NPC deputy on high-quality growth of China’s real economy
By Su Yuting
["china"]
China’s economy has transitioned from a phase of rapid growth to one of high-quality development. To learn how deputies to the National People's Congress view the country's economic development, CGTN reporter Su Yuting spoke to Li Dongsheng, a lawmaker as well as board chairman of electronics company TCL Group. 

CGTN: This year marks the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening-up policy. From your observations, what development opportunities has the policy brought to China's real economy?

Li: Over the past 40 years, since the implementation of the reform and opening up policy, China's economy has achieved remarkable development. And the real economy is probably the fastest growing area. At the beginning of the reform and opening-up, we had only factories and joint-venture businesses, China gradually became the world's factory. Then, we began the transition to promote our own brands overseas, and establish our own marketing network. Now we are more driven by technological innovation to build up our competitive advantage.
CGTN reporter Su Yuting spoke with NPC deputy Li Dongsheng, board chairman of electronics company TCL Group. /CGTN PHOTO

CGTN reporter Su Yuting spoke with NPC deputy Li Dongsheng, board chairman of electronics company TCL Group. /CGTN PHOTO

CGTN: What factors do you think are critical to the country's goal of high-quality growth?

Li: The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council put forward that the transformation from high-speed to high-quality growth is highly consistent with China's current economic development. For enterprises, I think we should support investment in research and development, promote our brands to match the global leaders, and increase technological innovation to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of enterprises. 

CGTN: How do you see the responsibilities of being an NPC deputy? What new proposals and motions will you submit to the NPC this year?

Li: This is my fourth term serving as an NPC deputy. I have been a lawmaker for 15 years, and I think NPC deputies perform their duties well. The term rubber-stamp has often been used by some foreign media when talking about the NPC. But in recent years, this claim has rarely been seen, as China has emphasized the growing importance of the rule of law and the NPC's role as the top legislature. I brought three proposals this time. They are on further cutting taxes and administrative fees in the infrastructure and telecommunication sectors, advancing financial reform and supporting Chinese brands going abroad.