China gains the advantage in the post-Covid era as its economic recovery broadens

Although China’s government did not abandon the practice of setting a GDP growth target in 2021, it is seeking very conservative growth of “over 6 percent.” Given historically low GDP growth in 2020, it is really a non-target that underlines the government’s desire to return the economy to pre-pandemic normality.

Financial risk is still a major concern for policy makers as sustained defaults will continue to cause strain on the financial system. Despite this, policy makers remain determined to address financial risk and especially keen to curb speculative investments. They are eager to avoid repeating mistakes made in response to the 2008 global financial crisis, when credit-fueled growth contributed to the build-up of financial risk that China is still grappling with today.

The government is busily redirecting stimulus efforts to target high-tech industries and innovation, while withdrawing support for investment in real estate and infrastructure, two sectors that played a crucial part in economic stabilization during 2020. Most importantly however, consumption will need to pick up considerably despite the improvement in the first quarter in order to put the economy on a more solid footing.

Premier Li Keqiang has announced numerous tax cuts, reductions in red-tape for business, and other reforms to improve the business environment. Small and medium sized enterprises are a particular focus of the recent efforts to streamline the business environment and improve employment – another major policy concern.

China is coming out of the pandemic-induced crisis ahead of the curve, and the government is doubling down on strategies to meet future economic development challenges. For China, 2021 offers a strategic opportunity to improve its economic competitiveness while most of the rest of the world continues to be distracted by the immediate impact of the pandemic.