High-Quality Implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan | Shanxi Embarks on a New Chapter of High-Quality Development

On November 10, the Shanxi provincial government held the inaugural press conference of its “High-Quality Completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025)” series, showcasing remarkable progress across economic and social sectors. Key indicators—from economic strength and development momentum to urban-rural coordination and ecological improvements—paint a vibrant picture of the province’s transformation.

During this period, Shanxi has steadily advanced its economic transformation, showcasing distinctive features characterized by “one stability, two highs, and three breakthroughs.” The province’s GDP is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 5%, with total economic output surpassing two major thresholds—2 trillion and 2.5 trillion yuan. Notably, the quality and innovation-driven aspects of development have improved in tandem.

Chen Lei, Director General of the Shanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission, stated:“The province’s economic aggregate has successively exceeded 2 trillion and 2.5 trillion yuan. The five-year incremental growth exceeds 750 billion yuan—equivalent to recreating the combined economic scale of Taiyuan and Datong. Per capita GDP has surpassed $10,000 for the first time, and Shanxi’s innovation capacity ranking has reached its highest level since the 12th Five-Year Plan period.”

As a major energy-producing province, Shanxi has long faced the dual challenge of ensuring national energy security while pursuing a green, low-carbon transition. During the 14th Five-Year Plan, Shanxi has resolutely embraced its role as a pioneer in the national energy revolution, steering its energy structure toward sustainability.

Yan Zhongli, Deputy Director General of the Shanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission and Director of the Shanxi Provincial Data Bureau, elaborated:“We are implementing multi-tiered carbon reduction strategies—ranging from industrial production to daily life. The ratio of public EV charging stations to electric vehicles has reached 1:7, meeting the province’s growing demand for new energy vehicles. All newly constructed urban buildings comply with green standards, and Taiyuan has achieved 100% green public transport, with nearly 10,000 taxis fully electrified. Green buildings and low-carbon mobility have become mainstream trends.”

Beyond its energy transition, Shanxi has also made significant strides in the digital economy, which has emerged as a key driver of innovation. The province has holistically advanced its digital transformation across five dimensions: infrastructure development, industrial upgrading, integrated applications, breakthrough projects and pilot demonstrations. These efforts have propelled Shanxi’s computing power into the national forefront.

The private economy, accounting for half of Shanxi’s economic output, has flourished in both scale and quality during the 14th Five-Year Plan. The number of private market entities has surged by over 40% compared to the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan, with more firms entering China’s Top 500 Enterprises list. The private sector plays a pivotal role in job creation, tax revenue, and technological innovation.

Yang Shaoxin, Deputy Director General of the Shanxi Provincial Development and Reform Commission, noted:“As of September 2024, Shanxi is home to 3.96 million private businesses, marking a 43.6% increase from the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. Over 80% of high-tech and specialized innovative enterprises are privately owned.”

Shanxi has prioritized inclusive growth, leveraging reforms to tackle development bottlenecks. Key initiatives—such as SOE restructuring and streamlining governance in small-population counties—have yielded tangible results, injecting new momentum into the economy.Ecologically, the province has firmly upheld the philosophy of “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”. Water quality in Shanxi’s section of the Yellow River has steadily improved. Additionally:Urbanization rates have risen significantly.Urban-rural income gaps have narrowed steadily.The province now boasts stronger economic vitality, a healthier environment, and greater prosperity for its people.

From macroeconomic milestones to breakthroughs in energy and digitalization, and the vibrancy of domestic demand and private enterprise, Shanxi has demonstrated unwavering commitment to high-quality development. These achievements set a solid foundation for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).