Under the theme of "the 15th Five-Year Plan: advancing high-quality development", the Economic Forecast Forum Annual Meeting 2024 was held over the weekend in Beijing, with the attendance of senior political advisors and economists.

The forum was held by China Economic Times, a daily newspaper affiliated with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

"It is essential to take a comprehensive, objective and balanced view of the current economic situation. While acknowledging the challenges, we must also remain confident and resolute," said Yu Bin, former deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council.

"During the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, we should continue to handle our own affairs with a steadfast yet innovative approach, constantly fostering new drivers and advantages for economic growth. By developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, we can sustain and advance high-quality development," Yu added.

Li Meng, former vice-minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the 15th Five-Year Plan marked a critical period for building new quality productive forces. "Key areas such as artificial intelligence, green and low-carbon development, high-end manufacturing, healthy living, safety and protection, and computing and connectivity will be the primary directions for fostering new quality productive forces in the coming years," he added.

"The 15th Five-Year Plan period will be critical for China to address unprecedented global changes, and drive high-quality development through innovation," said Gu Shengzu, vice-chairman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Long Guoqiang, deputy director of the DRC, said it is of great value to hold the forum that focused on promoting high-quality development.

"It is essential to implement the more than 300 key reform measures outlined at the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, to improve the institutions and systems driving high-quality development effectively," Long added.

In addition to the main forum, the event featured three parallel sessions focusing on specialized discussions around the following topics: urban management and development in the context of Chinese Modernization, financial literacy education under the framework of talent-driven development and advancing rural financial reform: forging a distinctive path for economic development.

Yin Mingyue contributed to this story.