How will lives of the average Chinese be changed in 2018?

World
Europe

China’s blueprint for 2018 was unveiled in the government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang on March 5. In his report to the top legislature, the NPC, the Premier outlined macro-and micro-economic policies for this year.

It included a 6.5 percent GDP growth target, adopting a proactive fiscal policy, speeding up the building of an innovation-driven country, deepening reforms in key areas of the economy, fighting poverty, managing financial risks, expanding consumption and promoting effective investment.

The question is, under such a blueprint, what can the average Chinese person expect in 2018?

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a government work report at the opening meeting of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Let’s say, you are a poor farmer living under the poverty line in a remote village. You’ll have 30 percent chance to get out of poverty in 2018 because the Work Report says China will reduce poverty-stricken population by over 10 million this year.

China has set the goal of totally eradicating poverty by 2020. To reach that goal, the country needs to help over 10 million people get out poverty each year in the next three years.

If you are a low income urban resident without adequate housing, chances are you will be lucky enough to own your own housing, because a new program is being initiated that will start building 5.8 million units of affordable housing.

Or, you may move into low-rent government housing since the Work Report pledges more provision of public rental housing for new employees and migrant workers, who meet certain requirements.

If you are a small business owner, you are eligible for reduced taxes and may even enjoy taxes reduced by half as the government will further alleviate taxes and fees for small businesses as well as enlarge the scope of small and micro enterprises enjoying preferential treatment of halved taxes. 16 thousand new businesses are registered each day in China. Any tax cut means a lot to these start-ups.

Fuxing bullet trains are seen at the assembly workshop at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co. Ltd. in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, September 14, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

If you are a scientist or technician involving in innovation, you have a bigger chance to have higher salary, bonuses and benefits in 2018. The Work Report promised to give innovation talents more financial support, flexible salary and bonus as well as better recognition. Innovation is considered by the government as the Number one driving force for the economy in China.

If you are none of the above and you are just an ordinary citizen, you are going to benefit from the lower income tax policy where the government is going to raise the starting point for collecting personal income taxes. Your internet will be faster and cheaper because the government will push for upgrading internet speed, while reducing fees.

Broadband will cover all cities and rural areas. Free Wi-Fi will be available in more public facilities. Fees of broadband for families and businesses will be lowered. Roaming fees for mobile phones will be completely terminated within the year. China is becoming a more and more “smart” society.

You will even be able to go through government procedures and formalities at home by simply clicking on the keyboard, because the government is promoting the “Internet Plus Government Service” program where many government affairs can be done online. Even for some formalities requiring your presence at government offices, you will probably need to “enter one door” or “go to government offices for just once”.

If you are unfortunate to fall ill in 2018, you will be able to enjoy better services at hospitals as the government promised to step up effort to deal with the difficult situation of seeing a doctor or having to wait in long lines at hospitals.

Meanwhile, the government blueprint for 2018 also include raising the level of basic medical insurance and increase the standard of medical insurance by an average of 40 yuan, or six US dollars, per person. Six US dollars may sound a small amount, but by putting the money in the insurance, you will get much bigger benefits.

In addition, the policy of medical treatment in different places will be enlarged to include grassroots-level hospitals and migrant workers so they don’t need to go back to their hometowns for medical treatment.

The landscape of Yujiapu Finance District is seen at Binhai New Area of the China (Tianjin) Pilot Free Trade Zone in north China's Tianjin Municipality, September 17, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

If you live in heavily polluted areas, you may be able to enjoy bluer skies, cleaner waters and greener fields and mountains. Fighting pollution will continue to be high on the government agenda in 2018. Take air pollution as an example, the government has set a specific target of reducing the discharge of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide by 3 percent this year.

If you are a frequent traveler and visitor to parks, you are going to see park entrance fees reduced in 2018 as the government is going to deal with the skyrocketing entrance fees at many parks that have drawn a lot of complaints from the public. This means going to parks will become more affordable and the sceneries more enjoyable.

Wealthier, healthier, faster, smarter, easier and cleaner are some of the words that can describe the possible changes in the lives of the average Chinese in 2018. And these are just some of the changes that are likely to happen this year as the direct and immediate result from those specific policies without considering the impact of macro-economic policies in the Work Report.

You may call these changes or some of the changes small. But, aren’t these changes big enough for the average people to feel happier? Of course, the last and largest question remains. Will all these changes be materialized? The government and together with the people have to work hard in order to deliver.

(The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.)