China’s main focus in 2018 will be on high-quality development and reducing risks, China’s leaders have announced following the conclusion of the annual Central Economic Work Conference, People’s Daily reports.
The annual meeting, which sets the country’s policy direction for the next year, took place Monday through Wednesday and was attended by President Xi Jinping and all major leaders from the party, central and local government bodies and the military.
The attendees decided that high-quality development would be the “indispensable foundation for sustainable and healthy economic development.” The move indicates that social and environmental issues will take an increasingly important role alongside efficient economic growth.
“Social issues, including growing inequality, social security, healthcare services and education, are priorities on the government’s agenda,” Margit Molnar, head of the China economics desk at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, told China Daily. “The objective is lifting all boats.”
Environmental concerns have led to China to increase environmental inspections, Molnar added. “Rigorous supervision of the phasing out of obsolete and polluting capacity in several industries is likely to contribute to reducing pollution.”