for China's national economy. An industry being considered a pillar industry is dependent on its value added. Among various categories of the national economy, whichever industry accounts for over 5% of the GDP is a pillar industry. Just as I mentioned at the beginning, with a proportion of 7%, and 6.8% last year, the construction industry is an important pillar industry. It is also a traditional industry, closely related to the improvement of people's livelihoods. At the same time, it also plays a fundamental role in supporting the development of other industries. Building factories and facilities all require the development of the construction industry. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have thoroughly implemented the new development philosophy and have deepened the reform of the construction industry. We have made great efforts to implement an innovation-driven development strategy, promoting transformation and upgrading of the construction industry through technological innovation, transitioning China from a large country in construction into a strong country in construction, and helping the "Built by China" brand gain more recognition. Here are some representative highlights. 

First, we have developed important equipment for the country. We have developed a batch of world-class equipment with proprietary intellectual property rights including skyscraper building machines, shield tunneling machines and bridge girder erection machines, which are all very popular among many Belt and Road Initiative partner countries. 

Second, we have built iconic buildings. For example, the world's top engineering projects such as the Beijing Daxing International Airport, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link have all been completed and put into use. Venues such as the National Speed Skating Oval, dubbed the "Ice Ribbon," and the National Ski Jumping Centre, dubbed the "Snow Ruyi," featuring cutting-edge technologies and Chinese style, have presented the scientific and technological strength of "Built by China" projects to the world.

Third, we have gone global. At present, we have built projects in 190 countries around the world and have received these countries' recognition. It can be said that a number of major projects built by Chinese construction enterprises have become landmark projects in these countries.

The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has put forward new requirements that national standards should be elevated to guide the upgrading of traditional industries, and enterprises should also be encouraged to apply digital and new green technologies to transform and upgrade these sectors. This has brought new opportunities for the upgrading and transformation of the construction industry. We will work on the following four aspects.

First, in terms of reform objectives, we will work on establishing a modern system for the construction industry, advance the industrial, digital and green transformation and upgrading of the construction industry, and build high-quality buildings and houses that meet the needs of the times and the people.

Second, in terms of methods and paths, we will leverage science and technology to enhance the quality and performance of the construction industry's development, accelerate the integration of new-generation information technology with the construction industry and vigorously develop new construction methods, such as intelligent construction, green construction, and prefabricated construction. Based on this, we will coordinate all sectors of design, production and construction, drive the coordinated development of the entire upstream and downstream industrial chains, including building materials, construction equipment as well as components and parts, and realize standardized design, industrialized production, prefabricated construction, IT-based management and intelligent maintenance. 

Third, in terms of systems and mechanisms, we will improve the system of construction standards for construction projects and give priority to reforming basic systems related to project supervision, project cost and project completion acceptance. Simultaneously, we will continue to improve the safety supervision system for the construction sector and project quality as well as foster an honest, law-abiding and quality-oriented business environment that upholds fair competition.

Fourth, in terms of personnel training, we will focus on cultivating professional and dedicated personnel. We will launch a training plan for construction talents, and create opportunities and favorable conditions to cultivate leading talents, such as masters of survey and design. At the same time, we will cultivate young talents and enable aspiring young men to show their skills in the high-quality development of the construction industry so that they can stand out. We will call for the pursuit of superior workmanship and cultivate modern construction industry workers. Skill competitions will be organized to select the most skilled workers. We will adopt multiple measures to cultivate national-level craftsmen and skilled artisans. We have confidence in making "Built by China" projects gain the same worldwide reputation as "Made in China" products. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thanks to Mr. Ni, all the other speakers and our friends from the media for participating. That's all for today's briefing. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Xu Xiaoxuan, Huang Shan, Liu Sitong, Wang Yanfang, Liu Caiyi, Liao Jiaxin, Zhou Jing, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, Lin Liyao, Liu Jianing, Wang Wei, Yang Chuanli, Yuan Fang, Yan Bin, Xu Kailin, David Ball, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.