Ta Kung Pao:
According to published data, China's industrial added value reached 31.31 trillion yuan in 2020. What is the MIIT's analysis and predictions for this year's industrial economy considering the huge uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the external environment? Also, what measures will you take to ensure steady development of industry and information technology?
Xiao Yaqing:
Thank you for your questions. I'd like to invite Mr. Tian Yulong to answer you.
Tian Yulong:
Thank you for your questions. Since the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally taken charge and planned the response. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, we have made major strategic achievements in our response to COVID-19 and socio-economic development, which has become the focus of global attention. The economy has recovered steadily in China and the country has become the only major economy in the world to maintain positive growth. This is obvious to all. Generally speaking, China's economy will maintain its steady and long-term growth, as will its industrial economy going into 2021 under the strong support of the optimized manufacturing system, strong supporting services capacity and huge market potential. However, we still face challenges posed by uncertainties such as the pandemic and the economic situation, as well as other possible risks caused by breaks in the global industrial and supply chains.
In addition, while continuing to implement routine COVID-19 controls, some industries and enterprises are still recovering, and face pressure from operating difficulties. However, I believe they are gradually recovering. In general, China has demonstrated certain advantages in restoring its economy after experiencing severe challenges in the fight against COVID-19: First, we are under the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, and enjoy great strengths from the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. In addition, we have learned valuable experiences from implementing routine COVID-19 controls. Significantly, the proposals for formulating the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee have not only drawn up blueprints for work in 2021, but also outlined plans for the following five or more years, which has provided strategic guidance for development of the industrial economy. In particular, Central Economic Work Conference held in December laid out a specific overall plan on the economy, while the approaching "Two Sessions" meetings will establish the main targets and tasks for socio-economic development in 2021. As the main department in charge of the development of industry and information technology, the MIIT will shoulder its responsibilities, remain confident, work with utmost concentration and overcome difficulties to implement all kinds of work in a down-to-earth manner. The main measures include:
First, strengthening innovations and breakthroughs in fundamental and key areas. Just now, Mr. Xiao mentioned that we would take modernizing the industrial chains and re-establishing the foundations of industries as our main work.
Second, stabilizing and optimizing the industrial and supply chain layout. As an important foundation of China's overall industrial economy and one our advantages, the industrial chain will be further upgraded through strengthening or supplementing.
Third, accelerating the shift to digitalization of manufacturing to promote integrated development. We will pursue innovative growth of industrial internet, map strategic routes of digitalized transformation, promote industrial digitalization and accelerate digital industrial growth.
Fourth, promoting high-quality development of the information communication industry. We have seen that the 5G network has so far achieved admirable progress. In the future it will be further upgraded in an orderly manner, and the deployment of the 6G network will be accelerated so as to foster optimized networks and maintain cyberspace security.
Fifth, expanding our support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We will focus on mitigating the financial difficulties of SMEs and protecting their lawful rights and interests so as to support enterprises of all sizes in pursuing development through collaboration with each other.
Sixth, taking solid measures on reform and opening-up. We will strengthen reforms to streamline administration and delegate power, and optimize the policy environment for the manufacturing industry, while supporting international cooperation between industries.
Seventh, ensuring that routine COVID-19 controls are implemented. The MIIT took up the responsibility of ensuring the availability of anti-epidemic materials. Our focus will transfer from safeguarding the sufficient supply of basic anti-epidemic materials last year, to the production and supply of coronavirus vaccines this year.
Finally, prioritizing the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) with relation to the fields of industry and information technology. We will redouble our efforts to make specific plans in key areas and for key industries to usher in high-quality growth. That is all from me. Thank you.
