山东省省长周乃翔发表二〇二三年新年贺词

In the past year, we boosted reform and innovation, and pursued advancement. We leveraged reform and innovation, continued deepening reform in key areas, carried out the action of improving the business environment through innovation, and provided digitalized government services. The overall business environment and government services ranked among the top in China, and Shandong has been one of the top ten provinces with the best business environment for three years in a row. The province has been committed to exploring new ground in 10 areas. Approvals were given to Shandong to build Laoshan Laboratory and National Virtual Reality Innovation Center. The number of national-level corporate technology centers reached 193, ranking first in China. The number of small and medium sci-tech enterprises included in the national list exceeded 35,000. Shandong had a talent pool of over 15 million. The province is full of new vitality and innovation momentum.

In the past year, we put people front and center and ensured a happy life for all. We acted on the people-centered development philosophy, worked hard to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concerned people most, made solid progress in improving people“s livelihood, enhanced people’s wellbeing, and promoted common prosperity. Around 80% of the government budget was spent on ensuring standards of living. 20 programs related to people“s wellbeing were implemented. Over 1.15 million new urban jobs and 643,000 public welfare jobs in urban and rural areas were created. Social assistance benefits increased by another 10%. We continued to improve air quality, and the proportion of lakes and rivers graded Class I to III under state control exceeded 80% for the first time. With a beautiful environment, people enjoy a better life.

One cannot appreciate the difficulty except through personal experience. Looking back on the past year, no step was easy, every day of hard work was remarkable, and the achievement should be cherished. The accomplishment was made possible with the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the direction set by General Secretary Xi Jinping for Shandong, the leadership of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, and the dedication of the people across the province. We also owe what we have achieved to the support from friends both at home and abroad and people from various sectors. Here, I would like to extend to you my sincere appreciation.

Looking back at the past drives us to pursue a better future. The year 2023 is the first year for us to implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and build the pilot zone of green, low-carbon and high-quality development. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Shandong will implement the guiding principles of the Congress, carry out the instructions made by General Secretary Xi Jinping on the work of Shandong, act on the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and strive to take the lead and open up new prospects. Through building the pilot zone of green, low-carbon and high-quality development, we will follow across the board the requirements of stronger coordination in six areas, coordinate pandemic response and economic and social development, strike a balance between development and safety, boost market confidence, promote economic stability and progress, improve people“s quality of life, maintain social harmony and stability, and take solid steps in making Shandong“s contribution to Chinese modernization.

Openness and cooperation prevail in today“s world. They are also the distinctive features of China and the pursuit of Shandong. We will bear in mind the expectations of General Secretary Xi Jinping and make full use of such high-level platforms as the pilot zone of green, low-carbon and high-quality development, the China (Shandong) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the demonstration zone for China-SCO local economic and trade cooperation, and the national strategy of Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development of the Yellow River Basin to facilitate connectivity in markets, industries, innovation, and rules, breaking new grounds in promoting international exchanges, sharing opportunities of Shandong with the world, and creating a better future together. We sincerely invite friends from home and abroad to visit Shandong, appreciate the profound cultural heritage of the hometown of Confucius and Mencius, explore the charm of our lush mountains and blue ocean, experience our cultural traits of broad-mindedness, openness and inclusiveness, and vitality, and enjoy the hospitality of Friendly and Remarkable Shandong. With great sincerity, practical measures, and sound services, Shandong will create a good environment for talents and guests from all over the world to undertake innovations, start businesses, make investments, and lead a happy and prosperous life in the province.

As an old Chinese poem goes, “What shall I say of the Great Peak? The ancient dukedoms are green everywhere.“ The land of Qi and Lu States, with its rich culture, is full of vigor and hope. Let“s join hands, with everyone“s insights and hard work, for a vibrant spring and a better Shandong.

I wish you a happy new year, good health and all the best.（来源：中国山东网）