NPC 2020: Key points of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's work report

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech in Beijing on May 22, 2020. PHOTO: REUTERS

ECONOMY

- No GDP target was set for this year.

- Nine million urban jobs will be created to keep urban unemployment at 5.5 per cent.

- Consumer inflation to be kept at 3.5 per cent.

- 2 trillion yuan (S$400 billion) worth of transfers made to local governments for support measures to keep jobs, provide tax cuts and fees, and reduce rent and interest on loans. The sum comprises 1 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds and another 1 trillion yuan from this year's larger budget deficit.

- Support for small and medium enterprises via various tax and fee cuts, amounting to more than 2.5 trillion yuan.

- Special local government bonds worth 3.75 trillion yuan will be issued for spending on infrastructure and major projects, including next-generation information networks.

- A special package of policies to support Hubei's recovery. It is the province where Covid-19 first emerged.

ENVIRONMENT

- Stiff punishments will be put in place for those who hunt for and trade in wildlife.

- Efforts to curb air pollution will be stepped up.

SOCIAL

- Eliminate poverty by the end of the year, with emphasis on ensuring employment for rural workers.

- Prevent resurgence of epidemics like Covid-19 by improving mechanisms for direct reporting and early warning of infectious diseases.

- Expanding healthcare capabilities and research.

TRADE

- Commitment to safeguard multilateral trading system, including working to sign the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and advancing free trade negotiations with countries such as Japan and South Korea.

- Shorten negative list for foreign investment.

- Work with the US to implement phase one of their trade agreement.

HONG KONG AND TAIWAN

- Beijing will establish legal systems and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security in its two Special Administrative Regions: Hong Kong and Macau.

- It will continue to pursue "reunification" with Taiwan. It is notable that Mr Li did not state this would be through peaceful means.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.