Beijin, 16 March (BelTA - Xinhua) -China's political sessions have sent a clear message to the world: the country will continue to deepen reforms in various fields. A more open China will play a more important role on the world stage.
This year, the government set its GDP growth target at around 6.5 percent. To achieve this goal, a wide open Chinese market is expected, allowing China to attract more foreign investors as well as to better integrate with the international market.
China will open its doors wider to foreign investors and further liberalize and facilitate trade and investment, said Premier Li Keqiang, when delivering a government work report at the ongoing first session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC).
China will fully open its general manufacturing sector and expand foreign investment access to sectors like financial services, telecommunications and medical services, Li added.
It will expand imports and lower import tariffs this year. The first China International Import Expo in November will bring more foreign goods to China.
In the political field, China has also shown its determination to deepen reforms.
The State Council unveiled a massive cabinet restructuring plan on Tuesday 13 March, which was submitted to the NPC first session for review, pending approval.
If passed, the cabinet would have 15 fewer entities at the ministerial or vice-ministerial levels. The move will make the government better structured, more efficient, and service-oriented.
On Sunday 11 March, the national legislature adopted a constitutional amendment, which was the first amendment to the country's fundamental law in 14 years.
The supervision law is expected to serve as a fundamental and guiding law against corruption and for state supervision, said Li Jianguo, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC).
New supervisory commissions, to be established at the national level and different local levels, will independently exercise supervisory power and will not be subject to interference from the government, social organizations or individuals.
"Reform in the supervisory system is a pioneering measure in China. The supervision law will provide crucial political and legal guarantee for the anti-corruption campaigns," said Xia Hongmin, an NPC deputy from southwest China's Guizhou Province.
China will advance institutional social reforms this year, covering old-age pensions, public hospitals and healthcare. More efforts will be made to boost employment, increase people's income, eliminate poverty and reduce disparities in urban-rural development.
In the fight against poverty, China has set a goal for over 10 million people to be lifted out of poverty in 2018. The government will pay more attention to rural areas and give more support to areas affected by extreme poverty.
According to the cabinet restructuring plan, a new ministry to push forward the development of the agricultural sector and rural areas will be formed.
