China's Political Season: Ministers meet press, address key issues

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02:29

A "Ministers' Corridor" featuring some of the nation's top ministers offered media the chance to get their most pressing questions answered following another busy day of the Two Sessions. CGTN reporter Zou Yun was there, and has more.

From healthcare to the weather, the economic outlook to scientific innovation, seven ministerial-level officials addressed big issues at Friday's Ministers Corridor.

On this International Women's Day, the first to speak was a female minister, who shared with reporters how China's meteorological satellite could improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and provide better services to countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

LIU YAMING, PRESIDENT CHINA METEOROLOGICAL ADMINISTRATION "We will provide metrological services and ocean navigation to those key ports and key routes that are involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, we will also use new technologies like big data, to offer smart metrological services to the public."

Science and technology are key to driving China's future growth.

The Minister of Science and Technology said that the government is making efforts to create an environment for those researchers to focus on their pet projects.

WANG ZHIGANG MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY "The Ministry of Science and Technology has carried out a slew of measures on laws and policies, to help those researchers and scientists avoid distractions and troubles from unnecessary work like filling forms, reimbursement, and applying for licenses. They can be fully devoted to concentrate, and save time on their research work."

Topics relevant to the Chinese economy always attract the world's attention, especially after China lowered its expectations for this year's GDP growth at a range of 6 percent to 6.5 percent.

MA JIANTANG, VICE PRESIDENT DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CENTER OF THE STATE COUNCIL "This year's economic projection is lower compared to last year's. A slower economic growth is helpful for us to use the opening up and reform to deal with the downward pressure in the market. It's also beneficial to enhance independent innovation and make up for weaknesses we have in core technologies."

ZOU YUN BEIJING "From 'Avoiding Reporters' to 'Awaiting Reporters', lots of important questions and messages were addressed by Chinese ministers in the past years at this corridor. It has not only become one of the best places for reporters to questions they concern, but also one of the best signs showing China's growing openness and transparency in its governance. ZY, CGTN, BJ."