Editor’s Note

　　The annual Central Economic Work Conference is generally regarded as the mosimportant meeting to analyze the problems and achievements in China’s economic development of the previous year andbased on the analyses, map out the economic growth plans for the new year. In this regardthis conference sets the tone for the country’s economic growth.

　　Despite the downward pressure facing thChinese economy and various uncertainties and challenges such as the rise of anti-globalization and China-U.S. trade friction launched by the Trump administration in 2018, this year’s conference, held on December 19-21, sent ouoptimistic signals for China’s economic development in 2019.

　　One of the most prominent signals is thaChina will further open its market in all aspectswhich shows the country’s confidence in promoting globalization and international trade. The world is now facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities. To curb the challenges and seize the opportunities for development, it is important for China to join hands with other countries, including those in Africa.

　　Though the China-U.S. trade friction habrought a negative impact to the Chinese economy, China continued developing at its own pace and made prominent achievements in 2018Statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics show that China’s GDP reached $13.26 trillionin 2018, up 6.6 percent year on year. China’s foreign trade in goods reached a record high of $4.49 trillion, a year-on-year growth of 9.7 percent.

　　The China International Import Expo proved to be a successful event of expanding China’s opening up and balancing its foreign trade. The six-day inaugural event, held in Shanghai in November 2018, saw 3,617 exhibitors ink a combined $57.83 billion in deals or intentions. With the successful experience of holding the first expo, China is now preparing a second event this year, and will surely pass on its confidence to other countries. By mid-January, more than 500 enterprises from over 40 countries and regions have confirmed to attend the second expo, which is due to open in November.

　　The Central Economic Work Conference has pointed out the development direction of China for 2019. The task now is to faithfully carry out the plans mapped out at the conference. No matter what will happen on the international stage in 2019, China will continue steadfast development to consolidate its position as one of the main engines of the global economy.

　　As the Chinese saying goes, a single flower does not make spring, while hundreds of flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden. In the process of building a community with a shared future for humankind, China is opening arms to welcome all countries around the world to board the express train of its development. CA

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