Official confident China will meet 2025 development goals

A Chinese official expressed confidence on Friday that the country is on track to achieve its full-year economic and social development targets for 2025, citing the growing traction of government support policies.

Li Chao, a spokesperson for the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a press conference that the economy has withstood pressure and advanced steadily through the first three quarters of the year, as the government has intensified efforts to keep employment, businesses, markets and expectations stable.

The economy expanded by 5.2 percent year on year in the Jan.-Sept. period, a figure meaning China remains at the forefront of the world's major economies. Retail sales growth accelerated, and industrial added value grew at a fast pace unseen since 2022.

Elaborating on China's economic strength, Li said innovation provides robust support for emerging industries, creating sufficient development momentum, while steady exports offer strong resilience for the economy despite a volatile external environment.

Moreover, China's consumer market continues to produce bright spots, demonstrating its huge potential, while the quality and efficiency of economic development also rise as government efforts to address disorderly competition gradually achieve results.

This performance puts China in a solid position to meet its development targets, Li said, noting that several international organizations recently revised upward their growth forecasts for China.

Looking ahead, the NDRC together with other government departments will strengthen policy research and reserves and will roll out and implement new measures in a timely manner if needed, she added.