China will speed up the implementation of key reforms this year, targeting the fiscal, educational, healthcare, and foreign investment sectors, Shen Danyang, director of the State Council Research Office, said Wednesday in Beijing.
At a media briefing following Premier Li Qiang's government work report at the opening of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, Shen, a drafter of the report, outlined that 2025 will see a focus on both comprehensive reforms and breakthroughs in key areas, with particular emphasis on fast-tracking landmark initiatives.
"In terms of fiscal and tax system reforms, this year we will accelerate the shift in the collection of certain consumption taxes to a later stage, as well as transfer responsibility for collection to local governments. While this reform has been discussed for several years, we are now committed to fast-tracking it. The goal is to ease the financial burden on production enterprises without increasing the tax burden on consumers, while also helping local governments improve the consumption environment and drive local consumption growth," Shen said.
Turning to education, Shen highlighted the gradual introduction of free preschool education, as proposed in the government work report. In healthcare, the government plans to deepen reforms in public hospitals, emphasizing public welfare to ensure more accessible and affordable healthcare services for residents, Shen said.
Shen also outlined plans to expand market access for foreign investment in key sectors this year. He stressed the importance of progressively deepening institutional reforms, increasing both independent and unilateral openness, and improving the business environment through market-driven policies, rule of law, and international standards.
"This year, we will further ease market access for foreign investments, expand pilot programs in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education, and revise the 'Catalogue of Encouraged Foreign Investment Industries' to broaden the scope of foreign investment. Additionally, we will focus on enhancing services for foreign-invested enterprises, optimizing the entire project process, expanding financing channels, and facilitating smoother personnel exchanges. We believe that as long as foreign investors seize favorable opportunities and invest strategically in China for the long term, they will be well-positioned to share in the new business opportunities generated by China's expanding market," said Shen.
China to accelerate key reform measures in 2025: official
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
