Hunan H1 Progress Highlights

　　Figures

　　The Hunan provincial economy generally remains stable for the first half 2017 (H1), registering a good momentum for growth over last year. Gross domestic product (GDP) in H1 increased 7.6% over last year to more than 1.52 trillion yuan. It was flat for the same period last year. Hunan achieved record high loan balances in Renminbi and foreign currencies to 3.03 trillion yuan, an increase of 13.7% over 2017.

　　Economy and Development

　　The central government approved establishing the Changsha Airport Economic Demonstration Zone. It will be seventh national-level demonstration zone, after Qingdao, Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. It will be another important platform for Changsha’s opening-up and progress.

　　Hunan industry experienced steady and sound growth. Between January and June, provincial industrial enterprises performed above expectations realizing added value growth rate of 7.1%, higher than the national average. A cumulative growth rate over 7% has been maintained for four consecutive months.

　　Transportation

　　Hunan now has 1378 km of high-speed rail built. It has 918 km under construction. High-speed rail is now available in 10 out of 14 provincial cities. From the provincial capital Changsha, all the other cities can be reached in 1 to 2 hours. A high-speed rail traffic circle is taking shape.

　　Poverty Alleviation

　　Target: More than 1.1 million people have escaped from poverty; 2500 poverty-stricken villages shaken off poverty; and more than 10 poor counties eliminated poverty by the end of 2017.

　　Chinese source: hn.people.com.cn