Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, presided over a symposium with experts and entrepreneurs on the economic situation on the afternoon of July 13, soliciting their views and suggestions regarding the current economic landscape and future economic work.
At the symposium, Huang Hanquan, Yang Zhiyong, Wang Wen, Zhang Jun, Hou Qijun, Yu Donglai, Wang Zhijian, Li Jun, and others spoke in turn. The participants observed that, against the backdrop of an intertwined and increasingly turbulent international landscape, my country’s economy remained generally stable in the first half of the year; new growth drivers gained momentum, and the certainty of the country's own development effectively countered the uncertainties of the external environment. While certain risks and challenges persist, the underlying strength for high-quality development continues to grow. The participants also offered suggestions on addressing the contradictions and issues present in economic operations.
After hearing remarks from experts and entrepreneurs, Li Qiang stated that since the beginning of the year, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, regions and departments across the country have earnestly implemented national macro-policies. They have overcome various adverse factors, strived to foster a sustained economic upturn, and focused on driving high-quality development. It is essential to view the current economic situation comprehensively and objectively—fully acknowledging the achievements made while remaining clear-eyed about existing problems. We must conduct in-depth analysis and thoughtful study of new changes and trends in economic performance, skillfully grasping the underlying dynamics to better capitalize on opportunities and mitigate risks. Attention must be paid to understanding the economic situation from a holistic perspective; in particular, we must recognize that my country's economy is shifting comprehensively onto a track of high-quality development, with the fundamental underpinnings for long-term positive growth becoming increasingly solid.
Li Qiang emphasized that successfully carrying out economic work in the second half of the year is crucial for achieving the full-year development goals and ensuring a strong start for the "15th Five-Year Plan." In accordance with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, we must maintain strategic focus on high-quality development, step up counter-cyclical adjustments, fully utilize existing policies, prepare reserve policies for future needs, and effectively consolidate and expand the positive momentum of steady economic improvement. We must adopt systematic measures to unleash the potential of domestic demand, ensure the implementation of policies to expand capacity and improve quality in the service sector, increase the supply of high-quality services, and accelerate the cultivation of new growth drivers in consumption. Efforts should be made to coordinate investment in both physical assets and human capital; this involves advancing the construction of major infrastructure networks, increasing investment in education and training, improving public services such as healthcare, elderly care, and childcare, and expanding domestic demand while improving people's well-being. We must ensure a smooth transition from old to new growth drivers by accelerating the digital and intelligent transformation of the manufacturing sector, promoting the deep integration of advanced manufacturing and modern services, facilitating the large-scale commercial application of new technologies like artificial intelligence, and cultivating more new industries and emerging sectors. We must work diligently to stabilize employment and support enterprises, effectively implement initiatives to stabilize jobs and expand employment capacity, actively create new professions and job opportunities, and ensure overall stability in the employment landscape. Furthermore, we must promptly address the concerns of enterprises, continuously optimize the business environment, leverage reform measures to stimulate market vitality, and support enterprises in achieving better development.
Li Qiang expressed the hope that entrepreneurs would remain confident in their development, deeply tap into opportunities arising from the upgrading of both demand and industries, continue to strengthen the real economy, and make greater contributions to stabilizing employment and fostering development. He also expressed the hope that experts and scholars would leverage their professional strengths, conduct in-depth strategic and forward-looking research, and offer constructive suggestions.
