Ye Liaoning is a member of the CPPCC Zhejiang committee and chairman of Sunny Optical Technology Group, a leading manufacturer of optical products. He was impressed by Zhejiang's new goal of developing itself into a cradle of "single-item manufacturing champions", as stated in the provincial government report.

"Only at the forefront of an industry can an enterprise have a far-reaching vision and seize upon new business opportunities," Ye said, "these manufacturing champions will help the province form a supply chain for emerging industries in the new era."

Ye Liaoning [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Ying Boping, a member of the CPPCC Zhejiang committee and deputy director of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said that 2020 was the first year of Zhejiang's "Beautiful Towns" campaign. He pointed out that Zhejiang's small towns are eclipsed by villages and cities in terms of their landscape.

At the end of 2020, Zhejiang authorities announced a list of 110 exemplary "Beautiful Towns" across the province.  Meicheng town in the city of Jiande is particularly inspiring to Ying, as it is not only home to well-preserved historic architecture and cultural traditions, but has also developed new industries.

Ying said that the development of a small town must focus on building a strong industrial sector, which will be critical to new-pattern urbanization in the coming years.

Ying Boping [Photo/zjol.com.cn]