2016
Ten Key Points in the 2016 Government Work Report
  ·  2017-03-21  ·   Source:

1. 6.5% is the minimum annual growth target

China must achieve an annual economic growth rate of at least 6.5 percent for the next five years in order to realize its goal of doubling 2010's GDP and per-capita personal income levels by 2020. This level of growth is also a requirement to ensure that China overcomes the middle-income trap. If, during the 13th five year plan, China's economy grows at 6.5 percent or above China will be able to take a historic leap to join the ranks of high-income countries.

2. Promoting structural reform with a streamlined policy approach

In 2015, the Chinese Government rejected a scattergun approach to stimulating the economy while continuing to promote structural reform. In 2016, the beginning of the 13th five year period, the government has underscored the importance of structural reform, especially supply-side structural reform. An improved supply environment will help make supply more robust, efficient and better structured, thus increasing the stability, coordination and sustainability of economic growth.

3. Debut of a "new economy"

The "new economy" is comprised of new industries, technologies and forms of business that have emerged under the Internet Plus strategy. Internet Plus calls for the penetration of the Internet into all industries. This concept has not only unleashed existing productive forces, but also fostered new growth engines. As it seeks to surmount obstacles, China must speed up structural adjustments while exploring new areas of growth. These initiatives will enable the Chinese economy to register long-term, stable growth with higher quality and enhanced efficiency.

4. Poverty alleviation is a difficult task

Poverty reduction has always featured prominently in Premier Li Keqiang's annual government work reports. He also has continued to stress the importance of supervision, inspection and independent evaluation of poverty alleviation programs. Unlike previous campaigns, the current one aims to lift everyone under the poverty line out of poverty without exception. China is giving top priority to poverty alleviation as it strives to accomplish its goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The high political attention China has given to poverty reduction is rarely seen in other countries.

5. Making "Made in China" shine

Premier Li has long been known as an advocate of China's high-speed rail technology, a symbol of the country's manufacturing prowess. But high-speed rail is only part of the story. Chinese manufacturers are also striving to excel in a wider range of sectors including technology, standards, and services.

6. A new round of opening up

The China-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative presents opportunities for both China and the rest of the world. It will deliver shared benefits to countries along the routes as well as those far beyond.

7. "Blue sky, green land and clear water"—beautiful China

Effectively dealing with smog and water pollution has topped many local governments' agendas. A number of state leaders have made research trips to areas severely polluted by heavy industry, such as Hebei Province. This year's Government Work Report envisions a "beautiful China where the sky is blue, the land is green and the water is clear"illustrating the government's determination to take a path that leads to both economic development and improvement of the environment.

8. A law-based, innovative, clean and service-oriented government

The Central Government issued guidelines on building a law-based government at the end of 2015. This put forward the overall plans for the next five years. By reaffirming this goal, the Government Work Report showed that a law-based, innovative, clean and service-oriented government is not only what the government aspires to turn itself into but also where public interest lies.

9. Improving people's lives and addressing their concerns

China will implement a more proactive employment policy and encourage entrepreneurship to create jobs. This policy also aims to realize full insurance coverage for serious diseases in order to reduce more patients' financial burdens. Additionally, it will continue to raise basic pension benefits for retirees. All of these policy statements exemplify the government's concern about people's livelihoods and a commitment to taking concrete measures to accomplish various goals.

10. Practicing major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics

In President Xi Jinping's first overseas trip in early 2016, he visited the Middle East. Later this year, China will also host the G20 Summit in Hangzhou. While China becomes a more active player on the global stage, challenges still abound. It will continue to practice its diplomatic vision when coping with issues such as Sino-Japanese relations, the South China Sea, and North Korea's nuclear program.

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