Political advisers (from front) Qiao Hong, Jin Li and Huang Miansong attend a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. [Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]
Jin Li, vice-president of the Southern University of Science and Technology
Driven by its aging population and injecting fresh vitality into the economic landscape, China's silver economy is poised for significant growth with the potential to create 100 million job opportunities by 2050, and tap into a market worth $4 trillion by 2035. Currently, the number of people age 60 and above in China has surpassed 300 million, a figure expected to exceed 400 million by 2035. Aging demographics do not necessarily signal the end of the demographic dividend. In fact, as education levels and healthcare conditions steadily improve, older individuals can still make significant contributions to the workforce and society. The needs of the country's aging population are evolving from mere survival necessities to a focus on personal growth.
Zhao Hong, chief physician at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences' Cancer Hospital
China has achieved remarkable strides in biopharmaceutical innovation in recent years to better safeguard the health of its people. Last year, the nation approved 48 novel drugs and 65 innovative medical devices, along with a number of novel medicines in the pipeline, that are ranked the second highest globally. Similarly, a growing array of domestically developed immune cell therapy drugs have made significant inroads into the global market, and homegrown medical devices such as surgical robots and artificial hearts have been gaining attention. China has transitioned from imitation to innovation in the biopharmaceutical realm and has boosted its prowess, with a promising trajectory ahead.
Zhou Lan, chairwoman of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of Jiusan Society
China has channeled greater resources to renovate old residential areas for people to have modern and convenient living environments. The nation has so far carried out over 66,000 urban renewal projects nationwide with about 250,000 old residential areas in cities being updated or renovated. These urban renewal projects have benefited over 100 million residents. They have not only optimized local residents' living environments, but have also drawn a great deal of new and robust investment to these cities, protecting their cultures and history. It's important to plan urban renewal projects systematically and solicit advice from the public to get to know the real needs of the residents. Highlighting the innovations and artistry of designs is also important as they can add charm to the spaces.
