Reuters:
2020 is a very important year for competing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Do you have confidence that China can achieve the goal of doubling GDP and the per capita income of urban and rural residents compared with those of 2010?
Liu Aihua:
Thank you for your question. You are very concerned about the realization of the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year.
First, let me talk about the understanding of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Since the start of reform and opening up, our understanding of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been continuously enriched. Already, the supply of adequate food and clothing has been guaranteed for the people. On this basis, the report to the 19th CPC National Congress pointed out that by the time the CPC celebrates its centenary, we will have developed our society into a moderately prosperous one with a stronger economy, greater democracy, more advanced science and education, thriving culture, greater social harmony, and a better quality of life. Therefore, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is an intact, systematic and comprehensive set of targets.
Second, the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is consistent with the goals and tasks of the Five-Year Plans. The 13th Five-Year Plan also includes the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. This year is the final year of the 13th Five-Year Plan. Judging from the current indicators, after much hard work, most of the quantitative indicators set in the 13th Five-Year Plan will be exceeded or fully completed. For example, the task of doubling GDP and the per capita income is currently close to completion.
Third, this year's Government Work Report pointed out that winning the battle against poverty is a sign of achieving the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. After years of hard work, by the end of 2019, the country's rural poor population was 5.51 million, and the poverty headcount ratio fell to 0.6%. Alleviating poverty among these people is the hardest nut to crack. The sudden COVID-19 outbreak this year has also caused certain difficulties and challenges for farmers' income, farmers' out-of-town work as well as the sale of agricultural products in poor areas. Therefore, we must adhere to the current goals and standards in accordance with the established deployment, and take effective measures to resolutely win the battle against poverty.
Generally speaking, the decisive foundation for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects has been laid. As long as the deployment and policy measures set in the Government Work Report are implemented, the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects will surely be achieved on schedule.
