China on track to reach economic growth goal
China is well poised to achieve its economic growth goal of about 5 percent this year, as the country continues to boost domestic demand, a senior expert said on Tuesday.
The remarks were made during a news conference held in Beijing, which mainly introduced the country's further measures to accelerate the construction of a high-level socialist market economic system.
Xu Hongcai, deputy director of the China Association of Policy Science's Economic Policy Committee, said the Chinese economy will maintain a steady recovery trend in 2024, although its growth rate slowed down in the second quarter.
"We don't need to worry too much about such short-term fluctuation. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the supply chains are gradually recovering and the economic activities are resuming, which both demonstrate strong resilience in our economy," said Xu.
Xu also said insufficient domestic demand remains the major factor that hinders China's economic growth and thereby further efforts should be made to stimulate both investment and consumption.
Currently, the investment in China's manufacturing industry is surging rapidly, especially when it comes to high-end and equipment manufacturing. However, the real estate market is still in the midst of adjustments and has inevitably brought multiple structural problems.
"I think such adjustments will last for a few more years... If China wants to ensure steady economic growth, it must work harder to increase investment targeting infrastructure and real estate," said Xu.
Meanwhile, as the growth of private investment and foreign direct investment is relatively slow, the country needs to optimize its business environment and thereby shore up investors' confidence.
As for boosting consumption, Xu said China should further raise people's income, especially the income of rural residents. Specifically, efforts should be made to improve the income distribution system and support the small, medium and micro enterprises, which could create more jobs.
Besides, the country needs to further tap the potential of consumption in sectors such as elderly care, tourism, sports and entertainment, because society is aging rapidly, and the Chinese people are demanding a higher quality of life, Xu added.