China's top political advisory body holds 2nd plenary meeting of annual session

The second plenary meeting of the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), or China's national political advisory body, was held on Thursday in Beijing.  

Shen Yueyue, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the CPPCC, led the second plenary session, during which 14 members of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC delivered speeches. Their discussions addressed key issues including high-quality economic development, technological innovation, public welfare and social security.

Scientific and technological innovation is pivotal to China's high-quality development, as well as in developing new quality productive forces, noted Ning Jizhe, vice chairman of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, and deputy director of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the National Committee of the CPPCC.

"We need to bolster the primary role of enterprises in innovation and foster a deeper integration of the chains of innovation, industry, science and technology and talent," Ning said.

China is accelerating the transformation and upgrade of its traditional industries with digital, smart and green technologies, alongside green and low-carbon innovations, noted Ning. The country is focused on developing emerging industries like biomanufacturing and new energy while nurturing the growth of future industries like artificial intelligence, quantum technology and the life sciences.

In addition to discussions on innovation and industrial transformation, the meeting also focused on consumer market. China aims to stimulate new forms of consumption and further release consumption potential, said Xu Xiaolan, vice minister of industry and information technology. 

Xu noted that consumption preferences among Chinese consumers are shifting towards personalization, with consumption moving from basic needs to development and enjoyment.

"We need to focus on the demand side, nurturing new consumer groups and exploring new areas of consumption according to the diverse preferences and needs of consumers across different ages, occupations, incomes and genders," she said.