Guilin's forestry industry set to reach $17 billion by year's end

Guilin's forestry industry is on track to achieve a total output value of 125 billion yuan ($17 billion) by the end of 2024. According to a recent report, the city's forestry economy has shown strong progress this year, with its total output nearing 90 billion yuan as of the beginning of September.

The industry is driven by the city's efforts to become a world-class tourism destination and promote the "forest chief system." Key achievements include the hosting of the 2024 World Forest Products and Wood Products Exhibition, which attracted 126 leading flower and tree enterprises and generated over 10 billion yuan in transactions.

In addition, Guilin has seen significant growth in forest eco-tourism, with the forestry sector's output increasing by 76 percent, largely driven by the recovery of the tourism industry.

The city has also made substantial progress in afforestation, with a seven-percent year-on-year increase in forest coverage as of the beginning of September. The forest industry's expansion includes boosting flower and seedling cultivation, advancing timber production, and enhancing ecological tourism services.

Guilin aims to focus on accelerating afforestation, fostering industrial integration, and enhancing the development of forest tourism, aiming to make forestry a key driver of local economic growth.