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China can one day become a leading world economy -- CPPCC official
By Jelly F. Musico

BEIJING, March 3 (PNA) -- An official of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) believes China can become a leading world economy in the future if the country will maintain its progress and political stability.

"As long as progress and stability are maintained, China can one day become a leading world economy in the coming years," CPPCC spokesman Wang Guoqing said at the first press conference of the 5th Session of the CPPCC National Committee held Thursday at the Great Hall of the People.

Wang, also vice chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, said China’s overall economy is on upward trajectory and steady performance.

Despite sluggish global economy, China posted GDP growth at 6.7 percent year-on-year to 74.41 trillion Yuan (USD10.83 trillion) in 2016.

The number was the country’s slowest growth rate in 26 years but still within the government’s target range of 6.5 to 7 percent and was the highest among major economies in the world.

Wang said China’s economy could be a major driving force to push the world’s economy.

"With impeccable order and discipline playing a vital role in China’s development of its policies, the country continues to enjoy strong impetus and stay in power," he said.

The CPPCC official said China’s Belt and Road Initiative is advancing steadily and bringing investments and jobs to participating countries.

He said more than 100 countries and international organizations have joined the initiative also known as One Belt, One Road proposed by China to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative in 2013 to promote the Silk Road Spirit in the new era to boost interaction and exchanges between civilizations.

Through the Belt and Road Initiative, Wang said 56 economic and trade cooperation zones from 20 countries have benefited from the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing USD18 billion investment, USD1 billion tax revenue and 160,000 jobs.

Wang told the media that the CPPCC is committed to focus on reducing poverty by addressing the income of the farmers.

"The CPPCC is paying attention to this issue by raising the income of the farmers," he said.

In recent lecture 'Understanding Chinese Politics' he conducted to the Asian and African journalists, Renmin University of China (RUC) Prof. Wang Yiwei attributed China's progressive economy to political stability under Communist Party of China (CPC).

"China’s industry production is bigger compared to US, Germany and Japan combined and China is very efficient in eliminating poverty," Wang Yiwei said.

Wang Guoqing, for his part, said China’s 13th Five-Year Plan launched in 2016 has made a good start to make the country’s economic development inclusive.

For 2017, China’s growth target remain unchanged at 6.5 to 7 percent and this will be put into scrutiny during the gathering of the country’s political leaders at the “two sessions” or “lianghui.”

The 5th Session of the 12th National Committee of the CPPCC, China’s top political advisory body, kicked off Friday while the 5th Session of the 12th National People’s Congress (NPC), the top legislature, will start on Sunday.

The two sessions will highlight accomplishments of Chinese President Xi Jinping who is also the secretary general of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

"President Xi Jinping is the first core leader of China with such titles," RUC Prof. Lu Keli told the journalists of the China African Press Center (CAPC) and China South Asian and Southeast Asian Press Center (CSASEAPC) in separate lecture.

Lu believes that a four-pronged strategy -- moderately prosperous society, all-around in-depth reform, promoting rule of law and strict CPC discipline that has been implemented under Xi leadership placed China as the world's second largest economy next to the United States. (PNA)

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