Chongqing- Over three decades ago, the Three Gorges Project, the world's largest water conservancy initiative, began and quickly garnered global attention. It has grown substantially thanks to the national counterpart support for the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.

The 14th National Support to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area Economic and Trade Fair began at the Wanzhou District of Chongqing Municipality on October 19. It is to celebrate and summarize 30 years of national experience supporting the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, as announced in a press release on October 16. 

This event aims to deepen collaboration between regional and counterpart provinces, thereby promoting the high-quality development of the reservoir area.

Dedicated support from counterpart provinces and cities

The Three Gorges Project holds immense strategic importance for China's modernization journey, with its vast potential for flood control, power generation, shipping, and water supply. The project's vast scope allows the relocation of 1.31 million residents from the reservoir area to new settlements. 

China rallied for support for the Three Gorges Reservoir Area in 1992. National ministries, 16 provincial governments, and seven major cities joined Chongqing's Three Gorges Reservoir Area, ensuring its ongoing support and resources. 

Every year, the counterpart provinces and cities set aside non-repayable funds in their budgets to ensure consistent and gradual financial support. Over the last 30 years, these towns and provinces have backed the relocation efforts and socio-economic progress in various ways, including financial aid, infrastructure projects, technical collaborations, market expansion, and personnel training. 

As of 2022, a total of 179.4 billion yuan (about 24.9 billion U.S. dollars) has been introduced to the reservoir area in Chongqing, along with 5.9 billion yuan of free aid, leading to more than 1,800 industrial cooperation projects. As a result, the infrastructure in the area has seen substantial upgrades, and its public services have been notably enhanced.

Promoting new development of eco-industry and regional cooperation

For instance, highlighted projects include several provinces participating in ecological restoration and pollution management projects. Provinces like Jilin, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu have further introduced technological advancements to enhance agricultural techniques and promote eco-friendly industrialization.

Cities like Shanghai and Ningbo have allocated funds to construct scenic villages, uplifting the local livelihood and promoting rural tourism. 

Also, provinces such as Guangdong, Liaoning, and Shandong support reservoir areas' branding by utilizing television, media, live streaming, and exhibitions. The joint efforts gained national recognition for Three Gorges specialties, notably the renowned Fengjie Navel Orange and Wushan Crispy Plum.

Numerous esteemed companies like Huafon Group, a private shareholding enterprise that specializes in chemical new material industries, and Wankai, a top supplier of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) bottle-grade chips in China, have set up in the reservoir area, to foster industrial structure and economic growth model shifts. This influx of businesses breathes fresh life into the reservoir region's development.

The contributions from counterpart regions to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area mark an era of collaboration and growth. The development of public utilities has seen substantial support from provinces and cities alike, addressing infrastructure needs, healthcare, and education.

The 14th National Support to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area Economic and Trade Fair also hosts six main events, including the National Support to the Three Gorges Reservoir Area Symposium, the 2023 Concert of World Great River, and the Three Gorges Food Culture Festival and Wanzhou Grilled Fish Festival. 

Also, a series of sub-events will be organized, including the China Chongqing Three Gorges (Wushan) International Red Leaf Festival and the Three Gorges Citrus International Fair.