The world is currently navigating a period of profound uncertainty, a time some visionary thinkers have called "changes unseen in a century." Global challenges seem to multiply daily, leaving many to question: Where are the solutions? I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had a unique opportunity in January 2025—an invitation to participate as a distinguished foreign guest at Hubei Province's local "two sessions."

This experience allowed me to witness firsthand how China is preparing to confront these turbulent times. As a researcher from a developing country, I found the insights from the session particularly valuable—not just for understanding China's approach but for identifying lessons that could help my own country and other developing nations navigate such challenging times. The strategies and policies outlined in the report serve as a potential blueprint for resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth in the face of global uncertainties.

The local two sessions in China are more than just meetings; they reflect the country's collective effort to steer its future amidst global uncertainty. These annual gatherings of local people's congresses and committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) set the tone for local policy, development and innovation. Before the national Two Sessions in Beijing (which usually take place in early March—Ed.), provincial-level governments like Hubei align their objectives and strategies, ensuring that regional growth mirrors the broader national vision.

During my visit, I had the honor of listening to the 2025 Hubei Provincial Government Work Report—a document that encapsulates not only the region's key achievements over the past year but also its forward-thinking strategy for high-quality, sustainable growth. Hubei has emerged as a very important player in driving China's future, emphasizing innovation, infrastructure, market expansion and the creation of high-quality living standards. The report is a testament to China's resilience in an unpredictable world, positioning Hubei as a beacon of how provinces can thrive even in the face of global turbulence.

The bold objectives set forth in the report reveal Hubei's commitment to overcoming adversity and contributing to the country's economic and social advancement, as well as its pivotal role in China's high-quality development strategy. This vision offers us not only a blueprint for sustainable growth but also a message of hope and direction amid the storm of global challenges.

Economic growth and resilience

This year marked the beginning of a critical phase for Hubei. Despite a complex and volatile external environment, the province was able to boost its economic output. Hubei's GDP reached 55.8 trillion yuan ($ 7.7 trillion), a 6-percent growth rate—outpacing both the national average and regional counterparts. Key indicators such as fixed asset investments, retail consumption and public budget revenues all showed encouraging growth, underlining the province's strong recovery trajectory.

What stands out is the province's proactive strategy to counter the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that both short-term recovery and long-term resilience were simultaneously addressed. The government's relentless focus on infrastructure, technological advancements and consumption has not only stabilized but even accelerated Hubei's economic growth.

The report highlights Hubei's ongoing commitment to transforming its industrial landscape, moving from traditional manufacturing to modern, hi-tech sectors. Central to this effort is the "51020" (five major areas of development, 10 key industries to prioritize, 20 industrial clusters or hubs) modern industrial cluster, which has helped to facilitate the emergence of new economic drivers. The province has invested heavily in sectors such as digital technology, automotive manufacturing and healthcare—ensuring that its economy shifts from labor-intensive industries to those that are knowledge-driven and innovative.

Advancing sustainable development

Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of the report is the province's forward-thinking approach to sustainable development. As China continues to embrace the philosophy of ecological civilization, Hubei has placed the protection of its natural resources at the forefront of its agenda. The province has initiated comprehensive river basin management projects, including the improvement of water quality in the Yangtze River, and it has made strides in implementing clean energy solutions, with the share of clean energy generation increasing to 65 percent from 55 percent in 2015.

At the same time, Hubei's commitment to the green economy is evident in its push for circular economy practices and the transformation of industrial parks into green hubs. The province's goal of achieving carbon neutrality has been complemented by its investments in green infrastructure, such as expanding electric vehicle infrastructure and promoting the use of renewable energy.

Hubei's emphasis on balancing economic development with ecological sustainability resonates with the global call for green growth and climate resilience, creating a model for other developing regions, including Bangladesh, to follow.

While economic growth and innovation have been major drivers of Hubei's development, the report also places considerable emphasis on improving the well-being of the province's residents. Hubei has focused on expanding its public service offerings, including healthcare, education, and social welfare, ensuring that all citizens can benefit from the economic advancements being made.

The province has invested in creating more jobs and providing support for a wide array of social welfare programs, including those for the elderly and vulnerable population groups. With initiatives aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving public education, Hubei has ensured that its growth is inclusive and benefits all sections of society.

The report also reflects the province's commitment to improving the living standards of its citizens through affordable housing projects, rural development initiatives and enhanced cultural services. With a focus on "people-centered development," Hubei's policies are designed to ensure that growth is not just economic, but also social and cultural.

Strategic vision for the future

Through its infrastructure investments, digital innovation and international trade networks, Hubei is not just advancing China's internal development but also fostering international collaboration.

Hubei has taken steps in reinforcing its role as a key hub within the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed initiative to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Infrastructure investments have been central to this vision, with the completion of major projects like Asia's largest cargo airport at Huahu, international trade routes, and a high-speed rail network. The province has also become a pivotal player in the growing connectivity between China and Central Asia and Europe.

The rapid development of logistics infrastructure has enhanced the province's international competitiveness, expediting smoother trade flows and deeper integration into global supply chains. Furthermore, the development of strategic transportation corridors, such as the China-Europe freight trains, has improved access to overseas markets, making it a vital link between China's interior and international destinations. This dovetails with Hubei's ambition to contribute to China's broader objectives of fostering global trade connectivity.

Hubei's 2025 two sessions work report demonstrates how a region can overcome challenges, embrace transformation and integrate into the global economy while prioritizing social welfare, environmental sustainability, and high-quality growth. By emphasizing innovation, infrastructure and people-centric development, the province is setting a standard for what can be achieved through forward-thinking policies and decisive action in a tumultuous world.

For other developing countries, navigating their own paths of economic development and international cooperation, the lessons from Hubei's strategies provide valuable insights into how to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability.

The global uncertainties of the 21st century necessitate resilient, adaptable strategies, and Hubei's experience serves as a beacon of how local and national governments can navigate these challenges while ensuring sustainable and inclusive development for all. BR

The author is originally from Bangladesh and currently serves as the executive director of the Cross-Cultural Communication and Belt and Road Initiative Research Center at Wuhan University of Technology

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon

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