Speaker:
Shen Ying, chief accountant of State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council

Chairperson:
Xi Yanchun, the vice director-general of the Press Bureau, State Council Information Office

Date:
July 11, 2017

Xi Yanchun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this press conference. The development of state-owned enterprises managed by the central government has drawn great public attention. Today, we are delighted to invite Ms. Shen Ying, chief accountant of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, to introduce details of the performance of central SOEs in the first half of this year. She will also answer some of your questions.

Now, let's welcome Ms. Shen to give her briefing.

Shen Ying:

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome to the press conference. First, please allow me to extend my appreciation to you for your attention and support of the central SOEs and their reforms. Before answering your questions, I'd like to make a brief introduction of their performance in the first half of this year.

During the first half of this year, the central SOEs achieved stable performance and were able to move in a positive direction. Their revenues and profits both hit record highs. Their operational quality improved in an all-round way. Their structure also continued to show an improvement. New growth drivers have developed at a quicker pace. More contributions were made to society. Generally speaking, their performance showed the following features.

First, they maintained stable prduction and operation with good growth momentum,and those involved in key sectors saw stable production and salesin particular.

Facing a complex and fast-changing market, the central SOEs took proactive actions and enhanced their production management. Compared with the first half of last year, the production and sales of refined products in the petroleum and petrochemical sectors grew 0.8 percent and 2.1 percent respectively; the production of electricity by central SOEs in the power sector grew 4.4 percent; those in the grid sector saw their sales grow 6.7 percent; the production of raw coal and the sales of merchandized coal grew 9.1 percent and 16.6 percent; the total turnover of central SOEs in the air and water transportation sectors grew 9.9 percent and 5.3 percent respectively.

Second, central SOEs saw accelerated growth in terms of scale and profits, with monthly profits hitting a new high.

Compared with the first half of last year, revenues grew 16.8 percent to 12.5 trillion yuan this time round. The central SOEs enjoyed double-digit revenue growth for five straight months. Their total profits and net profits were 721.8 billion yuan and 535.32 billion yuan, respectively 15.8 percent and 18.6 percent higher year-on-year. Double-digit growth was also been seen every month this year. In particular, profits in June reached 159.67 billion yuan, a record high.

Of the 102 central SOEs, 99 enterprises made profits, 48 enterprises saw profit growth higher than 10 percent, and 29 profit growth higher than 20 percent.

Third, central SOEs were able to streamline their structure, focus more on quality and efficiency, and improve their performance in an all-round way. Since the beginning of this year, the SASAC and central SOEs took 58 measures to improve performance.

A special action was taken to control costs and enhance profits, a decisive issue in operations. In the first half of this year, the growth of revenues outpaced growth in costs. When comparing the second quarter with the first, costs fell 2.4 percentage points. Comparing on a year-by-year basis, , costs for every 100-yuan of revenue dropped 0.1 yuan.

Great efforts were made in structural streamlining and reducing the number of enterprises with legal person status. By the end of June, the number of central SOEs with legal person status dropped 11 percent compared with last year. Of all the streamlined enterprises, 87 percent reduced their management levels to three, four or five levels at most.

Enterprises were urged to clear up receivables and cut inventories. In the first half of this year, the growth of receivables and inventories was 10.5 percentage points lower than revenue growth. Assets turnover was thus improved.

Fourth, deepening supply-side structural reform and constantly enhancing the impetus for further development. SASAC and central SOEs have been adhering to the main line of deepening supply-side structural reform, accelerating structural adjustment, transformation and upgrading, and continuously boosting core competitiveness and sustainable development capacity. Firstly, earnestly implement the task of cutting overcapacity. In the first half of this year, 5.95 million metric tons of steel overcapacity has been removed, which means the target for the whole year has been accomplished already. In the coal industry, 6.59 million metric tons of coal overcapacity has been cut, and 13 million metric tons of production capacity reorganized. Secondly, redouble efforts to deal with the so-called "zombie enterprises and enterprises facing operational difficulties." Specific policies and working programs for individual enterprises have been worked out to deal with those "zombie enterprises" [virtually existing in name only] and subsidiaries facing operational difficulties, aiming to achieve tangible results. Thirdly, address issues left over by history at a faster pace. Over 50 percent of the work has been completed by central SOEs to spin off and transfer their obligations of "supplying water, electricity, heat (gas) and managing realty." Pilot programs in independent industrial and mining areas burdened with social responsibilities have been carried out smoothly. Fourthly, strengthen investment in strategic new industries. The investment has gone mainly to strategic new industries, advanced manufacturing, modern service industry, infrastructure and areas related to people's livelihood. Among these, the portion of investment going to new energy, machinery manufacturing, scientific research and modern service industry has increased by 4.4 percentage points. More than 500 platforms for mass entrepreneurship and innovation have been set up, 200-plus incubators for mass entrepreneurship and innovation and scientific industrial parks have been established and over 200 funds are now operational. All these aspects have laid a good foundation for future development.

Fifth, steady growth has been achieved in regard to tax contributions, with fees cut and part of the profits surrendered to lower costs for the whole society. In the first half of this year, central SOEs cumulatively handed over 1.1 trillion yuan of taxes and fees, with a year-on-year increase of 5.3 percent, which is 2.1 percentage points higher than the previous year. This has made a positive contribution to fiscal revenue growth. The taxes and fees handed over by central SOEs in industries like petroleum and petrochemicals, coal, commerce and trade increased by over 10 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, related central SOEs have actively fulfilled their social responsibilities, and strictly implemented relative national policies. As many as 74.71 billion yuan of fees have been reduced for the benefit of the whole society. Among them, telecommunications enterprises surrendered 11.78 billion yuan of profits by further "raising the speed and lowering fees," power enterprises contributed 17 billion yuan through the policy of cutting the price of electricity, petroleum and petrochemical enterprises provided 41 billion yuan by cutting the price of gas for non-residential purposes, and coal enterprises provided 4.93 billion yuan by applying a long-term contract price.

In the future, SASAC and central SOEs will closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, and further implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council. With a strong understanding of the new development philosophy, we will focus on deepening supply-side structural reform and promote the work of maintaining stable growth, making structural adjustments, promoting reform, reinforcing Party building, improving management, and guarding against risks, etc. We will consolidate the hard-earned operational achievements and endeavor to maintain stable performance with good momentum for growth. We will definitely meet the goals set for the whole year to make greater contributions to the steady and healthy growth of the national economy, and present the 19th National Party Congress with outstanding achievements.

Thank you!

Xi Yanchun:

Thank you for your introduction, Ms. Shen Ying. Now, we move on to the question session. As always, please identify your media outlet before raising questions.

CCTV:

We have noticed that the performance of SOEs has improved greatly in the last half of year, and the monthly profit even set a new historic record. Can you please explain what elements prompted the SOEs' big growth?

Shen Ying:

Thank you for your question. The SOEs have indeed maintained a stable and positive development trend. Their layout has been optimized through deep reform, their development dynamic has grown due to innovation, while the quality and benefits have improved through transformation and upgrading. Thus, the monthly benefit was able to reach an historic high. At the same time, we analyzed the benefits and profits structure, and felt that the growth of benefit was seeing clear improvement in terms of cooperation and stability, which was mainly reflected in the following areas. First, the main profit centers made a greater contribution. A SOE usually has various sources of profit, but the main profit is the core and represents stability. In the past half year, the main profit of the SOEs increased by 4.8 percent as a component in overall profitability. Second, we feel there has been a boost in synergy due to the improved dynamic from traditional industries as well as new areas of dynamism. The traditional petroleum and petrochemical, steel and coal industries have achieved a large rebound in terms of their benefits, which helped lay the foundations for benefit growth; meanwhile some equipment and advanced manufacturing industries, as well as elements of the modern service industry, all continued to achieve better growth. Third, the scale and benefit both saw significant growth. In the half year, the scale increase rate reached 16.8 percent, the year-on-year profit growth rate was 15.8 percent. We like to stress that the development quality of an enterprise doesn't just rely on expansion. If you expand in scale, but the benefit doesn't grow at the same time, it shows operational efficiency is limited. From current indicators, the matching rate is quite good in historical terms.

Meanwhile, the growth rates of profit, net profit, and profit solely accruing to the parent company have also basically kept pace. Profits grew by 15.8 percent, net profit 18.6 percent, while the profit accruing to the parent company grew 14.7 percent. The three figures indicate the foundations have been laid for enhanced growth for various subsidiary companies inside corporate groups.

There's another thing worth noting: the benefit growth should mostly be attributed to the release of potential production capacity. Through reform, readjustment, transformation and upgrading, certain dynamics and potentials were released, sustaining benefit growth, if you look at the sources of benefit increase for the past half year.

If you want to know why, we have concluded there are three reasons. First, China's macro-economic situation is becoming better, while maintaining stability. As you know, in the past half year, the macro-economic situation was very positive and stable; in particular, the PMI has now stayed above the threshold for 11 straight months. This indicates that the market situation is becoming better. The macro-indexes, including economic growth, employment, price of commodities, international balance of payments, etc., were all better than expected. China has adopted precise and efficient macro-control measures since the beginning of the year, including fiscal and monetary policies, that have greatly sustained the real economy. This is particularly true in regard to the reforms for streamlining administration, delegating more powers to lower-level governments and society, improving regulation and optimizing services. This created a good environment for business and cut the fees and pressures on them, creating good circumstances for the real economy's further development. Besides, the implementation of China's big strategies, including the integration of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province, the Yangtze River Economic Zone, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, provide great space for enterprise development. The macro-situation has laid a good foundation for SOEs to achieve rapid growth in revenues and profits.

Secondly, the better performance is also a result of central SOEs deepening the supply-side reform. These enterprises expanded economic benefits in the first half of this year after having well implemented the strategies charted by the Central Committee of CPC and the State Council, especially the supply-side reform, which have improved their structure, transformed and upgraded them, and fostered new growth drivers. We're increasingly aware that the supply-side reform is an essential therapy applied to unravel the structural conundrums of economic development while sustaining long-term growth.

We are determined to advance the supply-side reform of central SOEs and cut overcapacity in iron and steel as well as coal by addressing the problem of zombie enterprises first so as to balance supply and demand from a macro-economic viewpoint. All the above are designed to ensure stringent actions based on strong resolution. At the same time, we have encouraged the central SOEs to reorganize and different industries to cooperate to achieve synergy.

Thirdly, the achievements can also be attributed to the central SOEs' relentless efforts to improve themselves and expand economic benefits. Since last year, SASAC has led a program for the central SOEs involved to improve themselves and expand economic benefits, requiring them to pay high attention to stabilizing growth so as to support the national economy. The central SOEs have acted as required, exploring new markets, cutting costs, increasing economic benefits and pursuing industrial coordination in a bid to stabilize growth.

That is why they were able to secure a good performance in the first half this year.

Phoenix TV:

You mentioned just now the reorganization of central SOEs. What do you think is the biggest challenge in advancing the reform? Will the number of corporate reorganizations peak in the second half of this year?

Shen Ying:

SASAC has paid close attention to inter-enterprise reorganization and integration regard to the central SOEs since its establishment. Under current circumstances, reorganization and integration is not only an important initiative to adapt to and guide the economic "new normal", but also a normal operational move by enterprises in a market economy. In pursuing reorganization, we focus on whether we can achieve the desired results. In recent years, the central SOEs mainly adopted the following three approaches for their mergers and reorganization.

The first approach is reorganizing two equally-sized big enterprises in the same industry. Such merger and reorganization is intended to reduce overlapping investment and construction and lower operational costs. Cases in point are the merger of COSCO and China Shipping, Wusteel and Baosteel, and CNR and CSR.

The merger of COSCO and China Shipping to become China COSCO Shipping has produced obvious positive results. The new entity reported a profit of over 10 billion yuan in the first six months of this year, representing a significant rise from the before-merger figures. The merger of Baosteel and Wusteel into Baowu Steel has also been successful as the two are now synergizing their industrial strength and the supply of 180 types of products and services on their respective business portfolios. Such synergy will help avoid repetitive industrial investment, which is usually a common issue. In the first half of this year, Baowu Steel reported a profit of 8.7 billion yuan, wiping out losses from the same period of last year.

The second approach is incorporating one enterprise into another, as exemplified by the incorporation of Sinotrans & CSC Holdings into China Merchants Group. The two overlapped in part of their shipping business, and their deal has increased their shipping capacity, optimized their industrial layout and therefore brought greater benefits.

The third approach is reorganizing upstream and downstream enterprises to form an industrial chain to improve the industrial layout and jointly resist the risk of market fluctuations. One instance is the reorganization of two enterprises in supply of raw materials and processing respectively. Generally speaking, the positive effects of reorganization are gradually showing up, and are expected to be greater in the future.

As for the challenges emerging in the process, I take integration of corporate cultures as one of the biggest. Such cultural integration is an important guarantee for the alignment of corporate strategies.

Another big challenge is how to deal with the problems caused by the inevitable stripping of low-end businesses by the involved companies as they seek higher-end business. Such problems include the resettling of sidelined employees, disposal of assets and debt restructuring.

For example, Baowu Steel has to take care of the large number of sidelined employees in the process of stripping out some low-end productivity. Last year, Wuhan Iron and Steel carried out meticulous work to ensure the resettling of more than 30,000 employees as it cut overcapacity. Such work determines to a large extent the effects of the reorganization.

Therefore, reorganization of central SOEs in recent years is not simply a merger, but is more about the post-merger integration. Generally speaking, the process is smooth and achieves the desired results. Thank you!

CRI:

The Chinese economy is undergoing a shift in regard to its growth drivers. Can you introduce the measures the central SOEs have taken to develop new drivers of growth? And what achievements have they made so far? Thank you.

Shen Ying:

Thanks for your questions. The sustainable and healthy development of central SOEs depends on the cultivation of new growth drivers. We must change our developmental concepts and facilitate advancement through technological innovation. In recent years, SASAC has made some achievements in this regard, which can be summarized in the following aspects:

First, we've strengthened top-layer design and improved the innovation mechanism. In January, we issued the SASAC Work Measures to Facilitate Technological Innovation in Central SOEs, which includes a full set of policies and measures addressing key links in promoting innovation, such as creating a favorable environment and other means to stimulate initiative. In March, a leading group for technological innovation work in the central SOEs was established to coordinate relevant work, such as discussing innovation strategies, major policies, tasks and assignments.

Second, we have pushed forward the drive to strengthen the innovation capacity of the central SOEs. We have organized and supported those enterprises to comprehensively participate in major technological tasks, and encouraged them to increase investments in research and development. Up to now, there are 808,000 R&D personnel working in the central SOEs, involved in 3,063 R&D institutes and 635 national-level R&D platforms.

Third, we have promoted the integration of technology and capital. On May 16, a 150 billion-yuan fund was launched by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Now, a preliminary framework for innovation funds has emerged, with more than 200 equity investment funds playing active roles.

Fourth, we have established high-level platforms for mass entrepreneurship and innovation. Up to now, a total of 518 such platforms have been set up by the central SOEs, including internet platforms, business incubators, and various other activities and funds to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. The platforms substantially promote SOE restructuring and upgrading, promoting innovation both internally and society-wide.

Fifth, we have formulated mechanisms to stimulate innovation. In order to motivate the researchers to overcome difficulties and produce technological innovations, SASAC has explored and put into effect some measures regarding performance evaluation and salary distribution, such as the mid- to long-term incentives empowering state-owned technology enterprises to reward employees through equity share-outs and dividends.

Such incentives have produced remarkable outcomes. This year, the Chinese-made C919 airliner made a successful maiden flight. The first domestically-built aircraft carrier, jointly developed by the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), was launched. The underground tunnel section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was completed. All these projects featured significant progress in technological innovation.

Meanwhile, a large number of advanced manufacturers and hi-tech sectors have significantly driven SOE profit growth. For example, the heavy equipment manufacturing sector in the half-year saw an investment increase of 12.9% year-on-year, with orders up 46%. Other sectors, such as medicine, military and electronic manufacturing, all have shown good momentum.

Wall Street Journal:

Hello Ms. Shen, you just mentioned that, since last year, SASAC has been attaching great importance to the role of the reform plan of making central SOEs "leaner and healthier for better performance." My question is, in the actual operation of the process, are there any contradictions and conflicts between the goals for steady growth and deleveraging?

Shen Ying:

Thank you for your question. The reform plan of making central SOEs "leaner and healthier" is an important measure in deepening supply-side structural reform. It is an effective way to improve the quality and efficiency of the central SOEs. At the beginning of the year, SASAC proposed 58 specific measures covering eight aspects in the 2017 plan of "leaner and healthier for better performance." The purpose was to tap potential and improve resource allocation efficiency. We have been earnestly implementing the program for cutting overcapacity, destocking and deleveraging, while in particular increasing productivity, focusing on risk control and improving quality and efficiency.

For example, concrete measures have been taken in "condensing the managerial tiers and cutting legal person units of enterprises." SASAC has carried out the campaign of "Reducing the Management Levels in Central SOEs" since May 2016, requiring a cut of central SOEs' subsidiary legal entities by about 20 percent and a reduction of management levels to within four tiers over a period of three years. Over the past year, SASAC, together with the central SOEs, vigorously promoted the implementation of [this program], and has made significant progress. As of the end of June 2017, 5,997 central SOEs' legal person units had been cut, producing labor cost savings totaling 26.8 billion yuan and management cost reductions of 10.2 billion yuan.

Another example is dealing with the historical problems of SOEs under the central government and transferring their obligations of "supplying water, electricity, heat (gas) and real estate property management." Currently, things are going smoothly with those SOEs in spinning off their social functions and solving problems left over from history. By the end of June 2017, over 50 percent of the work had been completed by those SOEs under the central government to spin off and transfer their obligations of "supplying water, electricity, heat (gas) and real estate property management" in their residential communities. Pilot programs for social management of SOE retirees have been carried out in five cities, namely Shanghai, Chongqing, Dalian, Jixi and Changsha. All are now on course to scale up by the end of the year based on the cities' practice and experiences. The transferring of SOEs' social responsibilities in regard to community management, fire control, healthcare and education is also going ahead smoothly. As we are now halfway towards the deadline, half of the work has been completed. I believe we are bound to complete our program to make SOEs under the central government leaner and healthier while improving their performance and efficiency.

SASAC attaches great importance to risk prevention of central SOEs as an important basis for stable growth. It has implemented control on both debt ratios and debt scale for some enterprises with high debt. The administrative efforts have been strengthened through the management of budget, personnel assessment, remuneration and investment.

21st Century Business Herald:

Central SOEs' profits have enjoyed rapid growth in the first half of 2017. As a matter of fact, their profits have registered stable growth for over eight consecutive months since last year. Does SASAC take this momentum as a sign that China's economy has achieved its L-shaped recovery? If so, will management policies for central SOEs be changed? In addition, out of the 102 central SOEs, a total of 99 gained profits, while the other three suffered losses. Did their losses become increasingly heavy? If so, can the losses be reduced via M&A, or will the three file for bankruptcy? Thank you.

Shen Ying:

Despite different opinions about China's general economic trend, we can be assured that the momentum of making progress while maintaining stability will be consolidated. The central SOEs, as stabilizers of the economy, can help strengthen the momentum by deepening reform and improving management. Opinions differ about China's growth trajectory: some say it is L-shaped, while others hold that it is U-shaped or V-shaped. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core has declared that China's economy is stepping into new normal, developing major economic policies including supply-side structural reform. It shows that we have found the measures that can achieve sound and sustained economic development. As long as we intensify our efforts to implement those measures and make steady progress to solve problems, we believe that the good momentum for growth will be consolidated.

As you have mentioned, we have a total of 99 SOEs under central government that made profits, while there were three who recorded minor loss. There is a mixture of being in an initial investment period, or of suffering temporary losses. At a time when Chinese economy is showing positive signals, SASAC will continue to focus on building world-class enterprises, and push forward supply-side structural reform, especially on structural adjustment, transformation and upgrading, in order to enhance core competitiveness. Meanwhile, according to the needs for marketization and globalization, the building of a modern enterprise system will be speeded up, especially in regard to corporate governance. Through the reform and optimization of the system, enterprises will be given fresh impetus and possess the ability for sustainable development, making more contributions for national economy to maintain a sustained, rapid and sound development.

Xi Yanchun:

As for China's general economic trend, there will be a series of press conferences in July by different departments from multiple aspects. Please look out for our further notices. Thanks for the introduction by Shen Ying, and thank you all. This is the end of the press conference. If there are any other questions, reporters could contact the Press Office of SASAC. Thanks.

Speakers:
Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of National Development and Reform Commission

Xin Guobin, vice minister of Industry and Information Technology

Chairperson:
Xi Yanchun, vice director-general of the Press Bureau, State Council Information Office

Date:
May 12, 2017

Chairperson Xi Yanchun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the press conference of the State Council Information Office. Today's conference will again be about the Belt and Road Initiative.

We are delighted to invite Mr. Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of National Development and Reform Commission, and Mr. Xin Guobin, vice minister of Industry and Information Technology, to introduce developments in production capacity cooperation between countries and regions along the Belt and Road. They will also answer some of your questions.

Now, let's welcome Mr. Ning to give his briefing.

Ning Jizhe:

Good morning, friends from the media. It’s a pleasure to meet you ahead of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Today, we will talk about the production capacity cooperation between countries and regions along the Belt and Road.

As proposed by President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative has opened a new chapter for coordinated development of China’s coastal and inland areas, and for the country’s opening up both eastward and westward. It has also charted a new course for different countries to achieve win-win cooperation and peaceful development, and to build a community of a shared future. The initiative has made significant achievements thanks to the enthusiastic response and active participation of all sides.

International production capacity cooperation is a major approach to jointly build the Belt and Road. With this approach, China can use its overall advantages in equipment development, technologies and funds, as well as its comparative advantages in a wide range of fields, to meet the demands for supply and growth of countries along the route, thus promoting common development of the real economy and infrastructure, and achieving complementarity, cooperation for mutual benefit and common development.

China adheres to the Initiative’s principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to promote green, orderly, open and balanced development of all countries, with industrial enterprises being major players. Fruitful results in production capacity cooperation have been achieved in the following four aspects.

First, an extensive cooperation mechanism has been established. Regarding bilateral cooperation, China has signed production capacity cooperation deals with more than 30 countries along the Belt and Road, such as Kazakhstan and Malaysia. It has also increased cohesion in development plans and projects with other countries, and promoted enterprise cooperation. Regarding multilateral cooperation, China actively participates in and promotes regional and sub-regional cooperation. A series of important documents, including the Joint Statement between ASEAN and China on Production Capacity Cooperation and the Joint Statement on Production Capacity Cooperation among the Lancang/Mekong Countries, have been issued. Plans have also been developed to promote production capacity cooperation in important fields and projects with other countries and to speed up the building of a cooperative framework aiming at achieving win-win situation through open and inclusive approaches.

Second, a number of major projects have been launched. China’s first overseas contracts in regard to high-speed railways and nuclear power have been signed with countries along the Belt and Road. A deal on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway has been secured, with construction starting soon. Construction of unit No.2 of Pakistan’s Karachi nuclear power plant has begun. In various countries, steady progress has been made regarding their programs in the steel, nonferrous metal, construction materials sectors, as well as other fields that all have a great need for Chinese equipment and technology.

From 2013 to 2016, direct investments made by Chinese enterprises in those countries have surpassed US$60 billion. By the end of 2016, Chinese enterprises had established 56 business cooperation zones in those countries, attracting over 1,000 companies. They have generated total output valued at over US$50 billion, total tax revenues of over US$1.1 billion and more than 180,000 new jobs for the host countries. In the first quarter this year, Chinese enterprises have signed nearly 1,000 project contracts in those countries valued at US$14.4 billion, 4.7 percent up year-on-year and accounting for nearly half of the total value of contracts signed in Q1.

While countries along the Belt and Road have become major destinations for Chinese investments and major markets for Chinese infrastructure, equipment, technologies, services and brands, Chinese enterprises have made concrete contributions to those countries by improving their infrastructure, upgrading their productivity, accelerating their industrial development, enhancing employment and improving people’s livelihood.

Third, the support system has been enhanced. To provide strong support to enterprises engaging in production capacity cooperation, we are giving full play to policy-based, development-oriented and commercial financial institutions. We have established cooperation funds and other financial platforms, and encouraged financial institutions to launch various programs to promote cooperation in this regard. By the end of 2016, the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China had issued loans totaling over US$110 billion in countries along the Belt and Road; the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation had provided insurance worth US$320 billion for export and investment programs; nine Chinese banks have established 62 primary affiliates in 26 countries. So far, China has signed currency swap agreements worth over 900 billion yuan with 22 countries in a bid to integrate production capacity cooperation with the yuan’s internationalization.

Fourth, the investment environment has been gradually improved. China has continuously deepened reforms to streamline administration, delegate more powers, improve regulation, and provide better services. It has enhanced investment facilitation and standardized services for Chinese enterprises, urged them to carefully observe the laws of host countries, and guided them to fulfill their responsibilities to society and for the environment. By the end of 2016, China had signed bilateral investment agreements with 53 countries and double taxation avoidance agreements with 54 countries. Negotiations on ISO cooperation agreements, visa facilitation agreements and various other cooperation documents are underway. These efforts have promoted an orderly flow and sound allocation of capital, technologies, personnel and other production resources, cut down enterprise costs in fulfilling administrative procedures, and created a good environment for production capacity and investment cooperation.

At the upcoming forum, President Xi will deliver a keynote speech, and a series of achievements are expected to be made. The National Development and Reform Commission will spare no effort to promote capacity production cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to people living along the Belt and Road.

That's all I want to say at this time.

Xi Yanchun:

Let's thank Mr. NingJizhe for his briefing. Now the floor is open to Mr. Xin Guobin.

Xin Guobin:

Friends from the press, ladies and gentlemen, good morning! First I wish to thank you for your continuous support and concern for China’s development of industry and information technology. Please allow me to give you a briefing on how the MIIT has been working to promote the tasks relating to the Belt and Road Initiative.

First, we have strengthened policy coordination. We actively worked with countries along the Belt and Road concerning their development strategies on industry and communications, and coordinated policies with them. We promoted mutual recognition of industrial standards and explored cooperation potential.

With Russia we signed governmental cooperation documents on civil aviation. With Poland's Ministry of Energy we inked a cooperation deal on new-energy vehicles. With Cambodia, Iran, Bangladesh and Afghanistan we signed MoU on the cooperation in the fields of information and communication technologies. With the five nations in the East Africa Community (EAC), Ethiopia and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) we signed cooperation deals on jointly building an information superhighway in East Africa. With Cuba's Ministry of Industry, we jointly compiled the long-term development plan of Cuba's industry.

At the same time, we have drafted the "Opinion on the Implementation of the Service from the Standardized work of the Industry and Communication Sectors for the'Belt and Road' Construction," a move to facilitate the mutual recognition of China's standards and those from other countries. In this way, China's advanced technological standards will be introduced to countries along the Belt and Road before serving their local economic development. So far, Ethiopia and Kenya have started implementing Chinese industrial standards on cement and construction ceramics, respectively.

Second, we continued to improve our service systems. We improved interdepartmental working mechanisms with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Commerce, among others and established cooperation mechanisms with the National Development Bank (NDB), and the Export-Import Bank of China.

We strengthened contact and communication with key industrial associations and research institutes. We guided the industrial associations for petrochemical, steel, non-ferrous, construction material and communication to form an international alliance for capacity cooperation so as to provide information and consultations to the corporate sector. We promulgated code of conducts for enterprises eyeing the international markets, reduce irregular competition and actively fulfil social responsibilities in countries we invested in.

Third, we coordinated and guided mutually beneficial industrial cooperation. We actively built the docking platforms for the cooperation on international capacity and equipment manufacturing, invited countries along the Belt and Road to participate activities for industrial transfers and dockings and expos for international SMEs. We made most of the bilateral and multilateral mechanisms and organized industrial associations and enterprises to go abroad to facilitate their direct communication and dockings with local companies. In this way we deepened industrial cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road.

So far, in the sectors of raw materials, petrol refinery and agricultural chemicals, overseas projects under construction have a total contract value of US$60 billion. China's non-ferrous sector invested in Russia and Indonesia, among the total 15 countries along the Belt and Road. Enterprises in the construction material sector invested in a total of 33 projects overseas.

In the equipment sector, rail transit, engineering machinery, automobiles - which represent the higher technological level - rushed to invest in countries along the Belt and Road. In the electronic information sector, many PV enterprises invested in the solar power stations in the United States, Japan, Europe, South America and Southeast Asia, or contracted the engineering, procurement, and construction (ECP) package.

Fourth, we promoted the cooperation and construction of industrial parks. We promoted the constructions of China-Laos, and China-Mongolia cross-border cooperation zones, supervised the drafting of development plans of these industrial parks and supported the industrial development and the construction of communication facilities in the parks.

We advanced the constructions of the China-Belarus Industrial Park, the Morowali Tsingshan Industrial Park in Indonesia and the China-Tajikistan Industrial Park. We helped enterprises to know about opportunities for industrial cooperation. We built platforms for investment promotion, conducted investment promotion for the cooperation zones in other countries. We encouraged capable Chinese enterprises with rich experience in industrial park administration to join hands with financial institutions, industrial associations, and intermediate agencies to perfect accommodating facilities in these industrial parks, raise the software and hardware levels and enhance services when these parks are in operation.

Fifth, we accelerated the connectivity of information and communications. We ensured the connectivity of information along the Belt and Road, promoted the popularization of next-generation information and communications technological applications and serve the economic and social development of the countries along the Belt and Road.

We accelerated the construction of international communication accesses. We have established an overall framework of international communications access that mainly consists of comprehensive international gateway exchanges, regional international gateways, border area international communications gateways and international channel gateways. We raised the information and communication capacities in countries along the "Belt and Road."

We vigorously promoted the construction of cross-border cables and continuously improved our information interconnectivity with countries along the Belt and Road. We encouraged telecommunication enterprises to form multinational corporations to enhance their internationalized abilities. Some companies have started overseas operations in Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, among other countries and regions.

As for our next move, the MIIT will continue with our classified guidance, raise services, perfect safeguarding systems, actively expand new room for industrial development, and promote the deepening of industrial cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road to ensure win-win development. Thank you all!

Xi Yanchun:

Let's thank Mr. Xin for his briefing. Now the floor is open for questions. As per our rule, please identify your agency before raising your questions.

CCTV:

Director Ning, as China’s railway has become a name card of the country’s“going-out” strategy in recent years, would you please brief us on railway cooperation between China and the countries along the Belt and Road? Thank you.

Ning Jizhe:

Your question is about a very important issue of major concern to us and other countries. Railway cooperation can help improve railway construction capacities both in China and other countries, boost cooperation on railway equipment, technologies and standards. It is a key part of international cooperation on industrial capacities and a priority area for China’s“going-out” strategy as well as outbound investment.

China’s railway construction has developed rapidly during recent years and we have the most fully-fledged technical system in the world. We possess cutting-edge technologies, especially in high-speed railways, and have foster advantages in survey, design, engineering, manufacturing, operation, management and safety, making us very competitive on the global market.

China has been proactively pressing ahead with railway cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road. Such cooperation dovetails nicely with the needs of those countries, since connectivity among countries along the proposed routes is realized by the connection of traffic networks. Railway is a favored transport means. It is wanted by neighboring countries or needs renovating in those countries due to outdated conditions.

Recently, we have made solid progress on several landmark projects. The railway between China and Laos is under construction; a contract has been signed for the Jakarta-Bandung Railway, and hopefully overall construction will start soon; the China-Thailand Railway is preparing for construction; the business contract of the Serbian section of the Hungary-Serbia Railway has been signed, while the construction agreement of the Hungarian section has also been validated; the design for a high-speed railway from Moscow to Kazan has been completed; the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is moving ahead now we have a joint working mechanism between the three parties; the feasibility study for upgrading the ML1 section of the Pakistan Railway is being studied; and Chinese companies have succeeded in their bids for involvement in the constructions of railways in the southern part and the east coast of Malaysia, etc. The smooth progress of railway construction has been pivotal for the promotion of international cooperation on production capacities, signaling an important chapter for the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, conducive to the B&R countries’ upgraded capacities for infrastructure construction and helpful to China’s“going-global” strategy by exporting indigenous facilities, technologies, standards, constructions and management, resulting in encouraging progress in other industries and boosting infrastructure construction of the relevant countries.

For the next step, China’s Development and Reform Commission will work with relevant departments, enterprises and institutions under the initiative to enhance pragmatic cooperation on railway with countries along the Belt and Road, advance China’s“going-out” strategy and international industrial cooperation and boost connectivity in pursuit of win-win benefits through joint development. Thanks for your question.

China National Radio:

Mr. Xin, how does China connect neighboring countries in regard to ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructure? Thank you.

Xin Guobin:

Thank you. Infrastructure connectivity is a priority area under the Belt and Road Initiative. Improved global connectivity can help popularize a new generation of ICT, improve regional information services and promote socio-economic development in countries along the Belt and Road. Since the Initiative was launched, we have undertaken work in the following areas:

First, we used various international cooperation mechanisms, bilateral and multilateral communications platforms, actively connected to the countries and regions along the Belt and Road. We successively signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in ICT with telecommunications administrations of Cambodia, Iran, Bengal and Afghanistan; and, we signed the China-Africa Partnership Program in Trans Africa Information Superhighway with Ministries of Communication in five East African countries, Ethiopia and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) respectively. We will sign MoU on Strengthening ICT Cooperation Within the Framework of the Belt and Road Initiative with ITU.

Second, we optimized the layout of domestic ICT and established a framework of nine comprehensive international business agencies (in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.), 10 regional international business agencies (such as the one in Kunming), 10 border services agencies (in places such as Shenzhen) and 58 information channels agencies (in Khorgas, for example) after adjustment. These agencies effectively ensure the quality of ICT and the safety of network information between China and countries along the Belt and Road.

Third, we effectively promoted the construction of a cross-border optical cable network and ensured effective information transmission. We established a cross-border land cable network with 12 neighboring countries, plus four submarine cable networks. And we are expanding the China- Kazakhstan cable network, and pushing ahead with the newly-established China-Afghanistan cable network and China-Pakistan cable network, and other cable networks along the Belt and Road region. We are positively promoting telecommunication enterprises to join in the construction of“China-ASEAN Information Harbor” and backbone state cable networks in African countries.

Forth, we encouraged the main telecommunication companies to engage in international telecommunications service business and provide high-quality telecommunication services. In 2016, the scale of foreign investment of China’s three main telecommunication enterprises was around five billion yuan. They engaged in overseas operations in Pakistan, Thailand, Singapore, and other countries and regions. Thank you.

Bloomberg:

Many projects around the world do not get funding because they are sub-parts, they don’t have good oversight, or they don’t have the prospects of returns that will pay off for the original course. What oversight do you have to prevent these kinds of projects from being dusted off and refunded during the Belt and Road Initiative in order to make it successful. And are there central reviews or general guidelines to prevent these parts of the projects from being refunded? Thank you.

Ning Jizhe:

Your question is very important. In the field of international investment, there are many examples of success. While investing in a project, investors have to make decisions and take risks by themselves, so they are all very concerned about the feasibility study of the invested project. Currently, most countries in the world are market economy-oriented ones who abide by the market rules and international practice and promote the construction of their projects under the protection of the law. This approach necessarily includes careful and serious evaluation and research of the project in the early phase to ensure the feasibility of the project. In the construction phase of the project, the supervision must be strengthened, during which a set of systems is available in the market economy conditions. In the operational phase of the project, market regulation still plays an important role. Therefore, thanks to the necessary guarantees in the whole process, the project can be constructed and operated smoothly so as to achieve corresponding economic and social benefits. This is an international practice as well as an important guideline which China must follow in promoting international capacity cooperation and in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative. Taking enterprises as the main body, we promote the market-oriented Belt and Road Initiative and international capacity cooperation in accordance with commercial principles and international practice.

It can be said that, currently in the process of promoting the key projects of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese government and the governments of other countries concerned have attached great importance to this issue. The enterprises concerned also have carried out careful evaluation and deliberation for projects.

Some projects, particularly large railway projects, must go through repeated evaluations. In the course of operation and construction, we will continue to abide by this principle and conform to the international laws as well. As I mentioned just now, we have signed mutual investment agreements with the countries along the Belt and Road. Meanwhile, we must work together to comply with the international investment agreements so as to ensure that the Belt and Road Initiative and international capacity cooperative projects will achieve corresponding economic and social benefits, and bring benefits to local people and thus promote local economic development and social progress. Thank you.

People's Daily:

Mr. Xin, capacity cooperation is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative. You just introduced the work the MIIT has done. My questions are: What achievements has the MIIT made in regard to international capacity cooperation and what is the latest situation? What can we expect from this summit? Thank you.

Xin Guobin:

Countries along the Belt and Road undoubtedly differ in resources, development stage and environment. However, they are economically complementary. So, there is a huge potential for cooperation. We have been sticking to the market-oriented principle, with companies being the main drivers, and promoted cooperation in the fields of capacity and equipment manufacturing by strengthening coordination to provide better services and support, as well as effectively linking China’s industrial and financial advantages with host country demands. Our goal is always to achieve win-win outcomes.

As for the capacity cooperation, we have organized relevant industrial associations and enterprises to cooperate with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Malaysia and India, and instructed enterprises in the sectors of iron and steel, nonferrous metal and construction materials to open factories overseas. In 2016, the outbound investment of the manufacturing industry totaled US$31.06 billion, accounting for 18.3 percent of all such investment, up 6.2 percentage points from the year before. In addition, it’s worth mentioning that there were 197 mergers and acquisitions in the manufacturing sector. Here are some examples of our achievements. The program of Alliance Steel (M) Sdn Bhd, involving investment by Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port International Group Co., Ltd and Guangxi ShengLong Metallurgical Co. Ltd, started construction in Malaysia in 2014. HBIS Group Co.Ltd signed a contract with Industrial Development Corp of South Africa to set up a 5 million metric ton steel plant in that country. It also purchased Serbia’s Zeleara Smederevo steel mill. CRRC has conducted deep cooperation with Siemens, Voith Turbo and Deutsche Bahn in high-speed rail development and jointly explored the third-country market. These leading enterprises’ outbound moves have created jobs and generated tax revenue for the host countries and accelerated their industrial upgrading and industrialization process. Therefore, products made and services provided by China are welcome in more and more countries along the Belt and Road.

In future, we will continue to encourage Chinese enterprises to“go global,” following the overall arrangement and plan of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Reuters:

What is the total volume of investments in the“Belt and Road” projects so far? Would you please project how big the total investment will be in the next five years? Last year, China tightened scrutiny on capital outflows. Does this move have any impact on our outbound investment? Thank you.

Ning Jizhe:

As I mentioned just now, Chinese enterprises have invested more than US$60 billion in Belt and Road projects over the past four years – between 2013 and 2016. This is the figure that we can give to you. Some small investments may be not included.

Our outbound investment has been largely made by enterprises and driven by the market in line with business rules and international practices, rather than being planned. I should say it is not easy to predict the future, but we do have a projection for outbound investment for the next five years. China’s outbound investment will reach US$120 billion and even surpass US$130 billion each year over the next five years. Most of the investment will be put into Belt and Road projects. That will give a great impetus to the global recovery and liberalization of reciprocal investment and trade.

China’s management mechanism of outbound investment is based on market-oriented principles and international practices. Currently our outbound investment is subject to a registration mechanism. Also, we warn enterprises against potential risks and need to examine the veracity and compliance of their investment. Projects relating to the“Belt and Road” Initiative and industrial capacity cooperation will not be impacted by strengthened scrutiny but will proceed in a sound manner.

CRI:

As we know, Kazakhstan is one of the countries along the route that conducted capacity cooperation with China from an early stage. Can you tell us about its progress? Thank you.

Ning Jizhe:

It’s a good question. There is just one booklet about China-Kazakhstan capacity cooperation. Kazakhstan really took the lead in capacity cooperation with China. Over the past few years, the cooperation has achieved rapid progress and fruitful results as the two sides signed intergovernmental capacity cooperation agreements, established regular cooperation mechanisms, and have held intergovernmental dialogues 12 times. Being close neighbors, the two countries have frequent dialogues through video conferences, or sometimes through face-to-face talks.

We have formulated a list of key cooperation projects with a total investment of US$ 27 billion, established a China-Kazakhstan Capacity Cooperation Fund of US$ 2 billion, with great efforts from the Silk Road Fund, and also a China-Kazakhstan capacity cooperation specific loan of US$ 15 billion. Both sides also facilitated visa issuance based on inter-governmental agreements and carried out key projects for demonstration and expansion purposes. Until now, a batch of 34 projects have completed construction and been put into operation, such as a copper concentrator with an annual output of 25 million tons in Aktogay, an electrolytic aluminum plant with an annual production of 250,000 tons in Pavlodar, an asphalt plant with an annual output of 1 million tons along the Caspian Sea and a cement plant with a daily production of 3,000 tons in Mynaral.

Currently, a total of 43 projects are under construction in Kazakhstan, filling the gaps of electrolytic aluminum, copper beneficiation, high-end oil products, special cement and other sectors in the country, advancing its industrialization, offering job opportunities and promoting local development. With both countries faced with downward economic pressures in the past years, bilateral cooperation can help deal with the pressure and maintain sound development. At the same, it has propelled China’s export of competitive capacities, equipment, technologies and standards while helping to build up a good image of Chinese enterprises.

During our dialogues, we discussed how the government departments can serve enterprises better and how to create favorable investment environments, as there are also Kazakhstan enterprises investing in China. Through close communication and negotiation, both sides can enhance services for enterprises and strengthen supervision of markets. In the future, the two countries will seek more connections in bilateral economic, social and industrial development, step up guidance functions of planning, jointly compile capacity cooperation plans, and carry out key projects thus deepening bilateral capacity and investment cooperation.

You can consult the booklet for more detailed information. This is the Chinese edition and we also have an English version. Thank you.

China Industry News：

What opportunities does the Belt and Road Initiative offer for the export of Chinese equipment manufacturing products? What progress has been made in such exports? What difficulties do we encounter? What measures will MIIT take to drive export expansion? Thank you.

Xin Guobin:

Thank you for your question. Notable progress has been made in exporting Chinese equipment manufacturing products. High-speed rail-laying, electric power equipment, engineering machinery, electronic information manufacturing products and ships have become new business name cards for China’s equipment manufacturing. Our rail transport products have entered the global market, as evidenced by the completion of Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway and the construction of the China-Laos high speed railway. Our electric power technology is world-beating. The first overseas Hualong-1 Project is progressing steadily and the reactor has been used in the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in England. Moreover, high-end products such as engineering machinery and ships are widely popular around the world.

Despite the progress, both the volume and level of major equipment exports need to be increased, and international investment and cooperation in this sector need to be expanded. Some constraints and problems lie behind the present situation. First of all, the global political and economic landscape keeps changing, greatly influencing Chinese companies’ international investment and cooperation. Besides, rising protectionism and growing trade barriers make it harder for China’s standards to gain international certification. Other constraints include the shortage of interdisciplinary professionals with global vision, lack of public information services and inadequate understanding of the investment destinations’ political and economic environments, laws and regulations as well as traditions and customs.

To increase exports of Chinese equipment manufacturing products, MIIT will take the following measures: help establish overseas service agencies, create a sound international environment based on bilateral and multilateral dialogue mechanisms, intensify efforts to nurture or attract interdisciplinary professionals with global vision and accelerate internationalization and mutual recognition of standards. Thank you.

Shenzhen Satellite TV:

I have a question for Mr. Ning. We all know that the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area was addressed in the Government Work Report during the last NPC and CPPCC sessions, of which the new layout is important to the Belt and Road Initiative. My question is: How will the Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Great Bay Area, guided by the spirit of openness, make full use of their advantages to engender a new round of cooperation with the countries involved in the Initiative? Moreover, as Shenzhen has always spearheaded economic reform of China, how will the city continue to make its contribution to a new phase of openness led by the Initiative?

Ning Jizhe:

Hong Kong is playing an important role in the country’s far-sighted Belt and Road Initiative. During the past decade, when China started to unfold its Western Region Development Strategy, Hong Kong exerted great influence in the campaign and it is now expected to make an equal contribution to the Initiative by taking advantage of its comprehensive capabilities and forming a bridge between China and the world. It can encourage greater involvement by its competitive sectors, including, service, finance and shipping and making use of its role as a trade center, to support the Initiative as it gathers momentum.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Great Bay Area, referred to in the Government Work Report this year, is related to the Initiative, in which it has an even more meaningful role. Some departments, both from the State Council and the NDRC, are in close contact with the HKSAR, to work out a draft plan.

At the same time, as a leading force of China’s reform and opening up and the earliest special economic zone in China, Shenzhen will undoubtedly have considerable responsibilities in any new round of upgraded openness. It is expected to extend its influence to both the Initiative and the construction of the Great Bay Area. Thank you.

Xi Yanchun:

That’s all for today’s press conference. Thanks for our two spokespeople and thank you all.

Speakers:
Qian Keming, vice minister, Ministry of Commerce

Zhang Xingfu, head of the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce

Chairperson:
Xi Yanchun, vice director-general of the Press Bureau, State Council Information Office

Date:
May 10, 2017

Chairperson Xi Yanchun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to the press conference of the State Council Information Office. Today's conference will be about the Belt and Road Initiative.

We are delighted to invite Mr. Qian Keming, vice minister of commerce, to introduce trade and economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and answer some of your questions. Also present is Mr. Zhang Xingfu, the head of the Department of Outward Investment and Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce.

Now, let's welcome Mr. Qian to give his briefing.

Qian Keming:

Good afternoon, friends from the media.

In 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative to boost global development and cooperation. It demonstrated China's willingness to shoulder its responsibilities as a large and important country.

With the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, the Initiative features openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. This fulfills the expectations of countries along the route, with the aim of creating a community of a shared future. So far, the Initiative has received positive responses from more than 100 countries and international organizations.

Unimpeded trade is a major issue under the Belt and Road Initiative. We have made notable achievements in the following five aspects.

Regarding trade, we have actively boosted mutual market openness and increased trade facilitation. Various expositions, including the China-ASEAN Expo, China-South Asia Expo, China-Eurasia Expo and China-Arab States Expo, have played their role in facilitating interaction between businesses along the Belt and Road and helped them enjoy the opportunities created by the Initiative. From 2014 to 2016, trade between China and countries along the routes of the Belt and Road enjoyed a growth rate faster than the global average, reaching 20 trillion yuan in total regarding investment and cooperation, we have continually improved services to encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in countries along the route. Between 2014 and 2016, the total direct investment made by Chinese businesses in those countries surpassed US$50 billion, and the contractual value of new construction projects reached US$304.9 billion. Besides, we have attracted businesses from countries along the Belt and Road to invest in China by offering them wider market access and a comfortable business environment.

Regarding major projects, we have worked with related parties to promote smooth progress in various projects. The China-Laos Railway, the second phase of Pakistan's Karakoram highway and the Karachi-Lahore motorway are under construction. The oil and gas pipelines joining China with Russia, Kazakhstan, Myanmar and other countries are either under construction or already in operation.

Regarding overseas business cooperation zones, Chinese businesses have invested more than US$18.5 billion in 20 countries to build 56 such zones. These have generated about US1.1 billion in tax revenue and created approximately 180,000 jobs for the host countries. The China-Belarus Industrial Park has become a landmark project in the Silk Road Economic Belt. Smooth progress has been made in the building of the Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Egypt, the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Zone and Cambodia's Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, among others. Regarding free trade areas, we have signed free trade agreements with ASEAN collectively, along with Singapore, Pakistan and other international organizations and countries along the route. Agreement was reached last July on upgrading the China-ASEAN free trade zone. A free trade agreement is going to be signed with Georgia. Currently, we are working on negotiations over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and on negotiations over free trade zones with Israel, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the Gulf Cooperation Council, among others.

Today, products made in China, projects undertaken by China and services offered by China have become increasingly popular in countries along the Belt and Road. More and more products, services, technologies and investments have flowed into China from those countries. Tangible achievements have been reached in trade and economic cooperation; new energy has been injected into those countries for economic development; new momentum has been provided for the development of an open world economy; innovative modes have been created for economic globalization.

Now, I'd like to answer your questions with my colleague.

Xi Yanchun:

Thank you, Mr. Qian. Now the question session begins. Please identify your media outlets before raising questions.

China Central Television (CCTV):

We have noticed that the Ministry of Commerce is responsible for organizing a parallel session on promoting unimpeded trade during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. How is the preparatory work progressing? Also, could you please introduce the number and size of the free trade zones between China and countries along the proposed routes as well as the impetus they have given to the regional economy?

Qian Keming:

We all know that China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on May 14-15. The forum will be the highest-level international conference to be held in China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and it has received wide support and positive response from the international community. The conference will consist of three parts — the opening ceremony, high-level meeting and the round-table summit. There will be six parallel themed sessions under the high-level meeting, among which the parallel session on promoting unimpeded trade is prepared and organized by the Ministry of Commerce.

The theme of the parallel session on promoting unimpeded trade is "smooth, efficient, mutual benefits, development and deepening economic and trade cooperation of the Belt and Road." If we can reach a consensus on many issues, we will make an announcement on this at that time.

Currently, all the preparations for the meeting are progressing smoothly. About 200 have confirmed their intention to attend the meeting, among whom about 120 are foreign guests from more than 50 countries. Presently, we are steadily moving ahead with preparations in cooperation with relevant departments and in accordance with the highest standards, most stringent requirements, and most practical measures to ensure the success of this meeting.

Up to now, we have already signed and implemented free trade agreements with 22 countries and regions, including 11 countries along the Belt and Road, namely. the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement. Just now. I mentioned that, during the summit we will sign a formal trade agreement with Georgia, and will start a free trade agreement feasibility study with Mongolia. There is a schedule according to which we will promote the building of free trade zones with 20 countries along the Belt and Road, involving the implementation of the regional comprehensive economic partnership agreement (RCEP), and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), China-Maldives, China-Sri Lanka, and China-Israel free trade negotiations. We will carry out a joint free trade feasibility study with Nepal, Bangladesh and Moldova. And, we will start negotiations with Pakistan and Singapore on upgrading the free trade agreements already signed.

Moreover, under the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Agreement, we have concluded the fourth-round of tariff reduction negotiations with India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Laos – four countries situated along the routes. Currently, the outcome of the negotiations is being implemented in an orderly manner.

Phoenix TV:

We've noticed that Chinese companies may face some risks when joining construction projects in countries along the Belt and Road. How will the Ministry of Commerce assess such risks? What specific measures are being taken to guide or help the enterprises? Besides, we've also noticed that a trend in favor of reversing globalization is rising around the world. In particular, we are facing difficulties in cooperation with our principal trade partners. How will the Belt and Road Initiative ensure expanding trade with China, especially in countering any trade barriers from some countries? Thank you.

Zhang Xingfu:

Foreign investment and cooperation are important to the Belt and Road Initiative. The Chinese government is encouraging qualified and capable enterprises to go international in their investment and cooperation activities. Generally speaking, the overall situation is good, according to ministry statistics. However, enterprises inevitably face some difficulties and problems when going international. We know the problems and risks involve political, economic, legal, social and security factors, as well as for business operational reasons. In recent years, we have been enhancing our guides and services for enterprises, by attaching equal importance to development and risk control, to ensure they go ahead in a steadier and better way. We have built a precaution system against risks involving foreign investment and cooperation so as to be able to issue timely risk warnings. We have signed investment agreements with countries related, provided guidance to enterprises on how to reduce and cope with overseas emergencies, and worked hard to safeguard the legal rights and interests of Chinese enterprises as well as foreign nationals. Meanwhile, the enterprises should carry on their business in accordance with the laws and regulations at home and abroad and create feasible international development strategies especially in avoiding blind investment without full investigation.

Qian Keming:

In general, the impact of the global financial crisis that hit the world in 2008 has lasted until now. In the midst of an economic downturn, trade protectionism is rising due to objective reasons, namely that economic globalization may bring about imbalances between the developed and developing countries in regard to their specific interests, within an individual country and among the developed countries themselves. In regard to structural imbalances, different countries take different measures, some turning to trade protectionism. China is committed to open development. In this context, we need a global public product to lead and promote and add fresh momentum to economic globalization, or to offer new political choices. It is in this context that the Belt and Road Initiative has been put forward at exactly the right time. The Initiative will add new impetus to China's future development, especially development of the middle and western regions of the country as well as the opening-up strategy. It will also inject new vitality to the world economy and the development of countries along the Belt and Road in particular and offer a new public product as well.

The Initiative plays a key role in boosting confidence in economic globalization and global economic growth, invigorating the world economy and providing new impetus for the globalization drive. Besides, it is known that the many countries along the Belt and Road, especially those in Central Asia, are landlocked. In a period of rapid development of globalization, they lag behind in economic development and participation in the globalization process. Thus, the previous round of globalization hardly brought any tangible benefits to the region, which is the deficiency we have analyzed in the process of developing our globalization approach, that is, lack of inclusiveness. Moreover, global development is imbalanced. The Belt and Road Initiative exactly covers that particular region and will offer them opportunities for economic integration and development.

Infrastructure construction is an important part in the Belt and Road Initiative. As you know, geographical factors play an important role in creating barrier-free trade and economic integration. The trade in landlocked countries is not smooth. Once the infrastructure is connected, the flow of capital, logistics and information, plus human interaction, will be enhanced. Trade and investment also will be boosted. So, the Belt and Road Initiative is of great significance in breaking down trade protectionism and promoting the development of the regions along the Belt and Road as well as further development of economic globalization.

Reuters:

The Belt and Road Initiative is President Xi Jinping's signature plan. Many think that the plan will continue for decades to come. So I'm wondering what guarantee the rest of the world have that once President Xi's term as president has ended, the overall plan won't be replaced or abandoned by the next leader. Secondly, there is a concern among foreign companies that all these infrastructure, these projects are for Chinese companies, not for other countries' companies. So will they be allowed to bid along with the Chinese companies for these projects? Thank you.

Qian Keming:

The Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi in 2013; however, it is not an individual proposal or one that somehow fails to be implemented. It has received worldwide responses and belongs to all. We call it an initiative of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, because it is advanced by all participants rather than one country, namely, China alone. So your concern is unnecessary. The vitality of the initiative lies in the fact that it meets the expectations for future development of countries along the Belt and Road. It has awakened their desires and pursuit of development. This is why the Initiative is so dynamic, and its vitality has nothing to do with who proposes it or how long his tenure in office might be. It has received such a strong response as it accords with the hopes of the countries along the route.

Secondly, while promoting the Initiative, participants including enterprises and governments have all focused on scientific planning and prudent implementation to protect its sustainability. I believe that further promotion of the Initiative will have an ever-larger impact on the region's economic growth, as well as facilitating policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and strengthened people-to-people ties. It will definitely show even greater vitality.

Zhang Xingfu:

The Belt and Road Initiative is an open and inclusive framework. Chinese companies' investment in and cooperation with countries along the route must strictly conform to the requirements of the host country and abide by international conventions. In project bidding, Chinese companies compete and cooperate with their international counterparts on a level playing field. Investment and cooperative projects conducted by Chinese companies have driven the development of the local economy and society, and created many jobs and tax revenue for the host countries. According to our statistics, overseas Chinese companies achieved a sales volume of US$1.5 trillion in 2016, generating US$40 billion in taxes and creating over 1.5 million new jobs for host countries.

At the same time, many Chinese companies have cooperated with enterprises from a third country to contract for projects along the Belt and Road. For instance, the Hassyan Clean-Coal Power Project in Dubai involves joint investment from the Silk Road Fund, banks in the Middle East and multinational banks, and it is jointly contracted by Chinese companies and General Electric. The trade cooperation zone constructed by Chinese companies in Vietnam has not only attracted Chinese companies, but also enterprises from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, Malaysia and Vietnam. The Vinh Tan Coal-fired Power Plant (Phase I) Project in Vietnam also involves cooperative investment by China Southern Power Grid, China Power International Development and Vinacomin. These are all examples of our cooperation with other countries. Thanks.

Xi Yanchun:

We noticed that many foreign media have reported on the Belt and Road Initiative, but some of the reports may not be particularly comprehensive and accurate. We will have more press conferences like today to introduce to you the progress of the initiative. On the other hand, we hope that your reports will be more precise and objective. Please continue to ask questions.

People's Daily:

We've noticed that some of the countries along the Belt and Road are small in terms of economic size, and have limited import and export capabilities. How do you see the prospects of China's trade with these countries? What measures will be taken to boost trade with them? Thank you.

Qian Keming:

Thank you for your question. It is indeed a fact that some of the countries along the Belt and Road are relatively underdeveloped, with little trade cooperation among them. What lies behind it is the fact that these countries, small economically, have yet to deeply integrate themselves into economic globalization. This brings about not only problems and challenges, but also enormous potential and opportunities. There is great potential for investment and trade cooperation among them as they are highly complementary in terms of resources. We will introduce multiple measures in this respect, among which achieving infrastructure connectivity is the key. With overall infrastructure connected and standards aligned, trade will surely be boosted.

In addition, we are leveraging the role of joint commissions on commerce and trade and FTZ negotiations in bolstering bilateral trade. Other measures include holding expositions, such as the five or six large-scale national expositions I've already mentioned. I'm convinced that rapid economic growth, infrastructure connectivity and the alignment of standards and development plans will stimulate trade in this region.

Russia Today:

Mr. Qian, you just mentioned some major projects with Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. My question is what specific measures will China take or has already taken to achieve synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union?

Zhang Xingfu:

President Xi Jinping proposed jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt during his visit to Kazakhstan in September, 2013. China and the 12 Eurasian countries are taking the lead in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, with fruitful achievements. The work we've done and will continue to do can be summed up in six aspects.

First, we take immediate actions to realize extensive alignment of policies. The Ministry of Commerce has signed cooperation agreements on joint contributions with its Eurasian counterparts, advancing the development of the Belt and Road Initiative and Eurasian Economic Union as well as the alignment of economic and social development strategies.

Second, bilateral trade is growing steadily. The trade volume between China and 12 Eurasian countries increased by 20.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2017. China remains one of their major trading partners. The trade mix continues to improve, with e-commerce thriving and reciprocal market access being achieved for many agricultural products.

Third, breakthroughs are being made in FTZ development. China is about to sign a free trade agreement with Georgia, making the latter the first Eurasian country to sign an FTA with China. China and Moldova have concluded their feasibility study for FTZ negotiations and will officially start the process in due time. China and the Eurasian Economic Union have agreed to take establishing FTZs as our long-term goal, and have conducted the third round of negotiations on an economic and trade cooperation agreement.

Fourth, bilateral investment prospers. China has made all kinds of investments totaling US$83 billion in Eurasia, improving the well-being of local people.

Fifth, notable progress has been made in capital flows. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Silk Road Fund, China-Eurasian Economic Cooperation Fund and China-Kazakhstan Capacity Cooperation Fund have been established and currency swapsare being expanded, thus diversifying the platforms for China to invest in the region.

Sixth, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) plays an increasingly important role. In recent years, China has taken the SCO as an essential platform to pursue connectivity, industrial-capacity cooperation, capacity building and investment and financing cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road. To advance trade facilitation, it has proposed establishing an SCO e-commence alliance and hosted SCO Countries Commodity Fair in Xi'an in 2015. The SCO prime ministers' meeting ratified a list of measures to further promote cooperative projects within the SCO from 2017 to 2021, and initiated SCO institutional arrangements on trade facilitation. SCO regional economic cooperation has entered a new stage featuring integrated development with the Belt and Road Initiative.

CBN:

I have two questions. Firstly, we know that the Belt and Road Initiative is a major move of China to pursue an all-dimensional opening-up under the new historical circumstances. How is the impact of it on the opening-up of the central and western areas? Moreover, we know that the Ministry of Commerce is in charge of the Department of Foreign Assistance. How to construct the Belt and Road in regard to providing foreign assistance? Will the system of foreign assistance be reformed and improved during this process? Thank you.

Qian Keming:

You are asking about the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on the opening-up of the central and western areas. After it was announced, we intensified our efforts in opening-up in the central and western areas. You know that we established seven pilot free trade zones, of which five are establish in the central and western areas. At the same time, the two regions are situated along the route taken by China-Europe freight trains. This includes Chongqing, Chengdu, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Xi'an and Lanzhou. These measures promote the opening-up of the central and western areas. Economic zones in border areas and cross-border economic cooperation areas are also being established to help regional advancement. In general, a new pattern of opening up from eastern areas to western areas has been formed.

Zhang Xingfu:

As for our foreign assistance, I mentioned that the Belt and Road Initiative is open and inclusive. Our foreign assistance is an important manifestation that China is a responsible major country. I believe reform of system of foreign assistance can keep pace with the times and the development of foreign assistance and the promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative complement each other. Thank you.

TV Asahi:

My question is about concrete statistics. According to the document, trade between China and countries along the Belt and Road route has totaled some 20 trillion yuan (US$2.90 trillion), with a growth rate above the average world level. So, what I want to figure out is the number of countries along the Belt and Road route. If there is an exact figure, would you please discuss it?

Qian Keming:

I don't know whether you have noted that Foreign Minister Wang Yi was asked a similar question a few days ago. The Belt and Road Initiative is open and inclusive so we only generally say that there are several directions without specifying which countries are included or excluded. Our overall principle is to extend a welcome to all those who voluntarily seek to join the initiative for joint efforts through consultation to bring benefits to all with no exclusions. The statistics are roughly calculated and I have more than once emphasized that the figures including outbound investment that has surpassed US$50 billion and contracted projects worth a total of US$300 billion are all general without showing exactly which countries are involved.

China Global Television Network:

As we know, building economic and trade cooperation zones is an important part of the Belt and Road Initiative. You've just mentioned that China has cooperated with over 20 countries along the routes to establish a total of 56 economic and trade cooperation zones. Can you tell us more about the construction progress and the highlights and challenges regarding these zones?

Zhang Xingfu:

Just as Minister Qian has mentioned, China has become involved in building 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in over 20 countries along the routes. Following the market operational mode, Chinese enterprises started from their own development needs and took into consideration the resources, market demand and development strategies of the respective countries to promote construction. According to our classification, there are mainly six types of cooperation zones, namely, processing and manufacturing, resource utilization, the agricultural product industry, trade and logistics, scientific and technological research and development, and comprehensive development.

The construction of cooperation zones is now playing a significant role in promoting economic growth, industrial upgrading, industrialization of those countries and enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation. I'll explain through some examples. The Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Egypt has seen total investment of US$780 million, producing a GDP contribution exceeding US$600 million. During President Xi Jinping's visit in Egypt in 2016, he and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi attended the unveiling ceremony of the second phase of the zone, testifying to its ability to develop with greater prosperity.

Then, there is Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone in Cambodia. It has become an important textile production base in the country, contributing over 50 percent to the economy of the Preah Sihanouk area, creating 17,000 job opportunities for local people and providing financial assistance of over US$10 million for Cambodia. In addition, China's Hodo Group, undertaking construction of the zone, has created training plan in Preah Sihanouk.

We have two cooperation parks in Hungary. One is the Borsod Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and the other one is a commerce, trade, logistics economic and trade cooperation zone. The former was constructed by Wanhua Chemical Group Co. Ltd following the mode adopted for Chinese economic and technological development zones. It has become a typical case in borrowing Chinese experiences.

Next, we will continue to promote the construction of economic and trade cooperation zones by stepping up planning and guidance, promoting strategy connectivity, enhancing the cooperative mechanism, and giving full play to the advantages of China, the host country and third-party enterprises to benefit more local people. At the same time, we hope that relevant countries can cooperate with the Chinese government to formulate favorable laws and policies for such construction, and create a good business environment.

Xi Yanchun:

The last question goes to a foreign reporter.

CNBC:

How do you see the development of the Belt and Road Initiative after the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) is held? Will it be an integration of regional trade agreements? Is it going to be developed in this way? And, how often will the BRF be held?

Qian Keming:

Thanks for your question. To us, the Belt and Road Initiative is a great cooperative initiative. It includes five parts: policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people bonding. So, it is different from free trade zones. Compared with the emphasis of free trade zones on trade and investment, the scope of the Belt and Road Initiative is wider. It not only involves the economy, but also cultural exchanges, and other aspects. The Belt and Road Initiative is not going to become a free trade zone in the future. Free trade zones are surely a significant part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but we cannot say that countries along the route of the Belt and Road will be built up into a great free trade zone.

As for your third question, the frequency of the BRF is up to the needs of development.

Xi Yanchun:

Thank you again, Vice Minister Qian. Thank you, Mr. Zhang, and all our friends from the press. Another two press conferences on the Belt and Road Initiative will be held tomorrow morning and afternoon. And more information about spokesman and the conferences will be released on the "SCIO" APP. That's all for today's press conference.

Speaker:
Mao Shengyong, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics

Chairperson:
Xi Yanchun, vice director-general of the Press Bureau, State Council Information Office

Date:
April 17, 2017

Xi Yanchun:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office. Today, we are delighted to be able to invite Mr. Mao Shengyong, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Statistics, to brief us on China's economic performance in the first quarter. He will also answer your questions. Now, let's welcome Mr. Mao to give his briefing.

Mao Shengyong:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media. Good morning.

Please allow me to brief you on China's economy. I'll answer your questions later.

China's economy did well in the first quarter.

So far this year, China's economy has maintained the good momentum in the latter half of last year, with steady progress. More and more positive changes have taken place, and major economic indices were better than we expected. We have made a good start, laying a solid foundation for completing the annual growth targets.

Preliminary statistics show that national GDP reached 18.07 trillion yuan in the first quarter, growing 6.9 percent calculated at constant prices. The added value achieved by the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors was 865.4 billion yuan, 7.00 trillion yuan and 10.20 trillion yuan respectively, representing growth of 3.0 percent, 6.4 percent and 7.7 percent year-on-year. From a month-on-month perspective, national GDP grew 1.3 percent overall.

1. Agricultural production was stable, with an improved mix of agricultural products.

According to a survey of 110,000 farmers nationwide, the rice planting area targeted this year decreased 0.3 percent, wheat decreased 0.8 percent and corn decreased 4.0 percent; soybean increased 8.1 percent, but cotton declined 0.7 percent. Currently, winter wheat is growing well, with 84.8 percent of the fields reaching either the Class I or Class II standard.

In the first quarter, the amount of pork, beef, mutton and poultry meat totaled 22.49 million tons, up 0.2 percent on an annual basis. The figure for pork was 14.68 million tons, up 0.2 percent. The number of hogs totaled 410.95 million, up 0.1 percent on an annual basis. Of them, 191.49 million hogs were slaughtered, up 0.2 percent.

2. Industrial production accelerated with fast growing corporate profits.

In the first quarter, the total added value of industrial enterprises above designated size registered a year-on-year increase of 6.8 percent in real terms. This was 1.0 percentage points higher than the same period of last year, or 0.8 percentage points higher than the whole of last year. An analysis by types of ownership showed that the state holding enterprises saw a gain of 6.2 percent; collective enterprises were up 0.5 percent; share-holding enterprises achieved a 6.9 percent increase; and enterprises funded by foreign investors or investors from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan rose 6.9 percent. The added value of the mining industry fell 2.4 percent year-on-year; manufacturing rose 7.4 percent and the production and supply of electricity, heat, gas and water saw a gain of 8.9 percent. The industrial structure continued to improve. The added value of the high-tech and equipment manufacturing industrial sector grew by 13.4 percent and 12.0 percent respectively, 6.6 percentage points and 5.2 percentage points higher than that of industrial enterprises above designated size, or respectively 2.6 percentage points and 2.5 percentage points higher than last year. The sales-output ratio of industrial enterprises above designated size was 97.2 percent. In March, the total added value of industrial enterprises above designated size increased by 7.6 percent year-on-year, 1.3 percentage points higher than the first two months, or up by 0.83 percent month-on-month.

In the first two months, total profits made by industrial enterprises above designated size stood at 1.02 trillion yuan, up 31.5 percent year-on-year, 23.0 percentage points higher than that of last year. The profit rate from their primary activities was 5.92 percent, 0.8 percentage point higher than the same period of last year.

3. Services sector grew at a relatively fast pace with high prosperity index.

In the first quarter, the index of services production increased by 8.3 percent year-on-year, 0.1 percentage point higher than the same period last year. Information transmission, software and information technology services, and transport, storage and postal services delivered a strong performance. The growth of wholesale and retail trade, and the accommodation and catering industry picked up speed. In March, their index of services production grew by 8.3 percent, 0.1 percentage point higher than that of the first two months, the same rate as the same period of 2016.

In March, the business activity index for services stood at 54.2 percent, 1.0 percentage point higher than the previous month and 1.1 percentage points higher than the same month last year, a continued high on the prosperity index. Specifically, the business activity index for sectors such as retail, air transport, postal services, internet and software information technology services, monetary and financial services, capital market services and insurance stayed within the relatively prosperous range of over 55.0 percent.

4. Investment in fixed assets witnessed steady growth and the available floor space of commercial buildings for sale continued to decrease.

In the first quarter, the total investment in fixed assets (excluding rural households) was 9.38 trillion yuan, up 9.2 percent year-on-year, 1.1 percentage points higher than that of last year, and 0.3 percentage point up on the first two months of this year. Of the total, investment by state holding enterprises reached 3.31 trillion yuan, an increase of 13.6 percent; private investment reached 5.73 trillion yuan, up 7.7 percent, 1.0 percentage point higher than in the first two months of the year, accounting for 61.1 percent of total investment. Investment in the primary industry reached 233.5 billion yuan, up 19.8 percent; that in the secondary industry was 3.51 trillion yuan, up 4.2 percent, of which the figure for manufacturing was 2.93 trillion yuan, up 5.8 percent; the investment in the tertiary industry was 5.63 trillion yuan, up 12.2 percent, of which, that in infrastructure was 1.90 trillion yuan, a gain of 23.5 percent. Investment in the high-tech industry grew by 22.6 percent, 13.4 percentage points higher than the growth rate of total investment. Funds in place for investment in fixed assets were 10.61 trillion yuan, down 2.9 percent year-on-year, and 5.1 percentage points lower than the first two months. The total planned investment in newly projects was 6.20 trillion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 6.5 percent. Investment in fixed assets (excluding rural households) in March witnessed a month-on-month growth rate of 0.87 percent.

In the first quarter, total investment in real estate development was 1.93 trillion yuan, up 9.1 percent year-on-year, 2.2 percentage points higher than last year, and 0.2 percentage point higher than the first two months of this year. Of the total, the investment in residential buildings went up by 11.2 percent. Floor space of houses under construction was 315.6 million square meters, up 11.6 percent year-on-year. Specifically, the floor space of residential buildings newly started increased by 18.1 percent. The floor space of commercial buildings sold reached 290.35 million square meters, up 19.5 percent; that that of residential buildings went up by 16.9 percent. The sales of commercial buildings amounted 2.32 trillion yuan, up 25.1 percent. Of this total, the sales of residential buildings grew by 20.2 percent. The land space purchased by real estate developers was 37.82 million square meters, up 5.7 percent year-on-year. At the end of March, the floor space of commercial buildings for sale was 688.1 million square meters, down by 17.45 million square meters compared with the end of February. Funds in place of real estate development enterprises were 3.57 trillion yuan, up 11.5 percent year-on-year.

5. Market sales were stable with online retail sales maintaining a relatively fast growth.

In the first quarter, the total retail sales of consumer goods reached 8.58 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 10.0 percent, which was 0.4 percentage point lower than that of the previous year. Of that total, retail sales of units above designated size reached 3.75 trillion yuan, up by 7.9 percent. Analyzed by areas, retail sales in urban areas reached 7.34 trillion yuan, up 9.7 percent, and those in rural areas amounted to 1.24 trillion yuan, up 11.9 percent. Grouped by consumption patterns, the total income of the catering industry was 919.6 billion yuan, up 10.8 percent; and retail sales of goods were 7.66 trillion yuan, up by 9.9 percent. In particular, the sales of retail units above designated size amounted to 3.52 trillion yuan, up 7.9 percent. Upgraded consumer goods showed robust growth. The retail sales of cultural goods and office supplies grew by 14.8 percent, communications equipment by 11.0 percent, sports and recreational articles by 17.3 percent, furniture by 12.6 percent, and building and decoration materials by 14.8 percent. In March, the total retail sales of consumer goods achieved growth of 10.9 percent year-on-year, 1.4 percentage points higher than the first two months of the year, or up 0.84 percent month-on-month.

In the first quarter, online retail sales hit 1.40 trillion yuan, up 32.1 percent year-on-year. Of the total, the retail sales of physical goods were 1.07 trillion yuan, an increase of 25.8 percent, accounting for 12.4 percent of the total retail sales of consumer goods, or 1.8 percentage points higher than the same period of last year.

6. Imports and exports grew rapidly and structures of trade have been improved.

Imports and exports reached 6.20 trillion yuan in the first quarter this year, registering a yearly growth of 21.8 percent, while, the figure last year slid 0.9 percent. Specifically speaking, exports reached 3.33 trillion yuan, up 14.8 percent year on year, while, imports grew by 31.3 percent to 2.87 trillion yuan. The trade surplus was 454.9 billion yuan.

The general trade of imports and exports increased by 23.2 percent, making up 56.2 percent of the imports and exports combined while registering an increase of 0.6 percentage points. The exports of mechatronics which grew by 15.1 percent in the first quarter this year remained the major force which composed of 58.1 percent of the exports in aggregation.

The imports and exports to some targeted countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative generated growths. The figures of China's trade to Russia, Pakistan, Poland, Kazakhstan and India rose respectively by 37 percent, 18.7 percent, 19 percent, 69.3 percent and 27.7 percent. The imports and exports in March grew by 24.2 percent year on year to 2.31 trillion yuan, among which, the exports reached 1.24 trillion yuan, up 22.3 percent, while, imports increased by 26.3 percent to 1.07 trillion yuan.

In the last quarter, the delivery value for exports from domestic industries and firms above designated size reached 2.79 trillion yuan, up 10.3 percent year on year, among which the figure in March alone rose by 12.9 percent to 1.07 trillion yuan.

7. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) registered moderate growth while the Producer Price Index (PPI) experienced a decelerated growing rate.

In the first three months of this year, the growth of the CPI dropped 0.7 percentage points year on year to 1.4 percent, constituted by 1.5-percent increase from cities and 1.1 percent in rural regions. In view of industrial categories, prices of foods, cigarettes and alcohols dropped by 0.8 percent year on year, the wears rose by 1.2 percent, accommodations up 2.4 percent, the daily necessities and services grew by 0.6 percent, traffic and telecommunication surged by 2.0 percent, education, culture and entertainment increased by 2.5 percent, medical and healthcare services hiked by 5.1 percent and the other services climbed by 3.6 percent.

Amid the prices of foods, cigarettes and alcohols, those of crops rose by 1.3 percent, pork, up 0.9 percent and fresh vegetables fell by 18.8 percent. In March, the CPI grew by 0.9 percent year on year, a growth 0.1 percentage points higher than that in February, however, 0.3 percent lower than that in February.

The cost price of PPI in the first quarter this year rose by 7.4 percent year on year, while, the figure last year was down by 4.8 percent. In March, the cost price of PPI rose by 7.6 percent, 0.2 percentage points lower than the growth rate in February, while 0.3 percent higher than the growth generated a month ahead. In the first quarter this year, the purchasing price of PPI soared by 9.4 percent, and in March alone, the figure grew by 10.0 percent year on year as well as up 0.5 percent from that of a month ago.

8. Personal income has improved with economic growth while the wealth gap between urban and rural incomes keeps narrowing.

In the first quarter of this year, the per capita disposable income reached 7,184 yuan, with a nominal growth of 8.5 percent and an actual growth of 7.0 percent regarding the factoring of price factors. Growth has become 0.1 percentage points higher than that of GDP. Being dissected in view of urban and rural locations, the disposable income per capita of urban residents reached 9,986 yuan, registering an actual growth of 6.3 percent regarding price factors, at the same time, the rural individuals were distributed with 3,880 yuan, an actual growth of 7.2 percent.

The ratio between urban and rural per capita disposable incomes has reduced to 2.57, 0.02 points lower year on year. The median of the disposable income per capita reached 6,067 yuan, registering a yearly nominal growth of 6.7 percent. The per capita consumption expenditure reached 4,796 yuan, nominally up 7.7 percent year on year and 6.2 percent de facto. By February, the outflow of rural labor force to cities had totaled to 172.53 million, with a 2.7-percent increase of 4.54 million people comparing to the same period, last year. The per capita income of the migrant workers reached 3,483 yuan, up 6.4 percent.

9. The supply-side reform forges ahead and the economic structure continues to be improved.

Progress has been made in an endeavor to reduce overcapacities, real estate inventories and debts while cutting costs and strengthening vulnerable points.

In the first quarter this year, the utilization ratio of industries above designated size reached 75.8 percent, 2.0 percentage points higher than that in the fourth quarter last year, while, the output of raw coals fell by 3.0 percent year on year.

By March, the commercial housing to be purchased slid by 6.4 percent, 3.2 percentage points more than the decline in the end of last year. The costs and debt asset ratio among industries and firms dropped. By February, the ratio of asset liabilities among the industries and firms above designated size reached 56.2 percent, down 0.6 percentage points year on year. Between January and February, the cost of the enterprises above designated size reached 84.91 yuan per 100 yuan in revenue, with a reduction of 0.28 yuan, year on year.

The investment grew faster in the vulnerable sectors and the capitals used for environmental and ecological protection, management of public facilities, agriculture and irrigation respectively increased by 48.1 percent, 27.4 percent, 24.6 percent and 18.3 percent, 38.9, 18.2, 15.4 and 9.1 percentage points higher than the total investment growth.

The industrial structures continued to be improved. The tertiary industry made up 56.5 percent of the GDP, 17.8 percentage points higher than the secondary industry. The change of demand pattern is underway. The eventual consumption expenditures contributed 77.2 percent to GDP growth in the first quarter this year. With the accelerating expansion of new energies, the added value of the emerging industries grew by 10.3 percent year on year, 3.5 percentage points higher than the industries above designated size, in the past three months. The energy consumption has continued to be reduced as the energy consumption per unit of GDP declined by 3.8 percent in the first quarter, this year.

Generally speaking, the national economy maintained good momentum in the first three months, this year, as the growth rate rebounded, the structural reform sustained, the innovative industries accelerated and livelihoods have been much improved. With the numerous positive factors, the economic operation enjoyed a good start. But what we still need to be aware of is the complicated international environment and the acute national structural problems that remain to be solved, which challenged us to be more dedicated to sustain the good momentum.

With our ensuing plans, we'll make progress while avoiding big volatility of the national economy, prioritizing the implementation of innovative approaches, pressing ahead with supply-side reforms, stimulating more demand, effectively rationalizing social expectations and putting innovation as an incentive to fuel development. Let's roll our sleeves and work hard to press ahead with a smooth development of a stable and healthy national economy. Thank you!

Xi Yanchun:

Thanks for Mr. Mao's introduction. Now it's time for questions. The rules remain unchanged as the journalists are required to identify yourself with your media outlets before raising questions. Now the question session begins.

CCTV:

From the data just released, the Chinese economy has made a good start in the first quarter, with several indicators showing positive signs -- industrial output and GDP both having surpassed market expectations. What are behind these increases? And what do you think of the overall performance of the Chinese economy in the first quarter? Thank you.

Mao Shengyong:

Thank you. You raised two questions, and I'll first answer the second one and then move on to the first.

The Chinese economy continued stable and sound momentum in the first quarter, the performance exceeding expectations and providing a rosy start to the year. This will lay a sound foundation for meeting the full-year target.

In terms of the four major macroeconomic indicators, the economic growth rate has picked up, prices are generally stable, employment has expanded and international payments have become more balanced.

First, the growth rate of the Chinese economy has picked up. The country's GDP increased 6.9 percent in the first quarter, an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the same period of last year and an increase of 0.1 percentage points from the fourth quarter of 2016. What's most noteworthy is that the value-added industrial output (of designated large enterprises with annual turnover of at least 20 million yuan) expanded 6.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, with a gain of one percentage point from the previous year. The value-added industrial output increased by 7.6 percent in March. This is growth after we remove price factors. If we factor in those prices -- which are on the rise currently -- industrial output would have reached double digit growth. Additionally, the service sector's value-added output also increased faster than the first quarter of last year.

Second, prices are generally stable. The CPI in the first quarter increased 1.4 percent year-on-year, while the core CPI (after excluding food and energy) increased 2 percent, showing a moderate increase. The PPI increased 7.4 percent in the first quarter overall, but 7.6 percent in March, registering expanded growth for five consecutive months since returning to positive growth last September. The PPI increased 7.8 percent in February, mainly due to a carry-on effect. The growth rate in March fell slightly compared to February. Judging from both CPI and PPI, we think prices overall are stable.

Third, employment has expanded. A total of 3.34 million new jobs were created in the first quarter, an increase of 160,000 compared to the same period of last year. At the end of March, the surveyed urban unemployment rates nationally and in 31 major cities fell compared from February; especially, the unemployment rate in the 31 major cities stayed below 5 percent. At the end of February, the number of migrant workers increased by 2.7 percent year-on-year. Additionally, market research discloses there were 1.13 vacant positions for every job seeker, slightly higher than the same period of last year. All this points to a sound employment environment.

Fourth, the international balance of payment has improved. Judging from the current account, the surplus of trade in goods topped 450 billion yuan in the first quarter. Taking into account of service trade, the current account is still in the black; judging from the capital account, the capital flow has also shown positive signs as the foreign exchange rate of the yuan and foreign reserves remain generally stable.

Based on the above four major indicators, the Chinese economy is in a stable and sound condition.

Now, turning back to your first question: What are the factors behind the sound performance of the economy? First, secondary industry, especially manufacturing, made a big contribution to the economic growth. As the supply-side structural reform continues to make gains, the supply-demand relationship has improved notably and businesses have increased their confidence. Enterprises have seen fast growth in their profits -- the profit of designated large enterprises with annual turnover of at least 20 million yuan increased 31.5 percent from January to February year-on-year, for example. As enterprises obtained higher profits, they expanded production, which contributed significantly to the overall economic growth. Secondary industry saw its added value rise 6.4 percent year-on-year, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the same period last year. It contributed 36.1 percent to GDP growth, an increase of 1.1 percentage points year-on-year.

Second, consumption plays more of a basic role in driving economic growth. Firstly, people's income has grown by 7 percent in real terms in Q1, up 0.5 percentage points year-on-year. Income is a key requirement for consumption growth. Secondly, according to statistics, the consumption structure rapidly upgrades as service consumption takes up a larger share in the total mix. Service consumption is growing fast.

Moreover, the upgrading of the consumption structure is also manifested with the quick growth of quality products. Thirdly, mass innovation and entrepreneurship is breeding new consumption models and patterns and thus boosting emerging areas of consumption as well as new growth drivers. With all of the above factors combined, consumption has contributed 77.2 percent to economic growth, up by 2.2 percentage points over the same period last year.

Third, exports' contribution to economic growth has turned positive. The surplus of trade in goods was over 450 billion yuan in Q1, down by 35.5 percent year-on-year. This decline may trigger doubts about the so-called positive contribution of exports to economic growth. Actually, while doing the GDP calculations, we need to make several adjustments in those statistics by using the constant price, i.e. adjusting for import and export prices, to measure the growth rate.

And here, the 35.5 percent decline in the trade surplus is actually indicating the current price. The price index for export and import was 5.4 percent and 14.4 percent in Q1. After adjustment for inflation and taking trade in services into consideration, the surplus of trade in goods and services are actually growing compared to that of the previous year. Net export of trade in goods and services has contributed 4.2 percent to economic growth, compared to a negative 11.5 percent last year. So it is safe to say that exports contribution has turned from negative to positive.

All the above three drivers supported the rapid rebounding of economic growth in the first three months. Thank you.

Reuters:

To what extent had the capital formation contributed to economic growth in the first quarter? While consumption contributed 77.2 percent of economic growth, some economists still hold that the country's economy is still driven by infrastructure investment and the property market. How do you respond to this? Thank you.

Mao Shengyong:

What are the main factors driving economic growth? This is still the focus of public attention.

We may analyze it from the perspective of industrial structure. First, given the rapid industrial expansion, many people may think that industry might be the main driving force for economic growth. Then in this logic, can we say that traditional industry could also be a major driving force of economic growth if it profits well? Looking into the industrial structure, the tertiary sector actually contributed 61.7 percent to economic growth. Therefore, it should be the biggest driver for economic expansion.

Secondly, as we look into different fields of industry, the traditional sector is also growing but with a modest pace. For instance, the growth rate of the mining industry is still negative, but the drop is narrowing compared to the same period last year. Other traditional sectors are growing at a modest pace but quicker than that of the previous year. Advanced manufacturing sectors are better performers, which are exemplified by a 13.4 percent and 12 percent expansion in the high tech industry and equipment manufacturing industry respectively. Specifically speaking, therefore, advanced manufacturing sectors are growing faster while traditional sectors are keeping stable growth.

Thirdly, traditional sectors are also undergoing a major facelift. Pushed by the supply-side reforms in recent years, some traditional sectors like steel, non-ferrous metals and sheet glass have had its outdated facilities shut down and witnessed improved technology, quality, craftsmanship and competitiveness. From this perspective, different industries are developing toward medium and higher ends.

If we look at the picture from the demand side, consumption is still the largest contributor for growth. It contributed 77.2 percent to economic growth in Q1, up by 2.2 percentage points year-on-year. At the same time, capital's contribution is markedly declining to 18.6 percent. Therefore, capital is by no means the major factor driving economic rebound. The general picture is that consumption as well as the service sector constitutes a major part of economic growth. Thank you.

Financial Times:

Since October last year, the government has provided a very definite policy aimed to deflate housing-market bubbles. We could see the latest data: the 9.1 percent investment growth in the real estate market, much higher than that of the same period last year. Do you think this growth rate could be maintained? Will the tightening policy be tightened further？

Mao Shengyong:

Thank you for your question. We care about the real estate market very much. As for the control of the real estate market, firstly, the fundamental position for the real estate market is very clear. Houses are for living, not for speculating. This is a basic position. The real estate should keep its residential function. Second, in order to achieve this aim, we should establish robust long-term mechanisms for promoting the steady and sound development of the real estate sector. For tax, finance and land supply, we should establish a full set of institutional arrangements. Third, the real estate market is highly regionally demarcated. Some areas, especially the first-tier cities and some hot cities are under big pressure from rising housing prices. At present, there is still excess supply in the real estate market of third- and fourth-tier cities, we should adhere to align measures with local circumstances, implement policies based on city circumstances and local governments should give a better play to take primary responsibility in this respect.

After Sept. 30 last year, some areas have introduced a series of real estate policies, which were aimed to rein in surging housing prices. In March of this year, housing prices rebound turned up in some areas. In order to curb excessively rising housing prices, prevent real estate speculation and risks, we further take some adjustment measures. The new round of adjustment measures was rolled out after March 17, so the effect on the housing prices and other indices of real estate may appear in April and beyond.

Regarding your concern about the real estate market after taking adjustment measures.In the first quarter, the investment in the real estate market increased by 9.1 percent, 0.2 percentage points higher than that for January to February, 2.2 percentage points higher than that for the entire year of 2016. I think there are two reasons: one is that the transacted floor space had an excessive growth last year, and that housing prices increased a lot.

Because the investment in the real estate market is cyclical, so the investment from enterprises into properties lags. In the first quarter of this year, the transaction volume by floor space sales area of commercial properties increased by 19.5 percent year on year. Although it has fallen from the highs of last year, the growth is still fast. The enterprises still have a motivation to invest.

The other one is, seen from the paid-in investment of enterprises, the growth of the first quarter is not bad. But what is the trend of the real estate market investment in the next quarter? We could see from two aspects. On the one hand, sales by floor space have increased rapidly last year, with a high base number. The first quarter of this year has started to fall; the growth rate of the transaction by floor space is much likely to slow down, which may affect the motivation of enterprises investment to a certain extent.

On the other hand, some hot cities have increased land supply, which could help increase real estate investment. I think that the growth of real estate investment in the next quarter still needs observation. Thank you.

China News Service:

It's inspiring to see a 6.9 percent GDP growth rate in Q1. A latest report released by the World Bank has shown that China's growth is projected to continue easing steadily, to 6.5% in 2017 and 6.3% in 2018, as the government rebalances toward consumption and services. Mr. Mao, in your opinion, what are the future prospects of China's economic growth? Thank you.

Mao Shengyong:

Thank you for your question. Some international organizations and research institutes often make predictions for the economic growth of China and other major economies. Scholars and media in China have also shown their optimistic or pessimistic views. In my opinion, there are two characteristics of China's economy in the next stage and for the medium-and-long period.

Firstly, China's economy is becoming more stable, which means stable in growth rate, employment, commodity prices and incomes. Your concern is regarding the growth rate. China's economic growth rate was 6.9 percent in 2015, 6.7 percent in 2016 and 6.9 percent again in Q1 this year. The slight fluctuation shows the stability of economic growth.

The favorable growth rate brings promising employment. In the past few years, China added more than 13 million jobs in urban areas every year, with the unemployment rate staying under 5 percent and fast growth in the income of urban and rural residents. Fluctuation of economic growth is reasonable as long as the rise of commodity prices can be controlled, the employment can be guaranteed and the incomes can grow. This year's government work report sets the GDP growth target at 6.5% for 2017.

The recent years have seen dramatic changes in China's industrial structure. The tertiary industry now accounts for more than 50 percent of all the three industries, with 51.6 percent in 2016, which contributes much for the stability of China's economic growth. The service sector, with promising development and high growth, has become the anchor and stabilizer of economic growth. Meanwhile, the increasing contribution from consumption is a strong support for the country's economic stability.

Secondly, China's economic development sees a promising future. China is still a developing country, with GDP per capita of US$8,000. The potential of coordinated development of new urbanization, new industrialization, agricultural modernization and informatization is great. The fast development in the last 40 years has accumulated abundant capital, manpower capital, talent dividends and reform dividends which have been released by the supply-side structural reform and the reforms in key sectors. From the perspective of the medium-and-long-term, China's economic development is promising. Thank you.

Market News International:

The profits of industrial companies rose 31.5% in the first two months from a year earlier. In fact, we heard that some companies' cost of capital is increasing, including staff salaries and taxes. Since there is not much money left for companies after paying the tax. I believe the number just mentioned is gross profit, not net profit. If this is true, the next step in regard to a company's investment may be unknown. What are your views on this issue?

Mao Shengyong:

Firstly, it is true that the profits of industrial enterprises above the designated size basically increased 31.5% year-on-year. There are three main reasons for the growth: first, the price of major industrial products has been growing at a fast pace, with a PPI increase of 7.8% in February; second, industrial production has been expanding; third, the profit margins of companies are also growing. To be fair, the reason why we could reach the number of 31.5% is also because of the low base registered in the same period of last year. As regards the next step, the growth rate of enterprise profits may gradually return to a normal and reasonable level, but the enterprise profits could still maintain a relatively high growth.

Secondly, I'll answer the question about enterprise costs. We also received some feedback from enterprises through a variety of channels. In general, the State implemented a series of tax reductions to reduce enterprise costs. Last year, we reduced the overall tax burden by nearly 1 trillion yuan, particularly by replacing the business tax with a value-added tax that produced a reduction of 500 billion yuan. So, in this period, we have achieved great success in reducing costs. However, we still need to take note that enterprise costs are still relatively high, creating much pressure on their operations. The enterprises still carry a heavy burden, especially when overall domestic demand is not quite so strong. Hence, we need to push ahead with tax reduction and cutting systemic transaction costs, reducing the enterprise burden and creating a better market environment for their future development. Thanks.

China National Radio:

We have noticed that, in March, private investment reached 5.73 trillion yuan, up 7.7 percent, one percentage point higher than growth in the first two months of this year. Does the overall momentum of the private investment suggest a rebound now? Besides, private investment reflects the real economy. So, is the real economy getting better, too? Thank you.

Mao Shengyong:

Thanks for your questions. One is about the trend of the private investment and the other refers to the growth of the real economy.

Private investment in the first quarter of the year did indeed grow one percentage point, and was faster than the growth in the first two months of this year, reaching 7.7 percent. The manufacturing investment in the first quarter of the year grew 5.8 percent, which represented a 1.5 percentage-point gain compared to the first two months of the year. We pay close attention to private investment and investment in the manufacturing sector, because the latter mainly involves private enterprises and thus is a more accurate reflection of the market's growth momentum and dynamics. Since last September, both manufacturing investment and private investment have been rebounding.

Last year, private investment was at a low level with a rapid decrease. The State Council undertook studies, issued documents and dispatched supervisory groups to local governments to check the reasons for this. Since then, private investment has been given high attention by local governments. It has been on the rise from the last September to the present.

Viewed from the current circumstances, the rebound has a certain basis, and here are the reasons:

First, the supply-demand relationship has improved and the market has become more vigorous, creating a better atmosphere for the investment and growth of private enterprises.

Second, current policy support in various respects, including reforms for "streamlining administration and supervision and service efficiency", market access and accelerating PPP-based projects, have allowed more space for private enterprises, which will help the growth of the private investment. Thus, private investment can still maintain its rebound in the next phase.

As for the real economy you mentioned, revival of the real economy is one of this year's four key tasks in deepening supply-side structural reform. The real economy includes the manufacturing sector and the service sector. Given the current overall economic growth trend, the real economy has shown signs of rebound. Next, with more policy supports, more resources and funds will be pulled away from the virtual economy to benefit the real one. The real economy is well positioned to achieve better development. Thank you.

China Economic Information Service:

I have a question on Xiongan New Area. As you know, the new area has gained widespread attention since news about it was released on April 1. Will its construction stimulate investment to some extent? Thank you.

Mao Shengyong:

Thanks for your question. Xiongan New Area is currently a major concern all over China and around the world. The plan to create the new area is a major strategic choice made by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to remove functions not related to the capital from Beijing and to integrate the development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei Province. It is crucial for the millennial development to come and will play a significant role in promoting economic and social development. First, it has shored up confidence in different aspects at present. Second, it will expand the space for regional development in terms of actual growth.

Next, as the plan of the new area has been introduced, Xiongan is under construction step by step according to this plan, generating strong demand for businesses, industries and talents. It will provide many startup platforms and opportunities for market entities.

Chairperson Xi Yanchun:

That's all for today's press conference. Thank you, Mr. Mao, and all our friends from the press.

Speaker:
Huang Shouhong, head of the State Council Research Office and leader of the report's drafting team

Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office

Date:
March 5, 2017

Hu Kaihong:

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Welcome to this policy briefing conference organized by the State Council Information Office. In the morning, the Fifth Session of the 12th National People's Congress opened, and Premier Li Keqiang delivered the government work report, attracting much public attention. Today, we are delighted to have with us Mr. Huang Shouhong, head of the State Council Research Office and leader of the report's drafting team, to brief you on the drafting of the report and answer your questions.

Huang Shouhong:

Friends from the press, good afternoon.

This year is of great significance to China. It will see the opening of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress; it is an important year for the country to implement the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020), and to press ahead with supply-side structural reform. It is also the last year of this particular government's term in office. With the increased complexity and uncertainties of the international situation, Chinese people, like the international community, are paying close attention to the thinking and the actions, as well as the future outlook of the national leaders. During his delivery of the government work report this morning, Premier Li Keqiang reviewed government work in 2016, clarified the government plans for this year and responded to various public concerns.

The CPC Central Committee and the State Council attached much importance to the drafting of the work report. CPC General-Secretary Xi Jinping presided over meetings of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and meetings of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss the report and provide some important instructions. Premier Li Keqiang personally chaired the work of drafting this report. During the initial stage, the Premier laid down specific requirements in terms of its guiding principles, structure, major contents and expressions. During the drafting process, he worked with the drafting team on revisions and contributed many important points to the report. He also chaired executive meetings and plenary sessions of the State Council to discuss the various drafts. Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli and other State Council leaders also provided specific instructions. The report has the following features:

First, the report fully displays new visions, new thoughts and new strategies of governing the country created by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core. The report fully implements the major spirit of the 18th CPC National Congress, its third, fourth, fifth and sixth plenary sessions as well as the Central Economic Work Conference. It further explores the thinking laid out in the important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping as well as his new visions, new thoughts and new strategies on how to govern the country. It is drafted in accordance with the overall plan to seek economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological progress while adhering to the Four-pronged Strategy. The drafting work was developed in accordance with the working principles and new development visions of making progress while maintaining national stability

Second, the report fully responds to various social concerns, reflects the common understandings reached by various parties and pools the combined wisdom of various entities. Premier Li Keqiang emphasized that all the government work is undertaken for the people and that drafting the government work report should, therefore, solicit ideas and opinions from the people. He personally made various research trips to meet grassroots communities, and chaired three workshops with: non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation; experts, scholars and entrepreneurs; and people in science, education, culture, health and sports circles, as well as local communities. He listened to the opinions and suggestions expressed in such events while also drawing on many other sources. Many policy measures were adopted after the Premier listened to the opinions of the public.

Huang Shouhong:

The State Council Research Office was in main charge of the drafting. Together with the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, it held a meeting with 11 foreign experts to solicit their opinions. The experts came from different countries, including the United States, U.K., Germany, Canada, Australia and Japan. They made many useful suggestions from their global perspective.

In China, 731 million people have access to the internet, and 95 percent of them use cell phones to go online. These people play an active and important part in modern society. As the internet has become a major tool for governing the country, collecting public opinion online has become increasingly efficient.

This year, the State Council and 27 media websites launched an online campaign called "Share your thoughts with Premier Li" to collect opinions on the drafting of the work report. By March 3, around 316,400 messages were posted online. The previous year, the number totaled 183,400. More than 1,500 messages were extremely constructive and were passed on to us, as compared to 590 messages the previous year. Some of the reports we received were based on similar suggestions from a large number of people; there were also some suggestions from foreign internet users. Besides, nearly 2 million people shared their thoughts via other platforms, such as new media, microblogs and online forums.

The reports received reflected the opinions of different regions and departments. The central government's decisions and plans have to be carried out by individual local governments and many government departments. Therefore, only when the work report responds to their perceived needs, can they be really enthusiastic about undertaking what is required. We have studied the opinions from all circles, including those online ones. We have done our best to reflect these in the work report. In fact, most of them have been written into the report. In the next few days, we will make further improvements according to the opinions of NPC deputies and CPPCC members.

Third, the report strongly adheres to facts. On March 1, the State Council released a report on how the goals set in last year's government work report were fulfilled. There were more than 30 mandatory goals. Some were fulfilled as planned and some went beyond expectation. It ensured a good beginning for the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

According to estimates, China regained first place among the world's major economies in terms of the overall economic growth rate. However, I think, what is more important is the accelerated improvement and the upgrading of our economic structure, the marked enhancement of economic performance, the development of new engines of growth, and the stronger public sense of benefits, happiness and security.

Now, I'd like to invite you to read through the report. You will find specific measures for all major social concerns, including the treatment of smog, the relief of enterprises' financial burdens, increase of broadband speed, and the reduction of the rates for internet services.

Fourth, the report seeks to place people first. At the end of December, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over the 14th meeting of the Central Leading Group on Finance and Economic Affairs. Six major issues concerning people's livelihood were discussed. They included the use of clean energy in winter heating, sorted treatment of waste, housing market reform, old-age care and food safety.

Premier Li Keqiang has repeatedly stressed that the wishes of the people should always determine our way of governance. We have done our utmost to respond to people's wishes in the government work report. In this year's report, it was stated explicitly that an important reason for maintaining stable growth is to ensure employment and improve people's lives. It was also stressed that we should solve prominent problems of public concern. There were specific measures to promote employment, cut the mobile rates for roaming and long-distance calls, increase government subsidies for basic health insurance for rural and nonworking urban residents, build a nationwide information network for basic health insurance so healthcare costs can be settled directly where incurred, and adjust and improve the natural disaster subsidy mechanism. All this shows the Chinese government continues to give top priority to the people in governance. It also shows that China's economic growth is oriented to people, ensuring they can enjoy their life.

Huang Shouhong:

The aforementioned facts show the drafting of the government work report is a complex and systemic social undertaking. A rough calculation indicates millions of people contributed their opinions and suggestions for the drafting of the report, and some 9,000 people were directly involved in related discussions and revisions. The number includes more than 4,000 assorted heads of all localities and central government agencies, up to 3,000 NPC deputies and over 2,100 CPPCC members. For a report on government work, it is not commonly seen in other countries to extensively and intensively seek opinions from all sectors of society and draft targeted policies and measures.

It's worthy of note that Premier Li Keqiang's requirement to improve the textual style and keep the report concise resulted in a wordage count this time of 18,600 Chinese characters, 1,000 characters less than last year's report.

The tasks of seeking reform, development and stability impose extremely heavy pressure on us, not to mention the difficulties and challenges we face. In the government work report, Premier Li Keqiang said that just as we shouldn't underestimate the difficulties, we shouldn't let anything shake our confidence, either. We have confidence to achieve the yearly objectives of economic and social development and provide more social benefits that greatly surprise the world.

Hu Kaihong:

Let's thank Mr. Huang for his detailed yet succinct briefing. Now the floor is open to questions. Before you ask your questions, please identify which media you represent. Today we have many friends from international news agencies, and we have simultaneous interpretation for you.

Hong Kong Cable Television:

I noticed that the government work report delivered this year mentioned for the first time "Hong Kong independence," saying that the notion leads nowhere. What was the purpose of this mention?

Huang Shouhong:

The statement about "Hong Kong independence" in the report, I would say, is not aimless. What happened in the past two years, last year in particular, has revealed there are indeed remarks and actions advocating "Hong Kong independence." Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, it has made achievements obvious to all. The region's prosperity and development would not be possible without the strong support of the motherland. This is a point I believe you know deeply from your own experience. Without the support of the mainland, what would Hong Kong be like? What would Hong Kong people's life be like? I think the answer is self-evident. Therefore, "Hong Kong independence" goes against the interests of all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots. The premier's statement in the government report is a responsible one both for the country as a whole and for Hong Kong compatriots and Hong Kong's future. Thank you.

CCTV:

Mr. Huang, China's economic performance this year is one of the key points of common interest. At the beginning of last year, many people, both at home and abroad, expressed pessimistic views about China's economic performance. However, figures published today show that performance has beaten their expectations. But, there are still talks of pessimism. Why is this? What is the real picture of our economy?

Huang Shouhong:

China's economic development has always been surprising in a good way these past years. As we all know, some international media have kept dampening expectations of the Chinese economy, predicting a hard landing from time to time. I once noticed a cover picture showing a skier speeding down a mountain trail comparing China's economic development to such a trajectory. However, facts have proven such reports wrong. Why? China's economy has its own resilience, potential and advantages; it also has a unique and effective internal mechanism for maintaining balance to resist risks. Likewise, China's economic growth was also surprising last year. The situation at the beginning of last year and the time when the annual session of the National People's Congress was held was quite different from how things are going now. Back then, people from various quarters were bearish about China's economy. We were indeed facing a tough time back then as major economic indicators had slipped in the preceding months. Premier Li Keqiang stressed when delivering the government work report last year the need to be prepared for handling a more difficult and complicated situation.

Through efforts on different sides, the Chinese economy started to improve gradually from the third quarter last year, and growth momentum has continued until today. As an ancient Chinese poem goes, "Where hills bend, streams wind and the pathway seems to end. Past dark willows and flowers in bloom lies another village". Every cloud has a silver lining. There are multiple reasons for the improvement. I will only stress one important point here: New growth drivers are picking up pace and strongly supporting the economy. There are two aspects important to the new growth drivers. The first is: new technologies, new industries, new business forms and new models. The Chinese economy has exhibited great vitality and grown rapidly during the transformation. I believe all of you here have already deeply felt this. For example, information industry and online shopping have witnessed a massive upsurge. Tmall.com sales exceeded 120 billion yuan during Taobao's annual Singles' Day shopping event this year.

Huang Shouhong:

For another example, someone said tourism is either a weather vane or barometer for the Chinese economy. Chinese people would like to live within their means. In the past, they saw tourism was a luxury item of consumption; now, it has become a necessity. If Chinese people don't have much money, and their families can't live a good life, who will be in the mood for touring? They will not go. So, when they go on a tour, they must have enough money as well as time and be in a good mood. Therefore, the life of ordinary Chinese people is a very important aspect in observing the economy,.

Second, traditional industries have revived in the process of transformation and upgrading, and now form a strong new momentum. Many traditional industries were forced by market demands to cut excessive industrial capacity and speed up their upgrading, which was beneficial to creating new momentum. So, when observing the development of the Chinese economy in the past year, as well as considering its development in the future, you have to look closely at new momentum being imparted for China's economic development. Today Premier Li also listed several statistics, including the number of newly-registered enterprises and other market entities of various kinds. The number of newly-registered enterprise grew 24.5 percent last year, which means an average of 15,000 new enterprises being registered every day. Adding individually-owned businesses, the number of various market entities saw an increase of 45,000 every day. Those new market entities will definitely become a new source of power for economic development. Of course, there will be elements of life and death for those new entities, but if consider that, currently, 70 percent of them are active, the incremental growth is still very big. Among them, there will be giant enterprises standing out in the future.

All in all, new momentum in the Chinese economy will come from either the new industries and new market entities, or the traditional industries that have been able to achieve transformation and upgrading. When you add the two together, these not only promoted great development for the past year, but also ensures better development for this year, as well as greater hopes for the future. Thank you.

The Nihon Keizai Shimbun:

The Chinese government releases detailed figures for the military budget annually during the two sessions period, so would you share the detailed budget numbers for 2017?

Huang Shouhong:

China is adamant in following a path of peaceful development, upholding the strategic guideline of positive defense; so every year, China will determine the scale of the national defense budget based on the defense construction demands and the level of economic development. The defense budget's proportion in China's GDP is much lower than the average international level. This year there will be some increase, but the extent will not be very high. As for the detailed figures, you may check the fiscal budget report, or check with relevant departments. Thanks.

Phoenix TV:

We have noticed that this year's government work report uses very strong words in stressing environmental pollution and measures to tackle it, such as "working hard to tackle smog, pledging to make skies blue again….and sticking to the bottom line of environmental protection." In fact, previous government reports also used quite a lot of similar strong words in this regard, but people generally don't believe the results have been satisfactory. So, in terms of the public sense of security, what kind of measures do you think in this year's government work report can be put into place, so as to make people feel happier? Thank you.

Huang Shouhong:

From statistical analysis, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions have continuously been declining in recent years, which is a basic fact. Statistics released by the Beijing Municipality some time ago also show the number of blue-sky days has been increasing, while the number of smoggy days has fallen, and the ecological environment has taken a turn for the better, which is also the real situation.

The premier's government work report this time has greatly increased the wordage devoted to tackling smog, and provided a detailed introduction of many relevant measures. This is actually a message conveyed by the Chinese government that greater efforts will be made in dealing with smog. As you said just now, the government made similar remarks in the past, such as "we will do this and we will do that." But, I think the current situation is quite different.

First, there is consensus in society. That doesn't mean there was no consensus in the past in strengthening environmental protection and tackling pollution. The fact is that the consensus was not as strong as now. The situation was complicated. Some local officials thought there might be a contradiction between tackling environmental pollution and ensuring economic growth in a certain period. To tackle environmental pollution, we have to increase investment and shut down some enterprises, and this is a price we have to pay. In many cases, a bad thing can be turned into a good one. As soon as a crisis comes, and when the situation becomes serious, the society can quickly form a consensus. Now, after several rounds of severe smoggy days, a consensus has been reached and has become much stronger than before. Otherwise, it's hard for us to convince people and it's hard for us to persuade local governments in this regard.

Second, the government certainly has a determination to tackle the problem. Nothing can be done without such determination. We have both the determination and the means to control pollution. After continuous research and exploration, we know better now about the sources of smog. As we all know, smog is mainly caused by coal burning, industrial activity and motor vehicle emissions, as well as meteorological conditions and other factors. Now we have found the sources of pollution, we can take appropriate measures to deal with them. Our measures are also powerful. As mentioned in Premier Li Keqiang's government work report, a 24-hour online monitoring system will be implemented in regard to all major industrial pollution sources, and a deadline is set for polluting enterprises to meet the required standards. These enterprises will be resolutely shut down if they fail to attain the required standards in due time.

These are unprecedentedly powerful measures. We also have legal protection. The Environmental Protection Law is known as the strictest law in Chinese judicial history. It clarified the behaviors that violate the law and can be treated as criminal acts. The government has created a proper accountability system, and Premier Li Keqiang has stated that, in three specific circumstances, offenders will severely be held accountable.

While tackling smog, we must have a sense of urgency, a sense of responsibility, and sufficient patience. As it takes more than one cold day to freeze ice hard, the trouble is deep-rooted, and it is impossible for us to eliminate it within a single day. So, the idea to accomplish the whole task at one stroke is unrealistic. Tackling smog and environmental pollution and the development are not completely consistent within a certain period. That's why many countries contend for discharge capacities in climate negotiations. Such contradiction occurs in every country, the key is to have a sense of propriety in this process.

We must unswervingly control pollution and improve the environment. We must be prepared to tackle outstanding problems and get ready for a prolonged struggle. In the age of famine, people were only worried about being adequately fed; now, when living standards are steadily improving, they have wider concerns. In the same way, people had only one requirement in starving days, but they will have more requirements in well-fed days.

Some people have said that the fastest way to control pollution is to shut down all the polluting enterprises and turn off all the boilers. It might be the simplest, but it is not feasible. So, we have to find a balance, to find a win-win and multi-win way for economic development and improve the ecological environment.

CNR:

There are many contents about the improvement and the protection of the people's livelihood in different parts of the 2017 government work report. As you have mentioned, it is a big gift package. Can you summarize the details of the gift package?

Huang Shouhong:

Everything we care about is included in the gift package. Employment has a vital bearing on people's livelihood. As long as the employment rate is high, it is acceptable, no matter whether the economic growth rate is higher or lower. Why has the steady growth been highlighted in recent years? It is to maintain a steady employment rate and benefit the people, which will mean that our society will be stable and our economy will grow. We will carry out a more active employment policy this year and increase our support [in this regard]. The number of college graduates will reach an historical high this year. Therefore, we must carry out the plans for employment promotion, encouragement of business startups, and grassroots growth. We need to eliminate any pockets of zero employment and ensure work for people from low income urban families and the disabled families.

Classified regulation is highlighted in the government work report to boost the healthy development of the real estate sector. Low-income housing will be guaranteed. Six million houses will be built during the renovation of shanty areas this year. What do six million houses mean? It means more than 20 million people can improve their living conditions if we judge this from the viewpoint of a family of three or four. There are many measures to ensure educational equality. For instance, we will unify the "Two Exemptions and One Subsidy" policy for compulsory education in urban and rural areas, which means exempting students from tuition fees, providing free textbooks for students, and providing living subsidy for student boarders in compulsory education. This means great support for rural students. Taking another example, we will speed up the coverage rate for all residents in regard to urban compulsory education public services and make sure migrant workers' children can gain an equal education in urban areas. Also, for several years we have been expanding the enrollment in key universities for students from poor areas. The enrollment ratio increased 20 percent last year and will continue to rise this year. This is aimed at creating a fair and better chance for children from poor areas.

Huang Shouhong:

In medical treatment, the medical insurance subsidy will be increased by 30 yuan (US$4.4) per capita from 420 yuan (US$60.9) to 450 yuan (US$65.2). The medicine coverage will also be expanded, with more reimbursement this year. The coverage of critical illness insurance program will also be expanded. The work report stresses the program of medical treatment combination will be enhanced this year. It means we will integrate hospitals of different levels from first-class hospitals to grass-root ones, with the aim of sharing the good medical resources. Therefore, patients can go to nearby hospitals and get good medical treatment close to their homes. The aim of the measures of medical treatment combination, the hierarchical medical system and family doctor signing service is to provide convenient medical service to the patients.

In social security, pensions will be increased this year. It is proposed that the natural disaster living allowance mechanism should be adjusted and improved. The government work report highlights that a coordinating mechanism should be established to guarantee the basic cost of living allowances in all county governments. It means we will do a better job in social security.

More efforts will be made in administrative reform with the aim of providing convenient public services in 2017. The government will reduce unnecessary procedure and other troublesome aspects by cancelling some licenses and sharing government information better with the public. There are a lot of measures not listed in government work report due to space limitations. For instance, the mode of one-stop service will be promoted in China.

To sum up, the big gift package is concerned with the aspects of employment, medical care, education, pension, housing and social security. All issues related with the people's livelihood are included in the big gift package. More specific measures will be introduced in the future.

New York Times:

Many economists are concerned about fast-rising Chinese debt, while the growth speed of credit loans has outpaced that of GDP. Is the Chinese government going to take some measures to control the growth of credit loans? And which kind of loans in particular? It may be the easiest to control the loans to medium and small enterprises, but they best represent entrepreneurship and vitality. Thank you.

Huang Shouhong:

Debt in China has received much attention. We should consider this issue in a comprehensive, scientific and adequate way. The debt ratio of the Chinese government is not high - 40 percent in the last two years. It has now been reduced to 37 percent, of which central government debt makes up 16 percent. The debt ratio of the Chinese government is the lowest among world major economies.

The debt ratio of Chinese residents is not high, either. The Chinese people have a long tradition of deposit to make ends meet.

As for the financial institutions, the overall debt ratio is not very high set against the international level. Moreover, the debt ratio of financial institutions has been stabilizing in recent two years. It began to move in a good direction from last year. For example, at the end of last year, the non-performing loans of Chinese commercial banks was 1.74 percent, 0.02 percentage points lower than the previous quarter, which was also the first decline since 2012. In other words, the risk of non-performing loans is decreasing.

As for non-financial sectors, the leverage ratio is relatively high in State-owned enterprises. However, with our efforts, the debt-to-assets ratio of industrial enterprises began moving downwards last year, however, the fall was not so obvious - less than one percentage point.

Huang Shouhong:

At present, Chinese financial sectors have two major tasks: one is to provide more support to the real economy, especially the development of medium-small-micro enterprises. Premier Li Keqiang put forward several practical measures in the government work report. For example, large and medium-sized commercial banks will be encouraged to establish departments for financial inclusion. The government will roll out stimulatory policies and specific measures in this regard so as to provide better services and financial support for medium-small-micro enterprises. The other task is to guard against financial risk. The government work report pointed out that we have a slew of methods to prevent systemic financial risks. Despite some increase, the ratio of non-performing loans has been stabilizing. The financial sectors have a strong capability to cope with risk. The provision coverage ratio was as high as 176.4% last year. and the required reserve ratios are 17 to 18 percent, a level rarely seen in the world. Therefore, we have a plenty of tools to guard against risk. The main tasks now are to enhance supports for medium and small enterprises and improve risk prevention and control mechanism, which has always been on our agenda.

We have been strengthening our support for medium and small businesses. Last year, loans to small and micro enterprises, including self-employed people, rose by 13.8 percent. However, there were still complaints about loan approval and high interest rates. One of the reasons is the increasing number of new enterprises. There are five to six million new businesses each year. They have to compete for loans with established enterprises. In these circumstances, enterprises face much pressure of obtaining loans in spite of hard work of financial institutions. To address this problem, the premier put forward many requirements and measures in the government work report. In summary, China will guard against risk while focusing on supporting the transformation and upgrading of the real economy, the development of small and micro enterprises in particular, giving full play to those enterprises in boosting employment and start-ups.

Lianhe Zaobao:

In regard to your response about the Japanese journalist on the issue of military spending, we, in spite of flipping several times through the government work report and budget report issued by the Ministry of Finance, didn't find any data that relates to the defense budget, which some media have accused lacking transparency.

Huang Shouhong:

We have nothing to hide, as the NPC spokeswoman Madam Fu Ying said during yesterday's press conference that the general growth, which constitutes 1.3 percent of the GDP, is around 7 percent, a comparatively low rate in the international community. The average military spending in the world last year was 2.4 percent, while, some countries, that I do not intend to name here today, have spending that far exceeds the rate.

China Chemical Industry News:

My question is on behalf of the concerns of our farmer friends, who care most about the significance of modern agriculture being managed in appropriate scales. Like you said, there will be insurance for disasters launched in the 13 provinces which are considered as the country's major crops producers. It seems like the first time that the insurance for disasters has enjoyed such priority. What are the reasons for the government work report to address the issue and how should we implement the policy? For instance, who will pay for the premiums, the growers or the government, how to define the disasters, and to what extent will they be evaluated?

Huang Shouhong:

The significance of the three major agricultural issues (namely, agriculture, rural areas and farmers) is obvious. It is logically correct to develop massive production as long as the agriculture is involved in the drive towards modernization. As I've said, the diversified forms of farming at appropriate large scales face the risk of market volatility and, worst of all, natural disasters. Within its interconnected processes of natural and economic reproduction, the farmers may have a good harvest when the weather and the market are fine. But if there is a disaster, the investment amassed throughout the years will all be gone. Agricultural insurance in China has developed rapidly during the past few years, ranking second around the world by the size of premiums and covering all major field crops. The Chinese government has made considerable progresses with the program from which insurance coverage can be granted. The Green Box Policies are among the fundamentals adopted by all governments in the world to support their agricultural industries. Despite systematic insurance in our country, there are still weaknesses, such as the lacking of disaster insurance for the farmers on mass production. So the government work report decided this time that the adoption of disaster insurance in 13 major provinces should be considered an important measure to be carried forward.

In view of its implementation, the government will play a major role in supporting the disaster insurance, of which the premium will be paid mostly by the government. If we ask the farmers to pay for it, it would become a business-like model that would be a different story. How can we ensure its implementation? The government work report pointed out that we should dedicate portions of anti-disaster funds to cover the costs of insurance, while supporting it and increasing its efficacy. In other words, the central government, with colossal annual anti-disasters funds, will spare parts of them in the form of insurance premiums to guarantee the interests of farmers who have succumbed to disasters.

Market News International (United States):

My question is about the GDP growth target of 6.5 percent. If the economy turns grim and fails to achieve 6.5-percent, what measures will you implement to ensure the growth target? In addition, the Government Work Report said that, this year, you will continue to promote the marketization of the yuan's exchange rate while preserving its international standing. Do you have actual measures already in place?

Huang Shouhong:

The Government Work Report said that this year's growth target is around 6.5 percent, but added that we would "seek better results in actual work." It means that we fully considered the complexity of the international environment, along with rising uncertainty and instability, and we also took into account domestic supply-side structural reform as well as the requirements for raising the quality and efficiency of the overall economy, before we came up with the 6.5-percent target for GDP growth, while retaining hope of better results in actual work.

This leaves some room for development, deepening reform and advancing restructuring. The current elasticity coefficient shows that each percent of GDP growth will create 1.9-2.0 million new jobs. Therefore, the 6.5-percent growth rate will satisfy the need of employment by creating more than 11 million new jobs.

The target is also well connected with the requirement to "comprehensively build a moderately prosperous society".Calculations suggest that, in the next few years, as long as the average growth rate remains above 6.4 percent, or close to 6.5 percent, it can satisfy the demand of the "two doubles", meaning that, by 2020, GDP and per capita income for both urban and rural residents will double the 2010 level.

The bottom line in regard to growth, as we have kept saying, is that the growth should be kept within a reasonable range. At the very least, the aim is to ensure employment. As long as we don't have any difficulty in ensuring employment, both a slightly higher or lower growth rate is acceptable.

As for your question about what measures and approaches we will take under special circumstances, I'd like to say we are fully equipped with innovative measures, as before. For example, this year's deficit-to-GDP ratio is three percent, same as last year. Many sides have suggested the government should raise the ratio. The reason we stayed at threepercent is that it is considered as adequate to sustain the overall economic growth while also leaving room for a buffer in case of any special situation. We follow the same approach for other things, too.

The Chinese economy features resilience, potential and advantages. It is particularly capable of balance along with ways to defend and respond to all sorts of risks. China's economic development will never experience what's called a "hard landing," or prolonged stagnation; instead, it will maintain long-term medium-to-high growth.

As for the yuan's exchange rate, the People's Bank of China and other authorities in charge of this matter have already made their statements. The basic conditions of the Chinese economy define that the yuan's exchange rate will remain basically stable at a reasonable level, given that this stability has all-round support. Therefore, the premier said we should continue to reform the exchange mechanism to make it more market-oriented, and keep the yuan basically stable at a reasonable and balanced level. We have such conditions for that. Thank you!

I would like to take this opportunity to make a point that the future is bright for China's economic development. I suggest those who hold a gloomy view should do their homework, by making a comparison between the pessimistic tones and China's actual situation. Then, they could analyse why claims the Chinese economy would go downward or even collapse are unfounded.

The Chinese economy is very complex. Traditional Western economics, development modes in other countries and even past Chinese patterns do not apply. It's because in China today, we have plural driving forces as well as measures of response to risk. In other words, the Chinese economy is well supported.

When you observe the Chinese economy, if you only see one industry or only see one place, then your conclusion may not be consistent with the reality. I sincerely wish you to conduct more reports about the real China, the changing China and the fast-progressing China, and, in return,bring to us the good, positive, beneficial things from the international community,

Mao Zedong once wrote in a poem: "the mountain goddess dwelling by the Yangtze River may have stayed unchanged over time/but she will certainly feel amazed that the world has already changed." I'm sure you are familiar with it. Quoting Mao's stanza, I think the same goddess would be amazed when considering the miracles China has accomplished in the past, achievements deemed by others to be impossible.

China will continue to reach its grand objective through each "small goal". China is certain to achieve better development, providing its people with more benefits and contributing more to the world. Thank you all!

Hu Kaihong:

Thank you, Mr Huang. That ends the briefing.

Speakers:
Guo Shuqing, chairman of China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC),
Wang Zhaoxing, CBRC vice chairman,
Cao Yu, CBRC vice chairman,
Yang Jiacai, assistant to CBRC chairman

Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office

Date:
March 2, 2017

Hu Kaihong:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to our press conference. In the past few weeks, we have invited the heads of many government departments to brief you on China’s economic and social development.

Today, we have Mr. Guo Shuqing, who has just taken up his post as chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC). He will explain how the banking industry is supporting supply-side structural reform, and then take your questions. We have also with us the two CBRC vice chairmen, Mr. Wang Zhaoxing and Cao Yu, and the CBRC chairman’s assistant, Mr. Yang Jiacai.

Guo Shuqing:

First, please allow me to make a general introduction of the banking industry’s reform, development and surveillance works. Later, I’ll take your questions.

In 2016, the banking industry completed all its tasks of the year and ensured a good beginning for the implementation of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

By the end of 2016, the Renminbi and foreign currency assets of Chinese banking sector reached 232.25 trillion yuan, up 15.8 percent year-on-year. The growth rate was 0.13 percentage points higher than the previous year. The balance of deposits and loans increased in a stable way. At the end of the year, the balance of Renminbi and foreign currency loans totaled 112.06 trillion yuan, increasing12.7 trillion yuan, or 12.79 percent, from the beginning of the year. The balance of Renminbi and foreign currency deposits was 155.52 trillion yuan, a gain of 15.74 trillion yuan, or 11.27 percent. Asset quality remained stable. The non-performing loan rate was 1.91 percent, down 0.02 percentage points on the year; net profits of the banking industry exceeded 2 trillion yuan. Regarding commercial banks, the non-performing loan rate was 1.74 percent, up 0.07 percentage points; net profits totaled 1.65 trillion yuan, up 3.54 percent; the average return on the asset and capital ratios remained basically unchanged, registered at 0.98 percent and 13.38 percent respectively. The banking industry is now better prepared to handle risk. The loan loss reserve, the non-performing loan provision coverage ratio, the non-performing loan provision ratio and the capital adequacy ratio of commercial banks remained basically unchanged at 2.67 trillion yuan, 176.4 percent, 3.08 percent and 13.28 percent respectively. Generally, the systemic risks of the banking sector remained under control.

This year, we will fully implement the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference. Specifically, we will carry out four tasks.

First, we will be more active in supporting and implementing supply-side structural reform.

Regarding market-based debt-for-equity swaps, currently, the total value of such contracts has exceeded 430 billion yuan. The value of contracts implemented surpassed 40 billion yuan. In the next stage, we will increase policy support, enhance professional guidance and strengthen risk monitoring to promote further progress.

We will remain active but prudent in regard to the trial program to allow commercial banks to participate in combined debt-equity investments into startups and small businesses.Based on the special national conditions, we will explore new financial service modes for technological innovation companies. We will also support trial banks to diversify their service modes according to their internal conditions.

The banking sector will play a more active part in supporting supply-side structural reform of the agricultural sector. More loans will be given to rural areas, farmers and small and micro-sized enterprises. The efficiency of targeted poverty alleviation and financial inclusion will be improved. Weak links of financial services will be fixed.

Second, we will further improve service to real economy. We will continue to improve banking services and tackle the bureaucratic work style of some banks.

Third, we will take firm actions to stop illegal financial practices. According to the requirements of the Central Economic Work Conference, we will attach greater importance to risk control and prevent all kinds of systemic financial risks. Currently, cross-market financial products have become a major problem due to their complicated and unpredictable nature. The emergence of such products should be blamed on lack of an appropriate regulatory mechanism. Without a well-established mechanism, the banking industry will be exposed to grave risks. Therefore, we must review existing regulations, make new ones where necessary, revise outdated ones and abolish those that are deemed unsuitable.

Fourth, we will comprehensively improve banking personnel’s quality. One has to be very strong to strike iron. It’s the job for the banking industry to handle various risks, and it’s the CBRC’s duty to monitor management risk. We must increase the awareness of risks and always be ready to deal with worst-case scenarios. Only in this way can we fulfill our duty as a regulator.

That’s all I want to say. Thank you.

Hu Kaihong:

Thank you, Mr. Guo. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions.

Phoenix TV:

I have a question about mixed business regulations. We noted that recently the PBOC, together with the CBRC, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), is working on a guiding opinion about unified regulation. In your view, what is the biggest challenge in achieving this unified regulation? Is there any plan from the CBRC concerning the mixed regulations this year?

Guo Shuqing:

Your questions really hit the key point. “Shadow banking,” regulatory arbitrage, passageway business and lengthy supervision chain, all these issues have received much attention. At present, different financial institutions, such as commercial banks, trust companies, fund companies, securities companies and insurance companies, have carried out their own asset management activities, following different regulations and rules. This has resulted in disorders and made more capital flow to the virtual economy. So, we are working on a common regulation. I have to say I don’t know much about the progress, because this is my third day in office. As far as I am concerned, we will make a unified regulation based on the most basic standards. These standards should be achievable and observed by all parties concerned. On this basis, each institution and industry can implement their respective standards. In this way, we can increase the transparency of asset management products, curtail supervision chains and tighten supervision of shadow banking. Furthermore, we can reduce the amount of capital disguised in other forms and make it more transparent. I’d like to invite my colleague to explain further.

Cao Yu:

Asset management business, or wealth investment business, in the banking industry has played a positive role in such aspects as deepening financial market reform, promoting real economy growth, increasing citizens' property incomes and advancing transformation of banks. By the end of last year, the book balance of wealth investment funds reached 30 trillion yuan nationwide and such products generated revenue of 977.3 billion yuan.

The CBRC has paid much attention to wealth investment business. We will further improve the regulation formulation in this regard to strengthen supervision. The new regulation, which has attracted much concern, has been under revision for a long time. Based on existing regulations, we are working on a new management method targeting emerging problems so as to advance the transformation of wealth investment business in an orderly manner. The management method is almost mature. As for the supervision on big asset management business, the PBOC has joined hands with the CBRC, CSRC and CIRC to formulate a unified regulation on asset management products. It is going smoothly. The CBRC will actively cooperate with the PBOC and other agencies.

Reuters:

My question is also about risk. We have noted the rapid expansion of non-loan assets on bank balance sheets over the last five years, and particularly joint start-ups and city banks. In some cases, these non-loan assets surpass loan asset on bank balance sheets. How is the CBRC moving to control risks in the financial system? Can we expect the growth of these assets to diminish?

Guo Shuqing:

We’ll categorize them based on various conditions, drawing conclusions by taking into consideration the differences of banks and products. However, generally speaking, we follow the fundamental principle of scrutinizing those assets that appear on the balance sheet. I’ll ask my colleague to provide more details.

Wang Zhaoxing:

In recent years, in line with market-centered financial evolution, market- oriented reform of interest rates has progressed, and comprehensive development of banking businesses is underway. They have actually brought about two major changes: rapid growth of non-credit assets that, in fact, have come to outweigh credit assets and the expansion of off-balance sheet businesses that end up outperforming those on the balance sheet. They have emerged as a result of the increasing driving force coming from the market, as well as the deregulation of interest rates. There are also supervisory bodies attempting to decentralize banking risk by encouraging multiple bank assets and debts as well as diversified profit revenues.

Besides, the role of the market has been increasingly accentuated; this, entails the growth of bank extra-services and market-oriented and intermediary businesses. We treat them differently as they are not entirely negative compared to those involved in schemes shunning supervision, getting involved in arbitrage and circulating banking loans inside the financial system rather than handling them in the real economy.

Moreover, we in no way seek to oppose and interrupt the diverse developments of banks, yet we should be increasingly vigilant about possible risks. When doing so, we will first encourage further development of banking credit services either by loans or other approaches to ensure funds are dispensed in support of the real economy. Second, we’ll make sure risks are transparent and controllable. Third, we will secure the sufficiency of reserves and capital in a bid to offset potential dangers. As a result of China’s financial progress, market development and emergence of multiple banking services, those businesses cannot be simply described as right or wrong. However, at the same time, we will observe the issue from the three aspects I mentioned above to improve supervision and regulation. Thank you.

CCTV:

Just now, Mr. Guo mentioned that we need to improve the ability of financial services to serve the real economy. Since last year, a lot of debt committees have been established in China. The debt committees are aimed at solving the problems of zombie enterprises and overcapacity. Can you tell us the achievements of debt committees? Are there any further steps to be taken in reforming and innovating the system? Thanks.

Guo Shuqing:

Judging from my work experience, debt committees provide a good method. There are many banks providing loans to enterprises, especially to large and medium size enterprises. Therefore, unanimous action and deployment is welcomed by the local governments and the enterprises when it comes to the issues of enterprise structural adjustment and risk disposal. It is also beneficial for banks as it can prevent fear caused by information asymmetry. Currently, the debt committee is a good method for banks, enterprises, local governments and other stake holders to resolve problems, even serious problems, such as insolvency, bankruptcy liquidation and debt restructuring, because all parties have their resources and can negotiate together. The effect is much better in the process of dealing with zombie enterprises. We will continue to watch and determine future developments.

When I worked in Shandong, the debt committee played a great role in the process of structural adjustment and debt restructuring for a mineral group. More than 40 negotiations were held and a satisfied result was reached by all parties. Therefore, this is a good way to resolve debt issue as all parties can get the best protection for their rights.

Cao Yu:

Until the end of last year, there were 12, 836 debt committees established in China, involving a total credit amount of 14.85 trillion yuan. Through the debt committees, a win-win situation could be reached for banks and enterprises while reducing the negative influence on the daily operation of banks and enterprises brought by unilateral action. Thanks.

Bloomberg News:

My question is about debt-for-equity swaps. Will CBRC encourage more banks to participate? How to address the risk of private capital in participating? Isn’t it just prolonging the life of zombie companies and how can it be resolved? Thanks.

Guo Shuqing:

It has been highlighted that debt-for-equity swaps should follow market rules as well as the laws. Administrative orders and administrative negotiations are not allowed. Zombie enterprises are not allowed to participate in debt-for-equity swaps. We have carried out more than 40 billion yuan worth of swaps with more than 400 billion yuan in agreement. It is a sustainable method. The relevant laws and regulations will be improved during the process. However, our effort is helpful for structural reform on the supply side, especially for de-leveraging. It can also help enterprises get out of difficulties. Thanks.

21st Century Business Herald:

 I have two questions. First, there’s a rumor, Mr. Guo, that you will be in charge of the reform of the regulatory system, for example merger of CBRC, CSRC and CIRC. What can you say about this? Second, there has been a further increase of non-performing loans in the banking industry. What will CBRC do this year to address this issue? Thanks.

Guo Shuqing:

For the first question, the interpreter just now answered on behalf of me as he used the word “rumor” in his translation. As for the second one, it is quite normal to see volatility in non-performing loans at a time when the country’s economy has entered a “new normal” condition, economic growth slows down, economic restructuring intensifies and new economic growth drivers begin to emerge. Of course, the problem this time is worse than before. However, compared to other countries, a rate of 1.91 percent of non-performing loans in the entire banking sector, and 1.74 percent of non-performing loans for commercial banks are actually not too high. We have not included such aspects like overdue loans for more than 90 days and those on the “watch” list in our calculations. They won’t make a big difference to overall asset quality.

Ten years ago, China’s banking industry began equity division reform before getting listed on the stock market. After radical reform, we have established an internal risk control mechanism, a market-oriented management system, a constraint mechanism as well as an external supervision mechanism. These mechanisms are complete. Against the backdrop of a complicated domestic and international situation, there might be some problems, but they are quite understandable, and the overall situation is quite healthy. With strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, support from all walks of life, especially business circles, media supervision, the unremitting efforts of all banking sector staff and the conscientious devotion of the regulatory body, I’m convinced that any risks and problems can be properly solved. Thank you.

Caijing Magazine:

We know that actually the idea of a unified mix-business regulation framework has been floated for quite some time, and the People’s Bank of China has already set up a macro-potential regulation framework. So in your point of view, what is the most suitable model of regulation for the current development of the financial industry in China? And what kind of role will CBRC play in the future financial reform of the country? Thanks.

Guo Shuqing:

It’s very hard for me to answer your question since it’s only the third day for me to take this new appointment. I haven’t thought over this question yet because during the past four years, I have been working on the real economy. Last week, I was thinking about the industry transformation and upgrading in Shandong Province. For example, last year, 22 industrial transformation schemes have conducted mid-stage assessment; 23 schemes in the service industry are waiting for assessment this year; in agriculture, 46 kinds of products are ready to be assessed.

In 2016, we have completed 530,000 shantytown transformations; this year, 760,000 houses of shantytown transformation have been approved. In rural areas, we have to transform road, power, housing, toilet and other areas. Last year, we planned to transform 2 million toilets; but actually, we have finished 4.01 million. If you asked me what the most suitable model for toilet transformation is, I know it exactly; but if you asked me what the most suitable model of financial regulation is, I know nothing at present. I’m very sorry I can’t answer your question now. Thank you.

Dragon TV:

I have two questions. First is about real estate. Last year, the price of real estate in first- and second-tier cities grew extremely fast. Lots of prime lots appeared, most of which are reliant on bank loans. Mr. Guo, could you give us an introduction about how is the banking sector going to help alleviate the rising of house prices. And what will CBRC do to strengthen loan regulations coordinated with real estate control? Thanks.

Guo Shuqing:

Real estate finance is an important part. Currently, 1/4 of bank loans go to real estate market. Last year, 45 percent of new bank loans went to the real estate market. We are highly alert to a property-value bubble, and will do related research very seriously.

However, the most significant characteristic of the real estate market is the huge difference between different places. Different cities have to face different kinds of property bubble and risks. Therefore, in the financial regulation field, we hope banks will stand on actual reality and invest capital in real estate steadily and cautiously, including both towards individuals and property developers. Several years ago residents used to buy houses using their own deposit or by borrowing money from relatives and friends. In recent years, people like to rely on bank loans to buy houses. Last year, nearly half of the new bank loans were real estate loans, most of which are personal housing mortgage loans. Generally speaking, personal loans are not a huge proportion, and its leverage ratio is not high, but we have to pay close attention to the trend.

Wang Zhaoxing:

China’s real estate market is an emerging market featuring rapid growth, which made great contributions to Chinese economy, fiscal levies, as well as capital and profit growth of Chinese banks. As for real estate credit policy, we insist on a differentiated policy. We will limit those real estate loans containing bubbles and speculation, and destock some loans in third- and forth-tier cities. During the process of urbanization, housing demand especially rigid demand is also the loan demand which could improve people’s housing conditions and needs to be supported. By doing so, it will not only promote the real estate market to develop healthily and steadily, but also assure bank loans are safer.

Shanghai Securities News:

I have two questions. My first question is about the debt-to-equity swap. Is there a target, for example, to make its scale grow to a trillion yuan? In addition, with regards to setting up institutes, have you drawn up some preconditions, or is the CBRC drafting specific regulations? Since the investment-loan linkage and the debt-to-equity are being promoted, will you revise the relevant articles on limiting investment from banks in the Law on Commercial Banks?

My second question is about illegal fundraising. Ezubao and the Fanya Metal Exchange in Kunming drew much public concern, mainly because the incidents happened without prior warning with blurred boundaries in terms of their legality. Did the CBRC ever consider how to solve this problem from an institutional perspective? The CBRC said in the past that it planned to hasten the unveiling of regulations on dealing with illegal fundraising. How is this progressing?

Guo Shuqing:

We answered your first question just now. There’s no preset target. The more than 400 billion yuan (US$) we mentioned was merely the face value of the deals we signed. The swap hasn't been fully completed. We will conduct detailed research about the accommodating regulations and will make them based on laws before piloting them. As for your question concerning illegal fundraising, Yang Jiacai will answer this question.

Yang Jiacai:

The question on illegal fundraising you asked just now did receive much public attention, since it was one of the diehard problems in China's economic and social development. The issue exposes every several years, especially when the economy goes downward. In the past two years, illegal fundraising was flagrant, causing serious harm. However, it's indeed difficult to spot such activities at an early stage. How we could identify them at an early stage when they haven't become full-fledged is a focus of our research.

Entrusted by the State Council, the CBRC heads the national inter-ministerial joint meeting on combating illegal fundraising. Dealing with illegal fundraising isn't the CBRC's statutory duty; we and other members of the joint meeting have come up with many measures.

Illegal fundraising is a process in which love becomes hatred, and the dallied becomes the forsaken. In the preliminary stage, people are bound by common interests, so that few will disclose it, although local governments all encourage such disclosure with incentives. But we didn't see many disclosures. Why? Because they share common interests from the beginning.

We are currently drafting an administrative act, the Regulation on Dealing with Illegal Fundraising. This regulation was drafted by members of the joint meeting and has taken into consideration opinions from all provincial governments as well as from all ministries. We submitted the draft to the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council last July, which in turn, conducted in-depth research while extensively collecting the opinions of ministries and local governments. The regulation is now being perfected by the Legislative Affairs Office, which is actively seeking its promulgation.

Second, who will be the enforcement agency? Now there's no authorized law enforcement institution for the cracking down on illegal fundraising, so we need such an administrative law enforcement department. Currently, local governments’ handling of illegal fundraising is usually a responsibility by local financial offices.

The office was called the Bureau of Financial Supervision when Guo Shuqing was working in Shandong. Such an agency existed at all levels of government. In each city, there was a vice mayor especially in charge of financial affairs. Therefore, there was fewer illegal fundraising in Shandong than elsewhere.

Another issue is that we should make clear the legal liabilities of the people involved in illegal fundraising. Usually, illegal fundraising involve three subjects, namely, the initiators, the assistants and the participants. It's important to make clear what liabilities these three subjects will take.

For example, if we disclose a cheater and warn you off him, you ignore the warning. In the end, when you break up, you start to call yourself a victim and want to find trouble with the government. This may not make sense. Moreover, we will make clear and standardize the procedure, methods and approaches. The regulation, when it is promulgated, will be of great help in dealing with illegal fundraising. Thank you.

Wang Zhaoxing:

With regards to the debt-to-equity swap, this time it features no set requirement with regard to its scale, goal or progress. Parties involved will take fully independent ways to carry this out, like dating and marriage – completely independent, self-governing and free. The government won’t interfere in the issue, just as there is no arranged marriage.

Guo Shuqing:

Not even a match-making agency.

Wang Zhaoxing: This is a reorganization plan formed by all parties based on negotiation for the best or at least better results.

People's Daily Online:

Last week, the CBRC issued the Guidelines for the Depository Business of Peer-to-Peer Lending Funds, which has drawn widespread attention in the industry. In recent years, supervision of the new internet finance industry has become more and more specific. Could you give us a brief introduction to the next steps of CBRC's supervisory direction and focus? I have another question. Mr. Guo, will you attempt to register or experience an internet finance business in the future, or have you already had such experiences?

Guo Shuqing:

I will answer your second question first while leaving your first one for Mr. Cao. I have never tried internet finance before, and whether I will try it or not in the future depends on circumstances. But, my family members are very familiar with this business and they have tried in this field many times. I think online shopping and new means of payment, such as Yu'E Bao payment, mobile payment, and Quick Response code scanning, are really very helpful to the real economy, but we must guard against the risks resulting from them.

Cao Yu:

It should be said that the essence of internet finance is still finance, and the rules which internet finance abides by are still financial rules.The Guiding Opinions on Promoting the Healthy Development of Internet Finance, issued by 10 ministerial departments including the People's Bank of China in 2015, has clearly stipulated CBRC's responsibility in supervising peer-to-peer (P2P) online lending services. It should be said that, our current supervisory system framework for the P2P online lending service has basically been completed.

Caixin.com:

How would you solve the problems related to Hengfeng Bank's violations of laws and regulations, which have been exposed by a number of media outlets, and other such similar kind of problems? Thank you.

Guo Shuqing:

Speaking of this question, I think it has some relationship with me because I served as governor of Shandong Province where Hengfeng Bank is based. But the relationship is not too close, because the bank is in Yantai City's jurisdiction.The bank's stock ownership is composed of state-owned shares and other dispersed shares, and it is directly supervised by CBRC. Mr. Cao knows well about it, so I would like to invite him to further answer this question.

Cao Yu:

The problems reflected in the public opinions are being checked and tackled by CBRC in conjunction with the Shandong provincial government. If there are any illegal acts to be found, the parties concerned will be severely punished in accordance with the law. Presently, the business in Hengfeng Bank is proceeding stably and orderly.

Guo Shuqing:

I have one point to add. Currently, Hengfeng bank is conducting the shareholding system reform which is aimed at further standardizing and rationalizing all its internal and external structures and relations. As soon as conditions are right, it will be pushed to the capital market for public listing.

China Securities News:

Last year, the investment-lending linkage pilot program was launched. What has been the progress of the pilot program? Is there any plan to approve additional institutions on this program? The second question is about private banks. The private bank program was also launched last year. So far, according to the statistics released by CBRC, the program was running pretty well. This year, some private capital and listed companies have again expressed a desire to set up private banks. So what will be the trend of private bank development this year? Thank you.

Guo Shuqing:

The investment-lending linkage pilot program is in the trial and exploration stage. We should be positive and prudential with regards to the program. So far, there is no detailed plan for it, but a bank has done their capital landing, and they are boosting their progress. I noticed a question from the list, asking if there is no such program in the United States and European countries, or if it is not a mainstream practice and so can it work in China? In my opinion, it is not a major problem. China can have something that the United States doesn't have, such as spicy hotpot. But what we have to pay attention to is the possibility that linking investment and lending will bring more risks, so it's better to combine it with innovation in science and technology.

For the second question, it is a good thing that private capital enters the financial market, and it is necessary for China's economic development. It's especially necessary for the areas that the financial service doesn't cover or fully cover and that have inadequate competition. But there is also a big risk that we have to take notice of. We must adopt some measures to prevent a minority of people or capital from controlling the bank and turning it into a cash machine for connected transactions. Taking public deposits for their own investment will no doubt bring high risks, which may result in serious consequences. We have to prevent this from happening.

Wang Zhaoxing:

We all know that China's current financial pattern is dominated by bank-led indirect finance, which accounts for 90 percent of all indirect finance. Most of the banks are traditional banks, which specialize in traditional credit operations, including liquidity loans and fixed asset loans. They are not familiar with risk identification, judgment, measurement and management on high-tech innovative enterprises, which is a big challenge for banks. Meanwhile, these enterprises feature light assets, with high uncertainties and risks, without any tangible assets for mortgage, so they have also encountered many difficulties in financing.

With this background, we initiated the investment-lending linkage pilot program, making equity investments for start-ups and growing enterprises and supporting them with bank loans later to establish a complete supporting chain. As a brand new exploration, the program also means a lot of risks and challenges for traditional banks. So we encourage pilot projects.

We have selected five cities for pilot projects, including Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Xi'an and Wuhan. A total of 10 banks are involved. In addition to setting up new institutions, we are also preparing negotiations with technology enterprises that may receive equity investments in the future. A project database will be built. Once the subsidiary companies are approved by the State Council, the project will be on the fast track.

Cao Yu:

Now, I’ll briefly introduce our work on private banks. A pilot program on private banks was carried out in 2014 during which we approved five such banks. In 2015, we made systemic preparations and improved various rules. By 2016, we saw normalized and regular operation of private banks. Therefore, we approved the establishment of 12 more last year, three of which have already started business. The operation of private banks last year was generally smooth. By year-end, the total assets of the existing eight private banks reached 180 billion yuan, and their outstanding loans stood at about 80 billion yuan. These banks have already begun serving the needs of society and the overall economy, and the legal and orderly operation of private banks has been achieved. Thank you.

Guo Shuqing:

Thank you all for your attendance, today. You are always welcome to offer your advice and suggestions on our work.

Hu Kaihong:

Today’s press conference ends here. Thank you every one.

Speakers:
Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Li Chao, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Fang Xinghai, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission,
Zhao Zhengping, vice chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission

Chairperson:
Hu Kaihong, spokesperson of the State Council Information Office

Date:
Feb. 26, 2017

Hu Kaihong:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. China’s capital market has long been watched closely by many people. Today we are delighted to invite to our press conference Mr. Liu Shiyu, chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), and Mr. Li Chao, Mr. Fang Xinghai and Mr. Zhao Zhengping, the three vice chairmen of the CSRC. They will introduce to you the work done for the promotion of reform and development in China’s capital market and answer your questions. Mr. Huang Wei and Mr. Xuan Changneng, assistant chairmen of the CSRC, are also here today. Now, please welcome Mr. Liu.

Liu Shiyu:

Thanks every one for coming to the press conference of the CSRC.

In the past year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, the CSRC and its related agencies continued to aim for the overall targets of stable growth and structural adjustment while benefitting people’s well-being and avoiding risks, as well as following the country’s supply-side structural reform, in order to carry out the various work relevant to reform and development in China’s capital market. The work can be summarized in three words: stable, strict, and progressing.

The first word is “stable.” Since I began my work at the CSRC, I felt that the market wanted stability more than anything after the turbulences in the stock market during 2015. Our work in the last year delivered on this goal. First is the stable policy expectation. We adhered to market-based, legal and internationalized reform, maintained consistency in our policies and continued with those policies and practices that were welcomed by and proved effective on the market. We also fully respected market rules, met market needs and concentrated on our work. Second, the market ran steadily last year. In 2016, with the effort of investors, the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets witnessed fewer fluctuations. Investors grew more optimistic, the market was steadier and the various functions of the market were enhanced. Third, market reform was conducted steadily. We carried out problem-oriented reform, addressed the various problems behind the turbulent market with institutional reform and carried out reform at a steady pace.

The second word is “strict.” In the past year, we managed the market in a rules-based, thorough and strict manner. First, we had strict standards. We had a strict approval standard for IPO, in order to ensure the soundness of listed companies and avoid problems from the very beginning. Second, we had strict practices. We resolutely addressed all the disorders and problems in the capital market. Third, we had strict self-management. We strengthened the Party discipline within the CSRC and its related agencies to enhance our own political awareness and ensure the strict management of ourselves.

The third word is “progressing.” First, bolder reforms were pushed ahead. By upholding a market-based economy, rule of law and globalization, we managed to improve a series of fundamental institutions of capital market through problem-oriented reforms. The National Equities Exchange and Quotations has divided its listed companies into different markets. The legal status and operating rules of regional equity markets have been clarified. The State Council has issued related documents in this respect. We have increased the efficiency of IPO for enterprises from impoverished counties. We have revised major restructuring and refinancing systems for listed companies quickly and made great efforts to improve the regulation rules on securities, funds and futures business institutions. We have given full play to the Stock Exchange’s regulatory functions at the frontline. We have innovated the methods and mechanism for protecting investors’ rights and interests. We have explored and set up a diversified mediation mechanism for securities disputes.

Second, new efforts have been made to support the substantial economy. Last year, 280 enterprises’ IPOs were approved and 248 enterprises completed IPOs. The turnover exceeds 163 billion yuan ($23.7 billion). Here are more figures I’d like to share with you. The listed companies raised over 1.34 trillion yuan after refinancing last year. Mergers and acquisitions of 261 enterprises were approved, increasing the capital strength of listed companies by over 980 billion yuan. NEEQ reporters may notice that the number of the companies listed on the NEEQ system doubled last year, exceeding 10,000 by the end of last year. They financed more than 139.1 billion yuan throughout the year. The bond market has made steady progress thanks to the coordination and support of multiple sectors. Net increase of the funds raised through corporate bonds exceeded 2.7 trillion yuan last year. These funds have supported the growth of the substantial economy.

Third, new achievements have been made in two-way opening. The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect has been further improved. The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect started operation. Securities institutions, as well as stock exchanges involved in the “Belt and Road” initiative, have made remarkable achievements. The CSRC created a closer relationship with international securities regulatory commissions in the cross-border securities regulation and cooperation mechanisms. And the efficiency has been further improved.

The above-mentioned three aspects sum up our work from last year. We offer background materials including statistic data for your reference.

Now, my colleagues and I would like to take your questions.

Hu Kaihong:

Thanks Mr. Liu. Now, the floor is open to questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising questions.

CCTV:

You underscored three keywords in your opening remarks, among which, “stability” is one of the highlights. This is also the word you have used frequently when chairing conferences in regard to the commission’s regular supervisory work. How can we understand what stability implies? How will the CSRC sustain this stability? Will the commission suspend some reforms in order to maintain stability of market operations?

Liu Shiyu:

There is an old Chinese saying that, “The tranquil watercourse is good for a voyage.” The behavior of the capital market in China has more than once justified the belief that no reform can be undertaken without a stable market environment. Moreover, reforms can even be retrogressive if the market is in a volatile state. We have never lacked lessons in this regard. However, if we do not persist in the reform trends of marketization, legalization and internationalization, the problems developing in the medium and long-term in the capital market can neither be reduced nor eradicated. The market will lack both the vitality and a solid foundation secured by stability. Because of this, reform and stability should work together.

I have already introduced to you the work of the CSRC in the past year and my personal view towards reform is that we will progress step-by-step and ensure we are on the correct path and moving in the right direction. The process of reform can be made into a metaphor of the pearl necklaces worn by the ladies present at the conference. There are several elements involved in threading a pearl necklace -- the quality of the pearls, first, and the proper holes to ensure their connection. The holes should be chiseled straight across diameter in a row, as even the most minor deviation will affect the value of the necklace. What do the pearls imply? They are the listed companies of high quality. Second, the thread that has to be smooth and firm refers to the path followed and the operational systems involved in the reforms. Third, the necklace is completed by putting those pearls into a line one by one, as it would never occur to us that a pearl necklace can be completed in one simple move. Fourth, the necklace needs a tapered end to prevent the pearls from falling off and being dispersed, so as to facilitate its use. What does this last element indicate? The monitoring and supervision we carry out. We need good pearls, namely quality listed firms, and a sufficient number of pearls, indicating the number of firms needed to ensured coordinated reforms, stability and development in all respects. To make the necklace look good every time we wear it, we need a firm and enduring thread, which is symbolic of the foundations of the system and the correct direction of the reform process. The pearl necklaces can be stained by the heavy perspiration especially in summer or if exposed to acid or alkali substances, so we need to clean them carefully and that refers to monitoring and supervision of the capital market in order to protect the legal rights and interests of investors. Because of these aspects, the only yardstick to test the efficacy and correctness of the reforms is whether the capital market is running smoothly.

Whatever the nature of market operation or administrative supervision is, those involved in capital market need to uphold the principle of progressing through stability. From the end of last year onwards, I have talked with many people, including, investors, agents, financiers from security firms, experts and scholars to get an understanding of their thinking. Based on my intuitive view, in the last year, they still expected nothing but stability; however, this year they are longing for some progress while maintaining stability. We calibrate our mission in response to the expectations of progress at our regular work conference that concluded a few days ago, resolving to make critical strides through various efficacious improvements and breakthroughs, especially the building of the systems we planned in cooperation with the players in the capital market.

People's Daily and its website:

Mr. Liu, you mentioned at the 2017 National Securities and Futures Regulation Work Conference that there are no confrontations between the stability of stock indices and the efforts of financing. Many investors are particularly concerned about IPO issues. How do you see relations between IPO and stock indices, and how will you solve what is called the "dammed lake" phenomenon?

Liu Shiyu:

Your question is somewhat sensitive. Certainly some people have worried that the increasing number of IPOs might affect the secondary market. In the past, when the capital market was facing heavy downward pressure, we reduced and even suspended IPOs to try to stabilize the market and ease the downward pressure. Those measures were effective for the moment but failed to be so in the long run. This is because they didn't improve the mechanism for the capital market's stable and long-term development, didn’t address the source of problems in the capital market nor enhance the capital market's ability to serve the real economy.

Surely, at a certain, fixed point of time, increasing IPOs will affect the supply and demand in the secondary market, but it will at the same time improve the average price-earnings ratio. In comparison, when seen over a period of time, the capital market’s fundamental driving force is serving the real economy and sharing its growth. A capital market detached from the development level of the real economy cannot last long. To make it last, there have to be new companies filling in to increase market liquidity and hence attract more capital. When the investment value goes up, the social confidence will enhance, too.

Since last year, the CSRC has been continuously strengthening its communication with the market. The mainstream opinion is that after the abnormal fluctuations, the capital market made a better self-recovery than it was expected, and thus now possesses the conditions to issue more IPOs in a timely manner. As I mentioned just now, the fundamental principle of our work is to respect the market mechanism and rules, and comply with market demand. In light of this, we stepped up IPO supervisions for the capital market and increased the number of listed companies in the capital market.

Evidence has shown that the practice, which was based on market consensus, was popular and durable. Last year, 280 companies were approved for IPO and 248 actually launched IPOs. Not long ago at the work conference in the CSRC system, I said that we had confidence to solve the so-called "dammed lake" problem. "Damned Lake" is a vivid metaphor for many companies lining up for dawdling IPO approvals.

In addition, there seems to be an expectation in the market that the long queue of IPO approvals as well as the sudden IPO of several new companies would send the market index downward. Bearing this in mind, when people see the number of companies waiting for an IPO increase from 500 to 600 or even 700, they tend to be excessively anxious about the secondary market. This is to say the number doesn't matter as much as the psychological effect on the investors.

I mentioned just now that we once suspended IPO when the stock market was moving downward, which twisted the psychological expectations of the market. We spent all of last year managing to correct the twisted expectations. Certainly, the key wasn't in how many companies were approved. Some friends from the press asked why only eight companies launched an IPO this week, whereas in that week, there were 14. I replied by saying that eight plus 14 divided by two is 11. I mean to say it isn't about the number of IPOs we approved but the qualities of companies applying for IPOs.

Last year, we made great efforts to enhance supervision of the soundness of IPO applicants, refinancing, merges and restructuring. We held IPO floaters and sponsors more accountable. Soon after you may see that the CSRC will publish some cases that have a large impact.

Last year, we required brokerages to shoulder their responsibilities in risk management. A total of 90 listed companies and sponsors voluntarily withdrew from companies queuing for IPO approval. It takes the joint effort of all to guard quality. High-quality listed companies would bring capital increments for the market, which is proven as a highly positive correlation.

Certainly, we are more prepared to deal with the "dammed lake" problem. Not only do our two bourses in Shanghai and Shenzhen have a better accommodating ability for new companies, the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) has more and more noticeable functions, ready to play a larger role. The regional equity market has clarified legal status and operation rules, which will help it play a correspondingly active role to solve the equity financing difficulties faced by local small-and-micro enterprises. When standardized merges and reorganizations are also an option, the capital market will have increasingly higher accommodation capabilities to corporate equity financing, resulting in listed companies whose qualities are increasingly higher.

In addition, you could assume another perspective in your way of looking at the number of companies queuing for IPOs. China is a developing major country, meaning that the innovation strategies being implemented will send more and more companies to be listed. This isn't a bad thing, but rather a good thing, because it's a reflection of China's economic vitality, and the source of flowing water for the development of China's capital market.

Reuters：

I have two questions. First, what do you think of the chances China will be included in the MSCI global index this year? My second question is this: the State Council said last year that foreign companies would be encouraged to list on China's domestic stock markets. That’s been said many times in the past. When do you think we will see foreign companies actually listed?

Liu Shiyu:

Thank you for raising these questions. I would like to invite Vice Chairman Fang Xinghai to answer you.

Fang Xinghai:

Thanks for your questions. We will always welcome A-share’s inclusion in the MSCI index. We believe that any emerging market stock index, whether it is the MSCI or any other index, will be very incomplete if there is no Chinese involvement. Whether A-shares are included in the MSCI index or not will be firstly decided by MSCI itself, as it is a business decision. We know there are a lot of commercial interests behind it, and we are willing to jointly discuss this matter with MSCI.

As for your question whether China will be included in MSCI this year, we are still unable to judge this so far. Whether it is included or not, the reform process of China's stock markets, as well as our entire capital market, in the direction of marketization, legalization and internationalization will not change. The pace of reform and opening-up will not change because of an A-share inclusion in MSCI, either. In the course of our discussion with MSCI, they have put forward some requests. Some are entirely consistent with the direction of China's capital market reform and opening-up to the outside world, so we will resolutely promote them. Of course, the pace of the promotion will be determined by development of the Chinese market itself.

Let me give you an example. The current suspension system of listed companies is still relatively inadequately standardized. Overseas investors will worry about this: "I bought your shares, but what if they are suspended and cannot be sold when I want to leave?" In my opinion, this problem should be given some attention and should be solved in an appropriate way. Domestic investors have the same concerns, so we will promote corresponding reform and opening-up policies.

Whether foreign companies can be listed in China means whether foreign companies registered overseas can be listed in China and this involves what is known as an international board. We are still working on this matter.

Some of the reporters here may still remember that, when I was working in Shanghai, I studied with relevant departments of the CSRC about promoting establishment of an international board. However, there are still some technical barriers. Take the accounting standards for example. Among the companies registered overseas, some follow American accounting standards, some follow the accounting standards of the European Union (EU), and some follow other international means. Once they arrive in China, these standards need to be adjusted accordingly and cannot be fully applicable. While changing these standards, we need to consider various factors, including the cost of the changes. So, technical work needs to be done in this regard.

In terms of market regulatory rules, such as information disclosure of listed companies, the practice in China is not the same as foreign countries. So, before an international board is launched, relevant rules of the system need to be adjusted accordingly. All in all, we have been working on this matter, but no timetable has been produced so far.

China Securities Journal:

Just now, Mr. Liu mentioned that the capital market should serve the real economy. We all know that the securities and the fund industries have made significant progress. The CSRC also vows to set up a national team which can represent China’s capital market. My question is: how will the CSRC make efforts to improve the capability and competitiveness of the securities and the fund industries, in order to serve China’s real economy. Thanks.

Liu Shiyu:

I’d like to invite Mr. Li to answer this question.

Li Chao:

Thank you for your question. By the end of 2016, China has 129 security companies with total assets of 5.8 trillion yuan (US$843.48 billion). The net assets have reached 1.6 trillion yuan (US$232.65 billion), buyout capital reached 1.47 trillion yuan (US$213.74 billion), and net profits have reached 123.4 billion yuan (US$17.94 billion). There are 109 fund companies with total assets of over 170 billion yuan (US$24.71 billion) and net assets of 110 billion yuan (US$15.99 billion). The assets managed by the securities and the fund industries reached 43 trillion yuan (US$6.25 trillion), among which publicly offered funds surpassed 9 trillion yuan (US$1.3 trillion), while private placement reached over 30 trillion yuan (US$4.36 trillion). Generally speaking, the securities and the fund industries enjoy abundant capital, and their capability and level of risk prevention and asset management have improved a lot.

In 2016, securities companies have provided professional services for a total of 7.5 trillion yuan (US$1.09 trillion) of stock, stock rights, bond and other financing. Currently, there are nearly 200 million publicly offered fund holders, more than 85 percent of them hold assets less than 50,000 yuan (US$7271.03). In terms of rate of return, since the open publicly offered fund was released in 2001, the rate of return for stock-leaning funds had reached 16 percent, while that of bond funds had reached over 8 percent, which provided 1.5 trillion yuan (US$218.13 billion) profit for fund holders. Actually, all the data above are average numbers, reminding us to avoid short-term runs. In this area, fund holders can learn experience from social security funds in terms of investment philosophy and asset allocation.

In addition, securities and fund organizations serve the Belt & Road Initiative and support countries along the route to issue Renminbi bonds. Meanwhile, the industry also serves the government’s strategy of poverty alleviation. Currently, more than 80 securities organizations are providing their help to over 130 national-level poverty-stricken counties.

The abnormal fluctuation in the stock market in 2015 set off an alarm bell for both the entire industry and the supervision department. It made us rethink the deficiencies existing in supervision mechanism and philosophy.

From 2016, the CSRC has insisted on overall strictly supervising according to law, and has made efforts to improve the supervision system. We will reinforce law enforcement efforts and strictly deal with those unlawful acts. In 2016, we carried out over 200 administrative supervision measures, not including administrative penalties, which involved dozens of the securities and the fund supervision organizations and related administrative officers and employees.

Next, we will stick to the overall position of CPC Central Committee and State Council, to hold the right supervision philosophy, so as to avoid systematic financial risk.

Bloomberg News:

Thank you. I’m with Bloomberg News. What are China’s plans to further open capital markets to foreign investors in the year ahead? And in your conversations with foreign investors, what do you find are their main concerns about investing in China’s capital markets and how does CSRC plan to address those concerns? Thank you.

Liu Shiyu:

Mr. Fang Xinghai will answer this question.

Fang Xinghai:

The foreign investors you mentioned are mainly from two groups. For overseas institutional investors who are willing to invest in the Chinese stock market and Chinese bond market, they can enter into the Chinese market through QFII and other mechanisms, including the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect. For overseas service providers, including securities traders, fund management companies and futures commission merchants, how can they enter into the Chinese market and provide service? First of all, our capital markets, especially the security and futures markets under the management of CSRC, welcome foreign investors and service providers to start business in China. The foreign shareholder's highest equity ratio can reach 49 percent in joint-venture securities, fund management companies and futures commission merchants. Private equity management can be run by foreign capital solely. Under the framework of CEPA between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, securities traders from Hong Kong can enjoy more discounts in the Chinese mainland. It is aimed at boosting the development of Hong Kong and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center.

According to the deployment of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, we will take some measures to encourage overseas institutional investors to participate in Chinese securities and futures markets in joint ventures, including a measure of the gradual improvement of the overseas shareholders’ highest equity ratio in domestic securities and futures companies, for a better future of domestic securities and futures markets.

In addition to the principle of opening up the capital market at China’s own pace, there is also a principle of promoting two-way opening under the framework of bilateral or multilateral international agreements on the basis of equity. We have been boosting two-way opening. For instance, as you know, China is undergoing negotiations with the United States and the EU in bilateral investment agreements. We are willing to boost the two-way opening and widen the opening up under such framework.

Xinhua News Agency:

The CSRC is now revising the regulation on listed company management. How will the CSRC take into consideration the leadership of the Party in the process? How to coordinate the two aspects effectively? Can you tell us about this in detail? Thank you.

Liu Shiyu:

The leadership of the CPC has stood the test of our people and history. The PRC’s Constitution clearly stipulates that the leadership of the CPC is the core feature of the socialism with Chinese characteristics. Article 19 of the Company Law states clearly the responsibilities of Party organizations towards companies. I hold that the Party organizations will shoulder different responsibilities in regard to companies with different ownership structures. At State-controlled listed companies, the Party committee forms the political and leadership core; at private listed companies, it is necessary to implement the rules of the Party, guarantee the rights of Party members, and give full play to the roles of Party organizations and members.

Maybe you have noticed that the CSRC severely punished some listed companies last Friday. No matter what kind of ownership is involved, a listed company should follow the fundamental political system in China and abide by its laws. Listed companies have to be responsible for the interests of shareholders, the society and the nation, and so should surely be under stricter supervision.

CGTN:

President Liu, as you have just mentioned, people are very concerned with the National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ). How will the CSRC promote the construction of a multi-level capital market system? What kind of new measures will be implemented on the reform of NEEQ and regional equity markets?

Liu Shiyu:

I’ll give the floor to our vice president Zhao Zhengping, who’s in charge of the issue.

Zhao Zhengping:

Firstly, thank you for your concern about the construction of the multi-level capital market. The Chinese capital market structure includes stocks, bonds and derivative products; the stock market with multi-level features includes the exchange, the NEEQ and regional equity entities. In the past two years, and especially last year, the NEEQ market developed rapidly with over 10,000 listed companies. Actually, up to February 24, the number had reached 10,715. With so many listed medium, small and micro businesses, we have had to improve the financing structure, enhance brand value and promote investment of social capital in start-ups. The equity financing volume of NEEQ listed companies so far totals 290 billion yuan, as President Liu mentioned. Last year, the figure was 139 billion yuan. Hence, this has resolved many financing difficulties for medium, small and micro businesses. The NEEQ market, being an important part of the multi-level market structure, still has further great potential in assisting innovative, start-up and growing businesses.

The regional equity market is also an important component of the multi-level capital market. Confined to the provincial administrative region where it is located, the regional equity market serves as a private equity market for local medium, small and micro businesses. Until now, there have been 40 regional equity markets established with a listing of 16,000 companies and a further 58,000 demonstration companies. The financing volume has reached 680 billion yuan.

Through our joint efforts, we hope we can turn it into an incubator for medium, small and micro businesses, an important channel for equity financing, and a comprehensive platform that medium, small and micro businesses will receive support from local governments so as to ensure that the capital market serves businesses and the real economy in a better way. Thank you.

Futures Daily:

Mr. Liu, good morning. The prices of some commodity futures, especially coal, steel and coke, witnessed great fluctuations last year due to the liquidity shock, which attracted widespread attention. The CSRC issued a series of measuresensuring stable operation of the commodity futures market in 2016. We noticed recently that the prices of rebar and iron ore futures have edged close to a record high. I wonder what does the CSRC have in mind in managing the commodity futures market this year? And, how will the CSRC further promote the reform and development of China’s commodity futures market so as to better serve the real economy? Thank you.

Liu Shiyu:

I will ask Mr. Fang Xinghai to answer your question.

Fang Xinghai:

This is a broad question. The trading of coal, steel and coke were quite active last year, and prices fluctuated greatly. This is due to a number of reasons. First, China wanted to slash production capacity last year. Second, the property market was active, leading to demand outstripping supply. Moreover, speculative capital constitutes a large part of China’s financial system. Speculation arises for two reasons: hype and the capital needed. The coal, steel, and coke futures market last year displayed the two factors, therefore, we saw a flood of speculative capital last year.

We managed to reduce the overheated trade volume last year as we adopted the following measures: increasing transaction costs, properly increasing the requirements for a cash deposit, tightening the position limits of some speculative accounts, and forbidding illegal accounts from trading and carrying out related investigations. The general idea was that the market did not need any unreasonably heated trading, and the futures market should be allowed to play its inherent role. We are satisfied with the outcome of last year’s management exercise, as trading overall was stable and the future prices were lower than spot prices.

We plan to operate some new features this year, such as option trading of agricultural products. We are also preparing for the introduction of crude oil futures, hoping it will be launched as soon as possible. We will step up efforts to make more trades available. In terms of transaction supervision, we will adhere to last year’s principles, namely, we don’t need overheated trading, but will pay more attention to pricing and seek to attract more industrial customers. Meanwhile, we will also further internationalize the futures market, that is to say, seeking more overseas customers to enter China’s futures market.

Lianhe Zaobao:

My question is about IPO. Recently, I heard that CRSC planned to help some local financial technology (Fintech) enterprises by making it easier to go public in the Chinese mainland market. Is that true? What are the specific methods? My second question is: since many Fintech enterprises do find it hard to go public on the Chinese mainland, they prefer the U.S. market to go public. How can you compete with overseas exchanges and encourage more Fintech enterprises to launch their IPO here?

Liu Shiyu:

Where to go public is, of course,an enterprise’s own choice, and the CRSC respects such choices. Public launches overseas can be supervised, and that is beneficial for overall enterprise governance, which is a good thing. Related systems in the Chinese capital market are being modified. For example, enterprises that want to launch an IPO on the Main Board should at least show three consecutive years of profit; however, most Fintech enterprises find it hard to meet such requirements. Currently, the Growth Enterprise Market and the NEEQ also face this situation. Investors like to share the achievements of those technology-based and Fintech enterprises, while also sharing the risks they may face.

As for you mentioned, about the competition between us and the New York Stock Exchange, or the Singapore Exchange, actually speaking, we are different examination rooms although using similar questions but different languages. For those enterprises going public overseas, they also have responsibilities because to some extent they represent China’s national image. Currently, there is only cooperation, but no competition between us and those foreign exchanges. I’m very confident about the development of the Chinese capital market, so I believe competition will emerge someday. Thank you.

China Business Network:

Last year, you warned some institutional investors not to become “barbarians.” You also said that you will punish the "financial crocodiles" at the beginning of this year. I wonder who the “barbarians” and "financial crocodiles" are. Thanks.

Liu Shiyu:

First of all, the top priority of the CSRC is supervision. This is its clear and unshakable role. Through supervision, that is to say, through legal, comprehensive and strict supervision, we can maintain an open, fair and just market order. Without these principles of openness, fairness, and justness, there can be no protection for investors’ rights. Without an open, fair and just market order, there is no effective protection for small and medium investors’ legal rights.

Secondly, I have spent long time to investigate the different forms of chaotic behavior in the capital market after I came to the CSRC and I feel a sense of shock. I wanted to find some simple, proper and comprehensible words to cover this chaos I found. I did not create these words -- the “barbarian,” “demon,” “pests” and "financial crocodiles" you mentioned. These people’s behaviors usually take place under a cloak of legitimacy; however, they are hurting the legal rights of the small and medium investors. The function of the CSRC is supervision. Can we just sit idly by?

Third, the temptation of big money is a huge issue for the financial market. There is only a slight margin in approach that differentiates an angel and a devil. It is just half step away from the gap between a financier in capital market and a "financial crocodile." Any transaction in capital market is recorded, including the earliest transactions calculated by an abacus. With the application of modern technology, especially the use of big data and cloud computing, any behavior, which is illegal, harmful to the small and medium investors, and destructive to the market order, taken by any individual or any institutional investor at any time is recorded. We will continue to rely on these past and current records. I reiterate that institutional investors in the fund industry should not become “barbarians,” “demons” and “pests.” I said we will investigate the "financial crocodiles" who hurt the rights of small and medium investors, but what I said focuses on behavior. However, we cannot presume that this or that person is behind the behavior, because there is still a long way to go. We need to investigate various clues and analyze the data to find out who is responsible.

You asked me who are the “barbarians,” “demons,” “pests” and "financial crocodiles," if I told you, I would be prejudging my future investigation. Thanks.

Hu Kaihong:

That's all for today's press conference. Thank you.