Xi Jinping: "There Are Achievements in COVID-19 Prevention, but the Economy Remains Challenging"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] On the 8th, when the Wuhan lockdown was lifted after 76 days, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that COVID-19 prevention measures are showing gradual progress, but the economy still faces uncertainties and difficulties.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 9th, President Xi received a report on COVID-19 prevention and nationwide resumption of work at the previous day's meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. Xi said, "China's COVID-19 prevention is achieving phased results, and economic and social order is rapidly recovering. However, the international spread of COVID-19 continues, and downside risks to the global economy have intensified, significantly increasing instability and uncertainty. China faces increased pressure from overseas COVID-19 re-importation, and factory resumption and economic development are also confronted with new difficulties and challenges."

President Xi emphasized, "Due to the severe and complex global COVID-19 spread and economic climate, China must respond more firmly. We must strengthen our resolve to adapt to changes in the external environment and prepare well for our tasks. In a situation where there is a risk of external importation and internal re-spread of COVID-19, prevention work must never be relaxed, and the recovery of production activity order must be actively promoted."

Regarding Hubei Province and Wuhan, where the city lockdown was lifted, he instructed, "Strict epidemic prevention and control must be maintained in key outbreak areas. Efforts should continue to focus not only on treating severe patients but also on regularly visiting discharged patients for re-examination. Asymptomatic infections must be precisely controlled by each region." President Xi also stressed the strict enforcement of the 14-day centralized quarantine for incoming travelers to minimize the possibility of overseas re-importation.

Regarding the economy hit by COVID-19, he expressed the view that the crisis must be recognized and recovery efforts accelerated. President Xi said, "The difficulties facing China's economic development have increased. Efforts must be concentrated on implementing policies for resumption of work, strengthening support for small and medium-sized enterprises and industries in difficulty, expanding domestic demand, normalizing life services, and revitalizing consumer spending. We must also strive to ensure and improve people's livelihoods."