Liaoning is a pilot province involved in promoting the circular (recycling) economy. After conducting an investigation into the province’s sustainable development strategy, the China Zhi Gong Dang proposed developing the circular economy to rejuvenate the old industrial bases of the northeast.

It suggests combining the development of the circular economy with the reconstruction of old industrial bases, introducing the circular economic idea to industrial transitions and economic restructuring. Development planning should take into account the volume of resources available, as well as levels of environmental tolerance.

The proposal also calls on cities short of resources to develop energy strategies and recycle waste, strengthen exploration of agricultural cyclical economics, and let industrial and domestic recycling boost economic growth.

The National Development and Reform Commission approved the proposal and worked out eight measures: to enhance the macro-supervision of the circular economy; to quicken the establishment and improvement of relevant laws and regulatory systems; to strengthen structural adjustment based on the circular economy and technical renovation; to set up policies and mechanisms in favor of its development; to speed up its technical development, promotion and application; to quicken its piloting and promotion; to improve the groundwork for its development; and to extensively develop promotion of and education about it.

(China.org.cn March 11, 2005)