Fellow Deputies,
On behalf of the State Council, I will now report to you on the work of the government for your deliberation and approval and also for comments from members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
I. A Review of Our Work in 2023
2023 was the first year for fully implementing the guiding principles from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It was also this government’s first year to perform its duties in accordance with the law. In the face of an unusually complex international environment and the challenging tasks of advancing reform and development and ensuring stability at home, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core brought together the Chinese people of all ethnic groups and led them in withstanding external pressures and overcoming internal difficulties with dedicated efforts.
We secured a smooth transition in epidemic response following a major, decisive victory in the fight against Covid-19. The main goals and tasks for economic and social development in 2023 were accomplished, and we made steady progress in pursuing high-quality development, maintained overall social stability, and made solid advances in building a modern socialist country in all respects.
—Overall economic recovery and growth were boosted.
China’s gross domestic product (GDP) surpassed 126 trillion yuan, an increase of 5.2 percent, ranking China among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. A total of 12.44 million urban jobs were added, and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent. The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.2 percent. A basic equilibrium was maintained in the balance of payments.
—Significant progress was made in building a modernized industrial system.
Traditional industries saw accelerated transformation and upgrading, strategic emerging industries achieved vigorous growth, and ground work was laid for developing industries of the future. Advanced manufacturing was further integrated with modern services, and a number of world-class innovations were
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