Plenary session wraps, Ambassador Chu Moaming outlines China’s imminent 5-year plan for Economic and Social Development

In a recent press briefing at the Chinese Embassy in Morne Daniel, Dominica, His Excellency Ambassador Chu Maoming highlighted the successful conclusion of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The session, held in Beijing on October 23, marked a pivotal moment as it adopted the Recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development. This plan, the 15th in a series since 1953, underscores China’s commitment to sustained growth and global leadership. Ambassador Chu emphasized that the 14th Five-Year Plan, now concluding, has propelled China’s GDP beyond RMB 130 trillion, with significant advancements in artificial intelligence and new energy sectors. China’s transformation from the ‘world’s factory’ to a global innovation powerhouse was also noted, alongside its high-standard opening-up policies, including a reduced foreign investment negative list and a lowered overall tariff level to 7.3 percent. The Belt and Road Initiative, involving over 150 countries and 30 international organizations, has further cemented China’s role as a key driver of global economic growth, contributing approximately 30 percent. Looking ahead, the 15th Five-Year Plan aims to address global challenges such as unilateralism, protectionism, and regional instability, offering a message of consistency and stability. Ambassador Chu outlined seven main objectives for the next five years, focusing on high-quality development, technological self-reliance, cultural progress, and environmental sustainability. China’s strategic alignment with Belt and Road partners will be strengthened, with enhanced cooperation in trade, investment, green development, and digital transformation. Additionally, China will intensify efforts in pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and carbon emission reduction, aiming to peak carbon emissions and transition to eco-friendly practices. The 15th Five-Year Plan not only charts a course for China’s future but also provides a beacon of certainty in an increasingly volatile world.