In 1999, China issued measures to advance the growth of its less developed western regions, which were later known as the Western Development Strategy. After two decades, these areas have changed dramatically and have said goodbye to poverty, desolation and backwardness.

For example, Chongqing Municipality has become an online celebrity city. Sichuan Province, which was dependent on the export of its labor, now attracts more DIY makers. Guizhou Province, which was known for its rough terrain, has overcome geographical difficulties and developed highways in every county. From 1999 to 2019, the GDP of China's western regions increased from 1.58 trillion yuan ($224.5 billion) to 18.4 trillion yuan ($2.6 trillion).

Valuable lessons have been acquired during this drive.

First, economic growth should be based on environmental protection. Some companies contaminated the environment to seek economic gain in the early years of development. But this short-sighted practice was later curbed and corrected. Now environmental conservation is high on the agenda of local governments.

Second, opening up wider should be valued for further development. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which borders eight countries, tapped into its geographical advantages by building its capital Urumqi into a regional medical center.

Third, western regions should focus on high-quality development. They should also seize the opportunities to achieve industrial upgrading and leapfrog development.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on November 20)