[China Two Sessions] National People's Congress to be held from 5th to 13th... Growth rate target to be announced tomorrow

The annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's regular legislative meeting, will be held for nine days from the 5th to the 13th.

Wang Qiao, spokesperson for the NPC, announced this at a press conference held on the 4th regarding the 14th NPC's first annual session. Approximately 2,900 representatives attend the NPC, which is equivalent to South Korea's regular National Assembly. The duration of this NPC session is shorter than the 11 days before the COVID-19 outbreak and longer than the 7-day sessions held during the COVID-19 spread period.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

At the press conference, Spokesperson Wang stated that during this session, a total of nine agenda items will be addressed, including the review of the government work report, the State Council institutional reform plan, and the appointment and decision of members of national institutions. This year's economic growth target will be announced by Premier Li Keqiang in the government work report delivered at the opening ceremony held at the Great Hall of the People on the 5th.

Wang explained, "This year's NPC session is an important meeting convened in the first year of fully implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, a meeting during the term transition period, and a significant event in the country's political life."

Meanwhile, this year's Two Sessions are being conducted in a closed-loop system. Attending representatives underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing before entering the closed loop, and during the event, they are not allowed to leave the hotels or venues. Domestic and foreign journalists permitted to attend will also follow the closed-loop system, staying in quarantine hotels from the day before the opening and closing ceremonies or press conferences.