Twice-a-decade national economic census: full transcript of press conference & takeaways
From 2018 to 2023: China’s top 3 industries by employment number, their regional distribution, employment changes, etc.
On December 26, the State Council Information Office held a press conference. Mr. Kang Yi (康义), Deputy Head of the State Council's Fifth National Economic Census Leading Group and Commissioner of the National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBS), presented information related to the results of the fifth national economic census and answered questions from the media.
The national economic census, according to Chinese authorities, serves as a comprehensive assessment of China's economy, conducted every five years. This year marks the fifth iteration of the census. The national economic census primarily focuses on the secondary and tertiary industries, including but not limited to metrics such as size, distribution, and performance. Additionally, it is noteworthy that this year marks the first inclusion of the digital economy in the census.
The NBS released a readout in English on its official website, titled "The Fifth National Economic Census Achieved Major Outcomes," together with seven communiqués on the Fifth National Economic Census.
Also joining the conference today are: Mr. Lin Tao 蔺涛, Director of the State Council's Fifth National Economic Census Leading Group Office and Deputy Commissioner of the NBS, Mr. He Ping 何平, Head of the Census Center at the NBS, and Ms. Wang Guanhua 王冠华, Head of the Department of Comprehensive Statistics at the NBS.
Several of my takeaways:
• Top Industries: Wholesale and retail (30.6%), leasing and business services (13.8%), and manufacturing (12.2%) hold the highest number of legal entities.
• Regional Distribution: Eastern region 53.9%, Central 22.0%, Western 19.2%, and Northeast 4.9% of secondary and tertiary industry legal entities.
• Employment Changes (End of 2023 vs. End of 2018): Employment in the secondary industry decreased by 8.26 million (−4.8%), while the tertiary industry increased by 54.01 million (+25.6%) and individual businesses grew by 30.25 million (+20.2%).
• Digital Economy Statistics: The digital economy comprises 2.916 million enterprises, employs 36.16 million people, and generated 48.4 trillion yuan in revenue across sectors including digital product manufacturing, services, technology applications, and factor-driven industries.
The first part of the press conference was just the readout from the official website, so I'll skip it and just share my English translation of the Q&A session.
Full Translation of the Q&A part:
National Business Daily:
Based on the recently released information from the Fifth National Economic Census, what achievements has this census accomplished? Did it meet the expected goals? Thank you.
Kang Yi:
Thank you for your question. Earlier, we provided a brief overview of the main data from the Fifth National Economic Census. This census represents an essential survey of China's national conditions and strength on the new journey of the new era,. The main objectives of this census were to comprehensively evaluate the development of China's secondary and tertiary industries, understand the interconnections between different sectors of the national economy, and capture the progress made in promoting high-quality development.
Overall, since the commencement of the census, relevant departments from all localities have faithfully implemented the decisions and directives of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council. They adhered to the guideline of census by law, in a scientific manner and for the people, while ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of census data. They also prioritized reform and innovation, thoroughly assessing our economic foundation and recognizing new characteristics in the development of the economy. This has provided critical insights to improve macroeconomic governance, shape medium- and long-term development plans, and contribute to the building of a modern socialist country in all respects.
We can say that the census successfully met its expected goals. Its achievements can be summarized in three key aspects:
1.A general picture of the Chinese economy.
Since the Fourth National Economic Census, China has undergone profound and complex changes in both the domestic and international environments. Over the past five years, we also faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the economy. A clear and comprehensive understanding of the Chinese economy is essential to ensuring sustained and healthy economic growth. Through this census, we surveyed all legal entities, establishments, and self-employed in the secondary and tertiary sectors nationwide. This allowed for a thorough assessment of the size, structure, distribution, and performance of these industries. The data generated provides a solid basis for understanding the state of industrial development, promoting industrial integration, and fostering healthy economic growth.
2.An objective reflection of progress in high-quality economic development
China has entered a phase of high-quality development, which is now the central focus of our economic policy. Over the past five years, census data show that departments from all localities have vigorously implemented the new development philosophy to create a new development pattern, and made notable progress in innovation-driven growth, structural optimization, and green transformation. This census also included additional surveys on the digital economy and platform economy, as well as input-output surveys. These surveys highlight significant changes in China's economic structure, showcase the emerging trends in innovation-driven development and the growing momentum for low-carbon initiatives. These findings provide essential statistical support for advancing high-quality development.
3.An important basis for advancing Chinese modernization
China has achieved a moderately prosperous society in all respects and is now on the path to building a modern socialist country in all respects. As outlined in the CPC Central Committee's directives, China aims to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035. To this end, it is crucial to scientifically design economic and social development plans. The Fifth National Economic Census has provided vital indicators on the economy's size, structure, and performance. These data are crucial for implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan, compiling the 15th Five-Year Plan, accelerating high-quality economic development, and achieving the goals set for 2035.
Thank you.
The Cover News:
Mr. Kang just mentioned that data quality is the lifeline of the census work. In this census, how were the authenticity and accuracy of the data obtained ensured? Thank you.
He Ping:
Thank you for your question. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has always upheld the principle that data quality is paramount throughout the entire process of the Fifth National Economic Census. For this census, we took several key measures, including scientifically formulating the census plan, strengthening comprehensive data quality control, and intensifying statistical law enforcement, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the data. These efforts can be summarized in three main areas:
Ensuring the quality of source data. During the census, we standardized the data collection process by combining multiple sources: data collected by enumerators visiting households, self-reported data from census subjects, and information submitted by relevant departments. This comprehensive approach ensured that census registrations were carried out in an orderly and regulated manner, preventing human interference. We also enhanced training and guidance for enumerators and actively addressed concerns from the public and census subjects to ensure greater understanding and cooperation. Moreover, we carefully verified business entities that operated under multiple brands or could not be independently accounted for, excluding units and self-employed that had no actual operations during the year from the census. These measures helped ensure that census subjects adhered to the criteria outlined in the census plan, which significantly improved the quality of the source data.
Strengthening data verification and inspection. We leveraged advanced information technology to streamline the data submission process and improve data verification. Real-time data reviewing was conducted to verify information as it was collected. We also employed various techniques, including big data analysis and logical data checks, to review and validate the data. After the census registrations were completed, we organized comprehensive data quality inspections and post-census quality spot checks to assess the accuracy of the collected data. Any discrepancies identified during these inspections were addressed immediately, with local regions working collaboratively to implement corrective measures.
Effectively combating illegal and disciplinary violations. We adopted a strict, zero-tolerance policy toward statistical violations and disciplinary breaches. Any misconduct discovered during the census was met with immediate and severe penalties. In cases of illegal or unethical malpractices in specific local economic censuses, the National Bureau of Statistics swiftly organized investigations and prosecutions, ensuring that those responsible were held accountable both legally and disciplinarily.
Thanks to the strong support from all sectors of society, the active cooperation of countless census subjects, and the dedicated efforts of over 2.1 million census supervisors and enumerators nationwide, the Fifth National Economic Census achieved relatively high data quality. As mentioned earlier, the combined error rate in data reporting was just 0.47 percent, which met the standard for data quality. Thank you.
China Media Group:
As a "physical inspection" of national economy in the new era, what major changes has the Fifth National Economic Census data revealed about the Chinese economy over the past five years? What characteristics does it present? Thank you.
Kang Yi:
Thank you for your question. This is indeed a key focus of the Fifth National Economic Census. According to the census results, over the past five years, the Chinese economy has shown strong resilience, with steady progress despite multiple internal and external risks. Compared to the results of the Fourth National Economic Census, the data reveals positive changes in scale, structure, innovation-driven growth, security assurance, and green transformation, which highlight a robust foundation, resilience, and considerable potential. These changes can be summarized as follows:
A more solid foundation for development. Over the past five years, China has navigated profound international changes and the pandemic, adhering to the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability. This has allowed us to overcome unprecedented challenges and significantly strengthen our national strength. As of 2023, GDP has approached 130 trillion yuan, solidifying China's position as the world's second-largest economy. Over the past five years, China contributed an average of around 30% to global economic growth, making it the largest contributor to global economic expansion. Furthermore, the foundation for industrial development has been further bolstered, with the number of legal entities in the secondary and tertiary industries increasing by 52.7% from 2018, reaching 33.27 million units, and their total assets growing by 57.4%.
A more optimized development structure. Over the past five years, industrial upgrading in China has remained steady, with significant coordination in regional development. The service sector has grown rapidly, becoming a key driver of economic growth and employment. In 2023, the tertiary industry's contribution to GDP reached 56.3%, a 2-percentage point increase from 2018. China's strategy to build a strong manufacturing nation has been deeply implemented, with the manufacturing sector maintaining rapid growth. By the end of 2023, the number of manufacturing enterprises nationwide reached 4.048 million, an increase of 23.8% compared to the end of 2018; the total assets of these manufacturing entities reached 151 trillion yuan, an increase of 41.7%. Regional economic imbalances are being addressed, with the central and western regions seeing increased economic participation. The number of legal entities in these regions rose by 1.4 percentage points in secondary industries and 0.6 percentage points in tertiary industries compared to 2018. Major regional strategies have also been deeply implemented, and the economic agglomeration effects have further manifested. In 2023, regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Yangtze River Delta, and nine provinces (regions) along the Yellow River Basin saw rapid growth in the number of legal entities in the secondary and tertiary industries.
Stronger development momentum. Innovation has been a central pillar of China’s modernization process. Over the past five years, China has implemented the innovation-driven development strategy, steadily developed new productive forces. The innovation and R&D momentum of enterprises have been strong, with numerous innovative achievements emerging. In 2023, the number of invention patent applications by industrial enterprises of designated size – with an annual revenue of RMB20 million and above – increased by 65.1% compared to 2018. Technological innovation has empowered industrial transformation and upgrading, accelerating the conversion of scientific and technological achievements into actual productive forces, and hastening the high-end development of industries. By the end of 2023, the number of high-tech manufacturing enterprises accounted for 2 percentage points more of industrial enterprises of designated size – with an annual revenue of RMB20 million and above – than at the end of 2018; the number of high-tech service enterprises accounted for over one-quarter of service enterprises of designated size – with an annual revenue of RMB20 million and above. New technologies and new processes have been widely and rapidly applied, giving rise to numerous new industries and new business forms. By the end of 2023, there were 158,000 large-scale enterprises engaged in strategic emerging industries, accounting for over one-fifth of all large-scale industrial and service enterprises with an annual revenue of RMB20 million and above. New business forms in the retail sector, represented by non-store retail, have been rapidly developing, with business revenue increasing by 137% compared to 2018, becoming the fastest-growing category in the retail sector. The online retail market has continued to expand, with the internet retail industry performing exceptionally well, achieving a 186% growth in operating income.
Stronger development security assurance. Over the past five years, China has taken a holistic approach to national security, balancing domestic and international situations, and coordinating development and security as two major tasks. The autonomy and controllability of industrial and supply chains have been steadily enhanced, and the capacity for energy supply and food security has been strengthened. Efforts to tackle key core technologies have been intensified, and the safe and reliable domestic production and supply system has been further improved. In 2023, China’s manufacturing value added ranked first globally for the 14th consecutive year, with rapid growth in the production of integrated circuits and industrial machinery. Energy supply has been sufficient, with raw coal production reaching 4.72 billion tonnes, crude oil production reaching 210 million tonnes, and electricity generation reaching 9.5 trillion kilowatt-hours in 2023. Food security has also been robustly ensured, making the Chinese people's food supply more stable and secure.
Better sustainability in the development. Over the past five years, China has deeply promoted the ecological conservation, achieving significant results in the green and low-carbon transformation of the economy and society, and the new energy industry has been booming, gradually forming new advantageous industries. Through relentless efforts, China's new energy vehicle industry has taken the lead globally, with the production of new energy vehicles reaching 9.458 million units in 2023, a 6.9-fold increase compared to 2018. The production volume has ranked first globally for nine consecutive years, accounting for over 60% of the global market share. Green production and lifestyle practices are gradually taking shape. In 2023, the production of solar cells (photovoltaic cells) and wind turbine generators reached 650 million kilowatts and 140 million kilowatts respectively, increasing by 4.9-fold and 7.4-fold compared to 2018. The consumption proportion of clean energy sources such as natural gas, hydropower, nuclear power, and wind and solar energy continues to rise, providing new support for sustainable economic development. Thank you.
JoongAng from the Republic of Korea:
The results of the fourth economic census show a decrease in employment in the secondary industry and an increase in the tertiary industry. Industries ranked by employment size are, in order, manufacturing, construction, and wholesale and retail. What are the characteristics of the employment distribution in this fifth economic census? After experiencing the pandemic, what changes have occurred in China's employment market? Thank you.
Wang Guanhua:
Thank you for your question. You are inquiring about some of the developments and changes in China's employment market over the past five years. As we know, employment is the most basic component of the people's wellbeing, affecting both countless households and the overall economic and social development. In recent years, relevant departments from all localities have thoroughly implemented the decisions and directives of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, deeply executed the employment-first strategy, strengthened employment-priority policy guidance, and increased support for vulnerable groups. Compared to the fourth economic census, the scale of employment in the secondary and tertiary industries has continued to increase, with the employment structure exhibiting some new changes. New industries and new business forms have enhanced their capacity to provide more job opportunities, laying a solid foundation for economic development and the improvement of people's livelihoods. Specifically, there are several key characteristics:
First, from a total perspective, the scale of employment in the secondary and tertiary industries has remained stable and continues to grow. In recent years, despite facing multiple risks and challenges, the favorable impacts of economic recovery, economic structure optimization, and supportive policies for stable employment have contributed to the continued increase in employment within these industries. By the end of 2023, there were 430 million employees in legal entities of the secondary and tertiary industries nationwide, an increase of 45.75 million people or up 11.9% compared to the end of 2018. This growth in employment within the secondary and tertiary industries has created favorable conditions for maintaining overall employment stability. From 2019 to 2023, the annual average urban surveyed unemployment rates were 5.2%, 5.6%, 5.1%, 5.6%, and 5.2%, respectively. Although there were some fluctuations in certain years, since 2023, with economic recovery and development, the overall employment situation has been trending towards stability.
Second, structurally, employment in the secondary industry has decreased, while employment in the tertiary industry has increased, mainly due to the ongoing adjustment of China's industrial structure. In recent years, China's industrial structure has been continuously optimized, with the tertiary industry—namely the service industry—increasing its share of GDP and providing large job opportunities. Consequently, the adjustment of the industrial structure has led to corresponding changes in the employment structure, aligning with the general laws of economic and social development. According to data from the Fifth National Economic Census, by the end of 2023, people employed in legal entities of the secondary industry was 164 million, a decrease of 8.26 million people or down 4.8% compared to the end of 2018. In contrast, those employed in the tertiary industry reached 265 million people, an increase of 54.012 million people or up 25.6%.
Additionally, technological advancements and changes in the social division of labor have significantly influenced the changes in employment within the secondary and tertiary industries. In recent years, China's industrial production efficiency has markedly improved. Under the backdrop of high-end and intelligent development of the manufacturing sector, many industrial enterprises have enhanced production efficiency through intelligent transformations, leading to adjustments in employment. Meanwhile, with the development of the internet and the refinement of the social division of labor, certain industrial production processes, such as design and testing, have been separated and integrated into the tertiary industry. This has resulted in a portion of employees transitioning from the secondary to the tertiary industry, thereby altering the employment structure.
Third, emerging service industries provide new opportunities for employment expansion. Over the past five years, China's service industry has seen continuous growth in new business forms and models. Emerging service sectors such as technology services, information services, and business services have rapidly developed, providing more and more job opportunities. According to data from the Fifth National Economic Census, by the end of 2023, the rapid development of information services driven by the digital economy led to an increase in employment within related industries, with employees in information transmission, software, and information technology services increasing by 5.07 million compared to the end of 2018. Moreover, as industries undergo transformation and upgrading, the demand for business services has continuously risen, resulting in an increase of 16.17 million employees in the leasing and business services sectors compared to the end of 2018. Furthermore, with the enhancement of quality and efficiency in technological innovation, enterprise R&D and innovation activities have surged, leading to an increase of 5.17 million employees in the scientific research and technical services industries over the five years.
Overall, over the past five years, employment in China's secondary and tertiary industries has steadily increased. Amidst the backdrop of industrial structure adjustments, the employment structure has undergone significant changes, which aligns with the general laws of economic and social development. However, it is also important to recognize that structural employment challenges remain prominent, with certain groups still facing employment difficulties and challenges. Going forward, it is essential to prioritize the promotion of high-quality and sufficient employment, strengthen employment support policies for key groups, and make every effort to stabilize employment, improve people's livelihoods, and advance development. Thank you.
Beijing Youth Daily:
Earlier, the revised GDP results for 2023 were announced. I would like to ask, how will this affect the economic growth rate for 2024? Additionally, after revising the national data, will the economic data for each provincial-level region for 2023 also be revised accordingly? Thank you.
Lin Tao:
Thank you for your question. Regarding the revision of GDP, as Mr. Kang Yi mentioned in his earlier briefing, the National Bureau of Statistics has revised the preliminary GDP figures for 2023 using the results of the Fifth National Economic Census and data from relevant departments, in accordance with internationally accepted practices and the national economic accounting system regulations.
After the revision, the total GDP for 2023 has increased, and the proportion of the tertiary sector has risen. This GDP revision includes two aspects: one based on the Fifth National Economic Census data and the other factored in the change of the accounting approach of the owner-occupied housing services of urban households. Notably, the extent of the GDP revision based on the Fifth National Economic Census data is the smallest compared to the revisions from the previous four economic censuses, reflecting the continuous improvement of China's statistical survey system and its annual statistical data. I would like to address the question from the following three aspects.
First, regarding the revision of GDP data, revising GDP data is an internationally accepted practice and has always been a routine procedure in our government statistics. When there are updates in the foundational data, accounting methods, or classification standards required for GDP calculation, it becomes necessary to revise historical GDP data. As we know, GDP calculation relies on a vast amount of foundational data; the more comprehensive and higher the quality of this data, the more accurate the GDP figures will be, thereby better reflecting the actual state of national economic development.
According to China's current GDP accounting system, the annual GDP calculation in China involves two steps: preliminary estimation and final verification. The preliminary estimation focuses on timeliness, primarily using professional statistical progress data and some departmental administrative records to derive the initial GDP figure for the previous year, which is released at the beginning of each year. The final verification involves revising the preliminary estimates using more comprehensive foundational data, such as professional statistical yearbooks, departmental financial statistics, and fiscal final accounts. In census years, the preliminary GDP estimates are revised based on the more comprehensive, accurate, and detailed data obtained from the economic census, and historical GDP data are also revised to ensure historical comparability. Detailed data on this revision will be published soon on the National Bureau of Statistics' official website.
Second, regarding impact of the 2023 GDP data revision on 2024 GDP growth, overall, after the verification of the 2023 GDP data, the total GDP for 2024 will see some changes, but the GDP growth rate for 2024 will not be significantly affected. According to China's current GDP accounting methods, the preliminary GDP estimation primarily relies on the growth rates of relevant indicators. This means that the revised GDP figure for 2023 serves as the base for estimating the 2024 GDP. We first estimate the growth rates of value-added across different industries for 2024, and then use these rates along with the total value-added from the previous year to calculate the total value-added for 2024. Therefore, although the revised GDP figure for 2023 will change in total volume, it will not have a noticeable impact on the GDP growth rate for 2024. Based on the past four economic censuses, data revisions have not significantly affected the GDP growth rates of subsequent years.
Third, we are also undertaking the revision of regional GDP data. Currently, the NBS is revising the preliminary GDP figures and historical data for each province (autonomous region, municipality) for 2023 based on the data from the Fifth National Economic Census. Due to the substantial workload, this revision will take some time. After the revisions, the final verified GDP figures for each province, region, and municipality for 2023 will be authorized by the National Bureau of Statistics and jointly published by the provincial, regional, and municipal statistical bureaus when releasing the preliminary GDP estimates for the entire year of 2024 in January 2025. Historical revised GDP data for each provincial-level region will be made publicly available in the second half of 2025 through the National Bureau of Statistics' data release platform and regional statistical yearbooks. Thank you.
21st Century Business Herald:
China's economy has entered a stage of high-quality development. Based on the results of the Fifth National Economic Census, what achievements has China made in high-quality development? What specific manifestations and highlights can be observed? Thank you.
Kang Yi:
Thank you for your question. High-quality development is the primary task in the building of a socialist modernized country in all respects. Over the past five years, China has unwaveringly focused on this key priority, fully and accurately implementing the new development concept, and accelerating the creation of a new development pattern. Not only have we successfully withstood various internal and external risks and challenges, maintaining sustained economic growth, but we have also made solid progress in transforming our development mode, optimizing the economic structure, and shifting growth drivers, achieving positive results. The data from the Fifth National Economic Census vividly demonstrate the substantial achievements China has made in high-quality development. These accomplishments are the result of the collective efforts and relentless progress of the past five years and provide us with the confidence to continue moving forward steadily and sustainably. In summary, there are several key achievements and highlights:
First, new achievements in building an innovative nation. Over the past five years, China has advanced the innovation-driven development strategy, leading industrial innovation through scientific and technological advancements. The role of enterprises as the main drivers of innovation has been strengthened, and new industries and new growth drivers have flourished. The vitality and potential of societal innovation have been effectively stimulated. Research and Development (R&D) investment has continued to increase. In 2023, the number of full-time equivalent of R&D personnel in large-scale industrial enterprises increased by 61.6% compared to 2018, and R&D expenditures grew by 61.9%, reaching 1.54% of business revenue, up by 0.31 percentage points from 2018. A multitude of innovative achievements have emerged. In 2023, large-scale industrial enterprises filed 1.566 million patent applications, including 614,000 invention patents, representing increases of 63.6% and 65.1% respectively compared to 2018. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, China’s Global Innovation Index ranking rose to 12th place in 2023, an improvement of five ranks since 2018, and further advanced to 11th place in 2024.
Second, a new pattern of coordinated development. Over the past five years, China has continuously deepened supply-side structural reforms, coordinated urban-rural and regional development, and thoroughly implemented regional coordinated development strategies and major regional initiatives. This has led to the optimization and adjustment of the economic structure, enhancing the balance and coordination of development. The industrial structure has advanced towards higher-end sectors. By the end of 2023, the business revenue of large-scale high-tech manufacturing enterprises accounted for 19.1% of all large-scale manufacturing enterprises, an increase of 2.4 percentage points from 2018. Major regional strategies have been effectively implemented, and the economic agglomeration effects have become more pronounced. By the end of 2023, the number of legal entities in the secondary and tertiary industries in regions such as Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Yangtze River Delta, and nine provinces (regions) along the Yellow River Basin had increased by 27.5%, 56.6%, 50.2%, and 60.8% respectively compared to the end of 2018. Employment in these regions also grew by 6.1%, 12.1%, 7.6%, and 15.5% respectively.
Third, comprehensive green transformation demonstrates new momentum. Over the past five years, the concept of green development has become deeply ingrained, with circular and low-carbon development steadily advancing. Green production and lifestyles have accelerated, resulting in significant achievements in comprehensive green transformation. Benefiting from a vast market size, a complete industrial system, abundant human resources, and robust market competition, China's new energy industry has been thriving. Product performance and quality have continuously improved, gradually forming new advantageous industries. In 2023, the production of new energy vehicles accounted for over 60% of the global share, contributing sustainably to global green development. The rapid growth in the production of green products such as lithium-ion batteries for automobiles, monocrystalline silicon, and polycrystalline silicon has injected "green momentum" into the high-quality development of the economy.
Fourth, new progress in ensuring and improving people's livelihood. Over the past five years, China has consistently prioritized employment as the most significant aspect of people's livelihoods. By adhering to an employment-first approach and enhancing the standard of basic public services, the scale of employment has continuously expanded, and livelihood security has been solid and effective. Census results indicate that by the end of 2023, there were 420 million employees in the secondary and tertiary industries nationwide, an increase of 11.9% compared to the end of 2018. The proportion of employees in the tertiary industry has steadily risen, with the largest increase in employment coming from this sector. Additionally, industries closely related to daily life, such as residential services and cultural, sports, and entertainment sectors, have been rapidly developing, better meeting residents' needs and improving their quality of life. By the end of 2023, there were 876,000 corporate entities in residential services, repair, and other services, an increase of 82.9% since the end of 2018. Similarly, there were 817,000 corporate entities in the cultural, sports, and entertainment industries, a growth of 44.1%.
Furthermore, over the past five years, China has continuously expanded high-standard opening up, creating a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. Measures to fully relax foreign investment access restrictions in the manufacturing sector and to ease market access in telecommunications, healthcare, and other service industries have been implemented. Institutional openness has been steadily expanded, further stimulating development momentum and vitality.
Of course, we must recognize that achieving high-quality development is a complex and systematic endeavor that requires sustained effort. We must adhere to the overarching principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, remain unwavering in our commitment to high-quality development, persist in reform and opening up, and foster a collective force to promote high-quality development. Thank you.
The Beijing News:
What are the plans for the development and utilization of the data from this census? How will this census promote the development and reform of statistics? Thank you.
Lin Tao:
Thank you for your question. This question pertains to the development and utilization of the economic census results, which is also the focus of our next steps in the economic census work. The Fifth National Economic Census is a major survey of China's national conditions and strengths on the new journey and in the new era. This census has comprehensively conducted input-output surveys, added new survey contents such as the digital economy, actively adopted new technologies and methods, comprehensively collected data on units in the secondary and tertiary industries, thoroughly assessed the economic foundation of the secondary and tertiary industries, reflected the progress of high-quality development, and better grasped the structure of the national economy's industries. This provides important support for comprehensively and objectively summarizing and evaluating the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, scientifically formulating the tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan, and developing medium- and long-term development plans.
To further make good use of the census results, the National Bureau of Statistics will deeply implement the guiding principles of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, actively advance the development of census materials, continuously improve the statistical survey methodology system, and accelerate the modernization of statistical reforms. In terms of advancing statistical reform and development, the main work includes the following aspects:
1. Utilizing census results to improve and complete the statistical basic unit directory database, providing comprehensive sampling frames and structural data for various sampling surveys, and supplying foundational data for estimating and accounting for data in new economies and new fields. This will advance the improvement of the statistical system and methodology, as well as the modernization of statistical reforms.
2. By analyzing the data from the Fifth National Economic Census, we will further identify new products and services and understand the specific operational modes of new business forms and models. Additionally, in line with the revision of international standard industry classifications, we will modify and improve China's current "Industrial classification for national economic activities" and "Notes on Industrial classification for national economic activities," refining economic activities in emerging fields. This will lay a solid foundation for strengthening the coverage of the new economy and new fields in statistical compilation.
3. Utilizing the results of the Fifth National Economic Census to carry out accounting and related preliminary calculations of industrial activity units in their locations of activity. We will actively promote statistics on the locations of business entities' activities and optimize the monitoring system of regular statistics.
4. Thoroughly summarizing the experiences and practices of the Fifth National Economic Census, strengthening communication and coordination with industry regulatory departments, further understanding the characteristics of digital economic development in various industries, and improving the statistical monitoring of the digital economy.
Currently, we are editing and producing census materials such as the China Economic Census Yearbook (2023) to provide more detailed census data and serve economic and social development. Going forward, we will focus on key areas of economic and social development and statistical reform, such as high-quality economic development, new productive forces, and the digital economy. We will organize research institutions, colleges and universities, and other nongovernmental institutions to fully utilize the Fifth National Economic Census data, conduct in-depth research and analysis on various topics, and successively release related research findings. Moreover, we will deepen the sharing and service of census data, provide information services of census materials to relevant government departments and all sectors of society in accordance with laws and regulations, and promote the use of census data derived from the people for the people. Thank you.
Economic Daily:
China has maintained its position as the world's leading manufacturing powerhouse for many years. Based on the results of this census, how has China's industrial economy developed over the past five years? What new characteristics have emerged in terms of transformation and upgrading? Thank you.
Kang Yi:
You are asking about industrial issues. The industrial sector is a crucial pillar of the real economy and a key force in accelerating the formation of new productive forces. Over the past five years, China has diligently advanced the critical task of new-type industrialization, organically integrating the building of a strong manufacturing nation with the development of the digital economy and industrial informatization. This has enhanced the modernization of our industrial system, resulting in both quantitative growth and qualitative improvements in the industrial economy. The trends towards high-end, intelligent, and green development have been very apparent. In summary, there are several key characteristics:
First, strengthening industrial capacity. Over the past five years, the advantages of China's comprehensive industrial system and strong supporting capabilities have continued to emerge. Many industrial enterprises have successfully broken through and grown, with an increasing number of new players continuously joining the sector. This has led to steady growth in both the number and performance of industrial enterprises. By the end of 2023, there were 4.236 million industrial legal entities nationwide, marking an increase of 22.7% compared to the end of 2018. The total assets of these industrial legal entities reached 201 trillion yuan, a growth of 44.3%, and their operating revenues amounted to 152.4 trillion yuan, up by 28.6% compared to 2018. As the cornerstone of the industrial economy, China's manufacturing scale has ranked first in the world for 14 consecutive years, accounting for approximately 30% of the global share.
Second, advancing manufacturing towards high-end. Over the past five years, high-end industries represented by equipment manufacturing and high-tech manufacturing have accelerated their development, driving continuous optimization and upgrading of the industrial structure. By the end of 2023, there were 192,000 large-scale equipment manufacturing legal entities and 53,000 high-tech manufacturing legal entities nationwide, an increase of 44.5% and 57.4% respectively compared to the end of 2018. These high-end manufacturing legal entities accounted for 3.5 and 1.8 percentage points more of all large-scale industrial enterprises, respectively. Additionally, their business revenues increased by 36.8% and 43.1%, significantly higher than the average growth rate of all large-scale industrial enterprises. Furthermore, proactive strategic planning and implementation have accelerated the growth of strategic emerging industries. By the end of 2023, there were 96,000 large-scale industrial legal entities engaged in strategic emerging industries, a 45% increase compared to the end of 2018, accounting for 19.5% of all large-scale industrial legal entities, up by 1.8 percentage points.
Third, accelerating intelligent development. Over the past five years, China has actively promoted the integration of digital and physical sectors, vigorously advancing digital industrialization and industrial digitization. Digital technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and the industrial internet have rapidly evolved, continuously empowering the development of the industrial economy. By 2023, more than half of all large-scale industrial enterprises were using digital technologies in their production and operational processes. The digital products manufacturing sector has shown vigorous vitality. By the end of 2023, there were 262,000 legal entities in the digital products manufacturing sector employing 13.372 million people, achieving business revenues of 20.5 trillion yuan, accounting for 42.3% of core digital economy enterprise legal entities.
Fourth, sustained green transition. China has continuously promoted the green and low-carbon transformation of the manufacturing industry, intensifying clean and low-carbon upgrades, and vigorously developing green productive forces. More green technologies and green products have entered the market, gradually forming new advantageous industries. This not only aids in achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, but also injects new momentum into high-quality economic development. In 2023, the production of new energy products such as solar cells and wind turbine generators increased by 4.9 times and 7.4 times respectively compared to 2018, and the production of new energy vehicles also saw substantial growth.
Overall, over the past five years, China's industrial economy has steadfastly advanced, maintaining a trajectory of both increased scale and enhanced quality. The advantages of a comprehensive industrial system have become even more pronounced, and the international competitiveness of "Made in China" has steadily strengthened. However, on the whole, China's industrial development remains at a critical juncture of transitioning from being large-scale to becoming strong, facing significant challenges along the way. There are still shortcomings in key core technologies and other areas, and industrial enterprises, especially small and micro-sized enterprises, continue to encounter considerable difficulties in production and operations. We must continue to promote new-type industrialization, strengthen the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, accelerate the development of new productive forces, and consistently drive the high-quality development of the industrial economy. Thank you.
China Business Network (Yicai):
This census is the first to include the digital economy. According to the census results, how is China's digital economy? What new achievements have been made? Thank you.
Wang Guanhua:
Thank you for your question. You are asking about the development of the digital economy, which is new to this economic census. In recent years, the National Bureau of Statistics has consistently advanced the statistical monitoring and accounting of the digital economy. In the Fifth National Economic Census, we have included survey results related to the digital economy for the first time. According to the census data, China's digital economy is thriving, with steady progress in digital industrialization and industrial digitization, injecting new momentum into economic and social development. Specifically, there are several key characteristics:
First, significant achievements in digital industrialization. Digital industrialization, which constitutes the core industries of the digital economy, includes digital products manufacturing, digital products services, digital technology application industries, and digital factor-driven industries. These form the foundation of digital economy development. Over the past five years, digital products manufacturing sectors—encompassing manufacturing, services, and applications—have steadily expanded in scale, with continuous improvements in development quality. For example, in 2023, there were 2.916 million legal entities in the core digital economy industries, achieving operating revenues of 48.4 trillion yuan, which accounts for 10.9% of all operating revenues in the secondary and tertiary industries.
Second, clear advantages in digital manufacturing and digital pplications. Within the core digital economy industries, the digital products manufacturing sector holds a high proportion of business revenue, exceeding 40%. The digital technology application sector has a large number of enterprises, close to 50%. This reflects the scale advantage of China's digital products manufacturing sector and the vibrant development of the digital technology application sector. Census data show that by the end of 2023, there were 262,000 legal entities in the digital products manufacturing sector nationwide, representing 9 percent of all core digital economy enterprise legal entities, with operating revenues of 20.5 trillion yuan, accounting for 42.3%. In the digital technology application sector, there were 1.43 million legal entities, making up 49%, with operating revenues of 14 trillion yuan, representing 29%.
Third, eastern region leads in digital economy development. Regionally, the eastern region excels in digital economy development due to better foundational conditions and more application scenarios. In 2023, the proportions of core digital economy legal entities across the eastern, central, western, and northeastern regions were 62.2%, 20.2%, 13.6%, and 4.0% respectively. Business revenues accounted for 73.0%, 13.8%, 11.9%, and 1.3% respectively. These figures indicate that the eastern region has a significantly higher share, leading other regions in digital economy development.
Fourth, steady progress in industrial digitalization transformation. Industrial digitalization—the integration of digital technology with the real economy—reflects the merging of digital technologies with industries, enabling industrial transformation and efficiency improvements through the application of cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and the industrial internet. This has become a new highlight of China's digital economy development. Census data show that in 2023, 47% of large-scale enterprises (with an annual revenue of RMB20 million and above) applied digital technologies, including cloud computing, IoT, AI and industrial internet, in their production and operational processes. By industry, 54.1% of large-scale secondary industry enterprises utilized digital technologies, including 41.6% using cloud computing, 40.1% using the industrial internet, and 32.1% using IoT. In the tertiary industry, 41.5% of large-scale enterprises applied digital technologies, including 34.5% using cloud computing and 22.2% using IoT.
These four aspects reflect the current status and characteristics of China's digital economy development as revealed by the Fifth National Economic Census data. I hope this answers your questions.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Mr. Kang Yi. Thank you to all the spokespersons and journalists for your participation. This concludes today's press conference. Goodbye!