| China's continued focus on the same export-driven model is bound to hit an impasse
April 2, 2024--China's 'Two Sessions'- the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)- took place from 4-11 March in Beijing. Premier Li Qiang delivered his first 'work report' which marked both the beginning of a new era for China and the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC). |
| This is the first year that China is experiencing full economic normalisation after the pandemic, as a positive push from the end of mobility restrictions under Zero-Covid policies in 2022 distorted economic data in 2023. Li Qiang's first 'work report' delivered on 5 March signifies a departure from the previous decade under Premier Li Keqiang's leadership. The report puts more emphasis on the supply side rather than on the demand side of the economy. The focus on 'new productive forces' in the report indicates that China aims to double down on manufacturing and advanced manufacturing, while demand-oriented stimulus measures seem to be less relevant. Foreign investors were expecting China to announce fiscal and/or monetary stimuli to support the fledging economy. The disappointment of investors was felt in a 2% drop in the Hang Seng Index right after the 'work report' was delivered, which is China's most relevant offshore barometer of foreign sentiment. |