A report on Shanxi's achievements and goals during 2016 was released at the seventh session of the 12th Shanxi Provincial People's Congress in Taiyuan on Jan 14.

According to the report, gross regional product in Shanxi increased by some 4.5 percent with total investment in fixed assets up 1 percent. The consumer price index grew by 1.1 percent.

The per capita disposal income of residents in urban and rural areas rose by nearly 6 percent and over 6 percent respectively. More than 464,000 people found employment and 570,000 locals were lifted out of poverty in 2016 thanks to their own efforts and assistance from the government.

As for the transformation of local industries, Shanxi has carried out reforms in its energy industries and developed emerging new industries. Some coal and steel companies were closed, marking reductions of 23.25 million tons and 0.82 million tons of coal and steel production capacity respectively.

An economic transformation and reform demonstration area which integrates eight industrial parks, high-tech parks and university clusters was given approval to be built in Taiyuan.

The province also worked hard on environmental protection during the past year. A comprehensive conservation project on the Fenhe River and its surroundings has been conducted. Also, plantations covering an area of some 2,670 square kilometers were grown.