China to Boost Outdoor Sports Infrastructure with Private Investment
Beijing, September 18, 2024 – The General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) announced plans to significantly expand outdoor sports infrastructure across the country, leveraging private investment and diverse funding sources. This move aims to cater to the growing popularity of outdoor activitiesand further solidify China’s position as a global sports powerhouse.
Speaking at a press conference on Promoting High-Quality Development, Yang Xue’e,Director of the Sports Economics Department at the GAS, highlighted the importance of strengthening market supply by accelerating the construction of outdoor sports facilities.
The GAS will actively mobilize social forces and coordinate the use of various funding channels, Yang stated. Weencourage private capital investment to drive the development of mountain outdoor camps, aviation flight camps, automobile self-driving sports camps, sports boat docks, and ski resorts.
This strategic initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and accessible outdoor sports landscape. By creating a robust infrastructure network, China aims to attract more participants, boost tourism, and generate economic growth.
The GAS has already taken significant steps to promote outdoor sports in recent years. In 2023, the country witnessed a remarkable 178% increase in sports service trade imports and exports,reflecting the growing popularity and economic potential of the sector.
The government has also invested heavily in public sports facilities, allocating 2.3 billion yuan to support the construction of 17,000 community-based fitness facilities nationwide. These initiatives have made sports more accessible to the general public, fostering a healthier and moreactive lifestyle.
The focus on private investment is a key element of this strategy. By encouraging private capital to enter the market, the GAS aims to accelerate the development of high-quality outdoor sports facilities and services. This approach aligns with the government’s broader economic reform agenda, which emphasizes the role of the private sector indriving growth and innovation.
The GAS’s commitment to promoting outdoor sports is not limited to infrastructure development. The agency is also actively working to create a more favorable policy environment for the sector. This includes developing new policies and measures to promote and guide the growth of the sports economy, including the organization of sporting events and thedevelopment of related industries.
The development of outdoor sports infrastructure is expected to have a significant impact on China’s economy and society. It will create new job opportunities, stimulate tourism, and promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Furthermore, the initiative will contribute to the development of rural areas, as many outdoor sportsfacilities are located in mountainous regions and other scenic areas. This will help to create economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for residents in these areas.
The GAS’s announcement is a clear signal of the government’s commitment to promoting outdoor sports and leveraging private investment to achieve this goal. As China continues to develop its sportsindustry, the expansion of outdoor sports infrastructure is expected to play a vital role in driving growth and creating a more active and vibrant society.
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