T he COVID-19 pandemic is the fastest spreading, most extensive, and most challenging public health emergency China has encountered since the founding of the People’s Republic. Under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and through the hard work and sacrifice of our entire nation, the Chinese government has made major strategic achievements in our response to COVID-19. At present, the epidemic has not yet come to an end, and the tasks China faces in promoting development are immense. The Chinese government is to redouble its efforts to minimize the losses resulting from the virus and fulfill the main targets and tasks for economic and social development this year.
I. A review of the Chinese government’s work in 2019 and the first few months of 2020
The main targets and tasks for 2019 were accomplished, laying the crucial foundation needed to reach the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
1.1 The economy remained stable overall.
– GDP reached 99.1 trillion yuan, growing by 6.1%.
– 13.52 million new urban jobs were added, and the surveyed unemployment rate was below 5.3%.
– Consumer prices rose by 2.9%.
– A basic equilibrium was maintained in the balance of payments.
1.2 The economic structure continued to improve, and the development priorities of regions became better aligned.
1.3 New growth drivers became stronger.
1.4 Major headway was made in reform and opening up.
1.5 Pivotal progress was achieved in the three critical battles against poverty, pollution, and potential risk.
1.6 Living standards continued to improve.
In COVID-19 control, the Chinese government stayed confident, came together in solidarity, adopted a science-based approach, and took targeted measures, carrying out all our work in a solid and meticulous manner. While continuing to advance epidemic control, the government has also promoted economic and social development. With 90 policy measures in 8 categories, the Chinese government has ensured stable supplies and prices and the resumption of work and production in a timely and effective manner.
II. Main targets for development and the overall plan for the next stage of work
This year, the Chinese government must give priority to stabilizing employment and ensuring living standards, win the battle against poverty, and achieve the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects.
2.1 Main targets
– Over 9 million new urban jobs, a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 6%, and a registered urban unemployment rate of around 5.5%
– A CPI increase of around 3.5%
– More stable and higher-quality imports and exports, and a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments
– Growth in personal income that is basically in step with economic growth
– Elimination of poverty among all rural residents living below the current poverty line and in all poor counties
– Effective prevention and control of major financial risks
– A further drop in energy consumption per unit of GDP and the discharge of major pollutants
– Accomplishment of the 13th Five-Year Plan
The Chinese government has not set a specific target for economic growth this year. This is because our country will face some factors that are difficult to predict in its development, due to the great uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the world economic and trade environment. Not setting a specific target for economic growth will enable everyone to concentrate on ensuring stability on the six fronts and security in the six areas.
Ensuring stable economic performance is of crucial significance. The Chinese government needs to pursue reform and opening up as a means to stabilize employment, ensure people’s well-being, stimulate consumption, energize the market, and achieve stable growth. We need to blaze a new path that enables us to respond effectively to shocks and sustain a positive growth cycle. –CGTN
