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E-mail China.org.cn, August 23, 2024
South China Morning Post:
Many experts believe that the fiscal policy in the first half of the year was tight, leaving significant room for further action. Given that economic growth in the second quarter was below expectations, how will the financial department intensify its efforts in the second half of the year? Will there be large-scale stimulus or expansionary fiscal policies? Thank you.
Lin Zechang:
Thank you for your questions. In 2024, our proactive fiscal policies have been moderately strengthened, improved and made more efficient. Key arrangements were announced following the "two sessions," and since the beginning of this year, we've been actively implementing these decisions in line with the CPC Central Committee's directives, providing robust support for the economy's recovery and improvement.
I would like to share some figures with you. In the first half of the year, the national general public budget expenditure totaled 13.7 trillion yuan. Central government transfer payments to local governments reached 8.99 trillion yuan, accounting for 88.1% of the annual budget. The additional 1 trillion yuan in government bonds issued last year has been fully allocated to local governments and primarily invested in projects. As for this year's new local government bonds, 1.9 trillion yuan had been issued by July 26, with a focus on areas including new infrastructure and new industries, and special bond quotas are allocated to regions with well-prepared projects and high usage efficiency. Additionally, 1 trillion yuan in ultra-long-term special bonds has been allocated this year to support major projects, with 418 billion yuan issued by July 24. Meanwhile, we are strictly adhering to the requirement for Party government bodies to practice frugality, striving to be more efficient with government spending.
Various macroeconomic policies, including fiscal policies, are now showing results, bolstering internal momentum for economic development. The economy is stable and continues to advance steadily. In the first half of the year, GDP grew by 5% year on year. The trend of industrial transformation toward "new" and "green" is becoming more pronounced. Investments in high-tech industries increased by 10.6% year on year, while technological upgrades in manufacturing saw a 10% increase. These developments mark new progress in high-quality development.
Moving forward, we will thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the recent meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. We will intensify policy implementation to promote sustained economic recovery and improvement. Our focus will be on four key areas of work:
First, we will better leverage the amplifying effect of government investment. Based on needs and project readiness, we will issue and utilize ultra-long-term special government bonds on schedule. This proactive approach aims to support the implementation of major national strategies and enhance security capacity in key areas. We will guide local governments to expedite the issuance and use of special bonds, accelerate the deployment of additional government bond funds and central budget investments, and increase tangible outcomes.
Second, we will intensify efforts to promote large-scale equipment upgrades and the replacement of consumer goods. A notice has been issued to allocate approximately 300 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bond funds to support and advance these initiatives. We will actively collaborate with relevant departments to ensure the effective implementation of these measures.
Third, we will continue to strengthen basic living standards. This will be achieved by implementing fiscal and tax policies in areas such as employment, education, elderly care and healthcare, as well as enhancing financial support and reinforcing the safety net for people's livelihoods.
Fourth, we will strengthen fiscal revenue and expenditure management. We will strictly organize revenue collection in accordance with laws and regulations, and avoid excessive taxes and fees. We will rigorously control non-essential and non-priority expenditures to ensure that fiscal funds are used effectively. Additionally, we will enhance accountability across all levels of government to ensure stable management of local finances.
That's all from me. Thank you.
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