Xinhua News Agency:

This has been the third year since the implementation of the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan. During the process of implementing the previous five-year plans, the mid-term assessment was conducted. Can you provide an update about the progress of the mid-term assessment this year? Thank you.

Yang Yinkai:

Thanks for the attention of all sectors of society to the mid-term assessment of the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan. This year is crucial to continuing to implement the 14th Five-Year Plan. The mid-term assessment is of great significance for promoting the smooth implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan. According to the Law on Supervision by the Standing Committees of the People's Congresses at All Levels and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we are working with relevant departments to carry out the mid-term assessment of the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will comprehensively review the progress in implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan, thoroughly analyze the difficulties and challenges, and put forward upcoming targeted policies and measures to further implement the 14th Five-Year Plan.

In terms of the scope of assessment, the mid-term assessment mainly includes three aspects, i.e., the implementation of the outline of the national 14th Five-Year Plan, the implementation of special plans at the national level, and the implementation of local 14th five-year plans. Concerning the implementation of the outline of the national 14th Five-Year Plan, the mid-term assessment is led and placed under the responsibility of the National Development and Reform Commission and supported by other relevant departments performing their respective functions. Departments that have formulated the plans are responsible for the mid-term assessment of the implementation of the special plans at the national level. Concerning the implementation of local 14th five-year plans, the mid-term assessment is led and placed under the responsibility of the local development and reform commissions.

Regarding the key assessment areas, the mid-term assessment focuses on the macro, meso and micro levels. It comprehensively reviews major objectives and indicators, the promoting of high-quality development, major strategic tasks, major projects and changes in the conditions facing development. At the same time, we will step up innovation in the subjects, methods, processes and assessment criteria. We will take practical measures to ensure that the assessment combines self-assessment with third-party assessment and comprehensive assessment with thematic assessment. It adopts objective- and problem-oriented approaches, assesses both process and effect, and combines standard assessment with customized assessment and objective assessment with subjective experience.

Previously, we officially released a notice asking relevant departments of central and state organs and local development and reform commissions to conduct self-assessments simultaneously. At the same time, we will entrust relevant institutions to carry out a series of thematic research and third-party assessments based on actual circumstances. At present, all our work is progressing in an orderly manner.

Next, we will conduct in-depth research and studies, solicit opinions from all parties, and make a comprehensive, accurate and objective assessment of the progress of implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will make every effort to promote the implementation of major objectives and tasks in an orderly manner to get off to a good start in advancing Chinese modernization. Thank you.