CNBC:
In terms of the economy this year, considering some important challenges, such as last year's consumption situation, some economists hope that consumption will account for a bigger part of China's development and play a larger role. There has also been much analysis into the spread of the pandemic at home and abroad, which has raised some concerns about the Chinese economy. What is your take on these issues? Thank you.
Ning Jizhe:
Facing the spread of the global pandemic, increasing the awareness of risks and concerns is extremely important. Looking around the world, the pandemic has rebounded two or three times in some countries, and uncertainties are growing internationally. The foundation for the recovery of the domestic economy is not yet solid. The overall indicators are picking up steadily and are better than expected, but some structural indicators are not ideal, while various problems cannot be solved in the short term. We must adhere to the general tone for work, which is seeking progress while maintaining stability, continue to promote stable economic recovery, and keep it within a reasonable range. We must look from the aspect of challenges, difficulties and risks, as well as the aspect of opportunities, advantages and hope. The challenges are unprecedented, as are the opportunities. On the whole, the opportunities are still greater than the challenges. Judging from the situation of macro-control and corporate recovery last year, some challenges will be transformed into opportunities once they have been overcome. For example, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic was originally a big challenge. However, due to our insistence on technological innovation and reform and opening-up, various market entities have played their parts, and development of the digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation have become opportunities. Online retail sales, including online education and medical care, have developed well, while the combination of online and offline businesses has created even greater advantages.
The global pandemic is also a big challenge, and especially now we are under huge pressure to prevent imported infections and a domestic resurgence. Due to the pandemics impact, there has been large demand for anti-pandemic products, including face masks, protective suits and home office supplies. We have a complete industrial system and guaranteed international logistics, and are promoting the smooth flow of logistics, so that challenges have become opportunities, and positive trade growth has been achieved. We are satisfied by the data, but more importantly, we are also meeting the needs of people around the world in fighting the pandemic. Saving lives is more important than anything else. This is not only significant for the economy, but also for humanity. We have played a positive role in the world. In China, we insist on putting people and life first, so we must combine economic data with challenges and opportunities in our analysis. Our country is still in a period of strategic opportunities for development. Faced by challenges, we must give full play to our advantages and overcome difficulties to achieve sustained economic recovery, stable operations and healthy development. Thank you.
