Jiangxi sets 10% GDP growth goal for 2014

The GDP of Jiangxi province is expected to increase about 10 percent this year, the provincial government said on Wednesday.

The goal can be met if people from all walks of life in the province make efforts, said Lu Xinshe, the provincial governor, during the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress.

The Jiangxi delegation to the NPC opened to the media on Wednesday

Jiangxi, one of the major agriculture provinces in China, provides about 5 billion kg of rice every year, "so I was happy to hear that Premier Li Keqiang decided to increase agricultural subsidies for major products in his Government Work Report", Lu said.

Also, protecting Jiangxi's environment while developing the economy will be the most important task for the provincial government, he said.

Yan Gangjun, an NPC deputy from the province, echoed the governor, saying subsidies must be provided to residents who make great contributions to the environmental protection of the area, such as those who work as keepers of forests and wetlands.

Many people have passed up opportunities to develop other businesses to protect wetlands and migrant birds, but they can only get 200 yuan ($32.50) as an allowance each month, "which is far from enough and may reduce their will to do such meaningful work", Yan said.

Yan suggested the government raise the subsidy to 400 or 500 yuan and establish a compensating system for these residents.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn