Li Qiang on Two Sessions (Lianghui)
TL;DR
Li Qiang presents the Government Work Report, outlining China's key economic blueprint and policy priorities for the coming year during the annual legislative meetings.
Key Points
He delivered the Government Work Report at the NPC opening session, reviewing the prior year's work and setting macroeconomic targets for the current year.
His report often highlights key development mantras, such as focusing on technological self-reliance and "new productive forces" to drive the economy.
He reaffirmed China's commitment to key external economic initiatives, such as continuing negotiations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 in 2024.
Summary
Li Qiang, in his role as Chinese Premier, plays a central role in the Two Sessions (Lianghui) by delivering the Government Work Report. This report is a crucial document that provides an economic blueprint, detailing the nation's macroeconomic policy targets, including the GDP growth rate, fiscal deficit ratio, and consumer price index goals for the upcoming year. The report also offers businesses and investors a direct insight into the priorities of China's policymakers, frequently emphasizing concepts like "high-quality development" and "new productive forces."
His address at the National People's Congress opening session sets the tone for the year, signaling the government's strategic direction and its approach to structural challenges such as property sector weakness and domestic demand. The specific targets he announces, such as the GDP growth target, are closely scrutinized as indicators of the leadership's confidence and commitment to various economic scenarios, often aligning with the launch of a new Five-Year Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Li Qiang’s central role is to deliver the Government Work Report during the opening of the National People's Congress session. In this address, he outlines the government's economic achievements and failures from the past year. He then presents the key macroeconomic targets, such as the GDP growth goal, for the year ahead.
The Premier typically announces the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth target, which is a focal point for analysts and investors. He also details the fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratio and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) target in his report. These figures guide the nation's economic policy for the coming twelve months.
Li Qiang’s report reveals the political leadership’s current industrial and investment priorities, often championing concepts like "new productive forces." He signals continued strong support for high-tech sectors, including AI and green technologies, as crucial drivers for achieving high-quality development.
Sources9
Reading the tea leaves: Decoding China's 2024 Two Sessions
China's Two Sessions Open... Will the “5%” Growth Target Be Maintained?
China opens Two Sessions, sets growth, reshapes military, signals to US
China's 'Two Sessions' Set to Focus on Growth, Consumption, Tech
China opens Two Sessions, sets growth, reshapes military, signals to US
China, Two Sessions: deficit increases, but the government focuses on AI and clean tech
IP24028 | Two Sessions: How China's Ambitious Transformative Economic Plan Will Impact Southeast Asia
Asia Daily Two Sessions Edition: March 10, 2025
Regulatory & Public Affairs 2025 Two Sessions in Review
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.