The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is now well under control in China, and even in worst-hit Hubei Province, the lockdown is gradually lifting. However, this doesn't mean the danger is over. The daily reports by the National Health Commission show that the number of imported infections is rising. Therefore prevention of imported cases is becoming a top priority in COVID-19 control across China.
Economic development is the other focus. Even at the height of the disease in China, the government planned resumption of work in a phased, orderly and safe way. Now with the improvement in the domestic situation and lockdowns being lifted under tight monitoring, the work resumption plans have begun to be implemented.
This year is critical for the long-term national vision as it is the deadline by which a moderately prosperous society in all respects will be built, signaling an end to absolute poverty in China. COVID-19 is a blow to global development and will also challenge the domestic efforts to alleviate absolute poverty. To realize the goal by the allocated time, it is important to continue production resumption in an orderly manner and reduce the nationwide losses caused by COVID-19. Restarting shuttered plants and offices means ensuring stable employment and keeping the economy stable.
The government has taken various measures to ensure this. A new infrastructure drive is unfolding with new projects for 5G commercialization, ultra high-voltage power transmission, intercity high-speed railways and urban rail transport. Advanced technology is being integrated into work and everyday life with big data centers, artificial intelligence and industrial Internet.
To address the disruptions in industrial, supply, capital and logistics chains, policies have been issued to alleviate employers' burdens through fiscal support and tax cuts. To improve the business environment, reforms are being implemented to delegate power, streamline administration and optimize government services. Market access for investors, especially foreign investors, is being widened; the approval procedure for new businesses has been simplified, reducing time and costs; and mass entrepreneurship and innovation is being encouraged to stimulate market vitality.
Official data shows that in the manufacturing industry, more than 60 percent of the workers have returned to factories. As of March 20, over 89 percent of key projects, which are vital to boost the economy, resumed construction. Shopping centers and restaurants across the country are reopening and the once seemingly empty cities are now reporting traffic jams during the rush hour. All these indicate that the economy and social life are getting back on track in an orderly manner.
