China is going to further open up nuclear power sector to private investment, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.
Private capital has been introduced to all of the five nuclear power projects approved by State Council in August. As a result, the share of private enterprises in this kind of project has been raised to 10 percent for the first time.
In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Ling Zhongguo, deputy director of the private economy development division under the National Development and Reform Commission, explained this new change and how the opening-up will benefit the non-public sector.
"This year's five newly approved nuclear power projects are mostly invested and constructed by centrally-administered enterprises, while introducing private capital. A total of 10 private companies have participated in these projects, contributing a total of 4.5 billion yuan (about 641.8 million U.S. dollars) as project capital. It is expected to drive an investment of more than 24 billion yuan from private enterprises," Ling said.
He believes that encouraging, supporting and guiding private enterprises to participate in the investment and construction of nuclear power projects will help enhance their scientific and technological innovation capacity, facilitate the development of upstream and downstream industries, and better stimulate the vitality of private investment.
Meanwhile, the collaboration in nuclear power sector between state-owned and private enterprises could be an example for other national programs in introducing private capital.
"Nuclear power is a national strategic field. Its large-scale opening to private enterprises this time fully demonstrates China's determination and will in unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and unswervingly encouraging, supporting, and guiding the development of the non-public sector, as well as firmly supporting the development and growth of the private economy," said Ling.
In the future, the National Development and Reform Commission will continue promoting nuclear power projects by creating conditions for the introduction of private capital, as well as allowing more private firms to get involved.
"We will establish and improve a long-term mechanism for the participation of private capital. On the premise of safe construction and operation of projects, the investment willingness of private enterprises will be fully respected. By adhering to the principle of fairness, openness and justice, we will clarify the selection qualifications and procedures, as well as standardize the profit distribution mechanism, allowing non-public firms to have more and better opportunities to participate in and benefit from the investment in nuclear power projects," Ling noted.
China to further open up nuclear power projects to private investment
Hong Kong and Macao have adorned their streets and landmarks with festive decorations to celebrate the upcoming National Day.
China's National Day falls on Oct 1 and the National Day holiday lasts from Oct 1 to 7.
China's national flag (five-star red flag) and the flag of the Hong Kong SAR are seen in the streets and alleys across Hong Kong, adding a patriotic atmosphere to the National Day celebrations.
Before and after the National Day, Hong Kong will hold hundreds of celebration events. And the colorful firework displays will been held at Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor on the evening of Oct 1.
"On the occasion of the celebration of the 75th anniversary, all sectors in Hong Kong are joyfully and eagerly preparing. With joyful hearts, we are ready to set off the fireworks. Wishing our country to be strong and the people to be prosperous. Wishing Hong Kong to also flourish and prosper," said Pui Kwan Kay, president of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Through 75 years of hard work, the Chinese people have transformed China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity, inspiring people from all walks of life in Hong Kong and Macao. "With the efforts of generation after generation of predecessors, the People's Republic of China has progressed from an impoverished country to the current stage of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Especially since the 18th CPC National Congress, the various significant achievements made by the country have instilled the people across the nation with full confidence," said Edward Leung Hei, member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR.
Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, stressed that Hong Kong has made impressive achievements under One country, Two systems.
"It's enormous and overwhelming development, and I am really impressed how mainland has developed in this time under the One Country, Two Systems. It's a unique opportunity of Hong Kong to integrate economically into the wider Greater Bay Area. Dynamic, competitive and a global outlook," he said.
In Macao Special Administrative Region, national flags and holiday banners can be seen all over the streets.
"As young people from Macao, we are all very excited and proud of the development of our country. The destiny of Macao is always closely linked with that of the motherland. As the country further deepens reform comprehensively with a view to advancing Chinese modernization, Macao will have much to offer and achieve. I wish our great motherland to become even more prosperous, and Macao's development to continue to improve. I hope that we will advance together towards the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," said Jau Wing-hou, vice president of the Macao Youth Federation.
Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, Macao has made significant advances in various fields and achieved prosperity and stability, according to Grace Wong Kit-cheng, member of the Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR and vice president of the Women's General Association of Macao.
"Since its return to the motherland 25 years ago, with the support of the country, the society of Macao has achieved historic accomplishments in various fields including economy and people's livelihood. Residents live and work in peace and contentment. The stage of development is getting bigger and bigger, which fully demonstrates the strong vitality and advantages of One country, Two systems. The motherland has always been the strong supporter for Macao to maintain long-term prosperity and stability. I believe that Macao will also participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, integrate into China's overall development, and gain a greater and broader space for development and development momentum. Only when the motherland is strong can Macao be better," she said. "The country is advancing the great cause of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. We believe this will also bring new development opportunities for Macao. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, and we are full of confidence in the development of the motherland and Macao. We believe that all sectors in Macao will actively integrate into the overall national development and make new contributions to the country's development," said Ip Sio Kai, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, also president of the Macao Association of Banks.
Hong Kong, Macao adorn streets, landmarks with decorations to celebrate National Day
